Although they are both steel alloys, stainless steel and tool steel differ from each other in composition, price, durability, properties, and application, etc. Here are the differences between these two types of steel.
Tool Steel vs. Stainless Steel: Properties
Both stainless steel and tool steel differ in properties. This difference is due to the variation in their constituent elements. Chemically, tool steel is a carbon alloy with other alloying elements which include tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium.
For instance, due to the presence of carbides in tool steel, it is extremely durable, machinable, and resistant to wear and tear. Generally, tool steels are tougher with better tensile strength than stainless steel. This makes them ideal for producing heavy-duty cutting tools. On the downside, the lack of or decreased chromium content makes this steel prone to corrosion.
In addition, stainless steel is a chromium-nickel alloy with nickel, nitrogen, titanium, sulfur, molybdenum, and silicon as other alloying elements. It has a high rust and corrosion resistance due to the presence of chromium. What’s more, it usually has a smooth, brilliant, and lustrous surface.
Tool Steel vs. Stainless Steel: Price
The major difference between tool steel and stainless steel prices comes down to the cost of production. Tool steels are generally more expensive than stainless steels because they require more labor-intensive production processes and often contain rare or hard-to-find elements. On the other hand, stainless steel is typically less expensive because it can be mass-produced at scale using simpler methods. Depending on your budget and needs, one type of steel may be preferable to another.
Tool Steel vs. Stainless Steel: Durability
In addition to price, another key factor in choosing between tool steel or stainless steel is durability. Tool steels have higher levels of hardness than standard carbon steels due to the addition of alloys such as molybdenum and chromium. This hardness makes them ideal for applications where strength is critical, such as machine tools or cutting blades. Stainless steels also offer very high levels of corrosion resistance, making them an excellent choice for outdoor applications where exposure to moisture is a concern.
Tool Steel vs. Stainless Steel: Environmental Impact
When considering which type of steel to use for your project, one important factor is the environmental impact. Generally speaking, tool steels have higher carbon content than stainless steels, meaning they produce more emissions during production processes such as heat treatment or machining. For projects where environmental sustainability is a priority, stainless steel may be the better option since it produces fewer emissions during production and has a longer lifespan than tool steel without requiring additional maintenance or repair work.
Tool Steel vs. Stainless Steel: Applications
Manufacturers use tool steel primarily for making tools. It has applications in tools such as drills, hammers, saws, and other cutting tools, basic tools used within the workshop. Manufacturers make tools in this category for manufacturing and fabrication, with little to no care for appearance and hygiene. Instead, the focus is on toughness and resistance to wear and tear, attributes that would improve such tools’ efficiency while reducing their maintenance and replacement rate.
On the other hand, Stainless steel has applications across a wide range of industries. Its resistance to corrosion and lustrous appearance makes it ideal for use in architecture and other outdoor installations where exposure to environmental factors is certain. Steel in this category is also hygienic and easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for use in the food and medical industry. For instance, it has applications in manufacturing kitchen utensils and medical tools like speculums, needles, bone saws, and scalpels.
Tool Steel vs. Stainless Steel: Conclusion
Tool steel is a carbon alloy with diverse uses, and it has different categories based on the percentage of other alloying elements, type of quenching and temperature range. Choosing the right tool steel grades for your project often spells the difference between a successful and a failed tool.
Jinbaicheng has one of the largest warehouses for tool steel and stainless steel in China, can offer sheets, plates, coils, pipes, bars, rods, beams, profiles, pipe fittings in a very short time. Official website: www.sdjbcmetal.com Email: jinbaichengmetal@gmail.com or WhatsApp at https://wa.me/18854809715
Post time: Jul-25-2023