As a popular variety of tool steel, pre-hardened 1.2738 offers an unmatched blend of useful properties. This makes it a perfect choice for avoiding any practical tooling applications. It offers so many advantages over the other varieties of tool steel that it might be difficult to include all the advantages comprehensively. However, you might use preliminary takeaways on its best benefits.
Better Dimensional Stability
One of the most impactful advantages of using the pre-hardened variety of 1.2738 tool steel is the enhanced stability in dimension that it gives over the other types. As the name already signifies that the tool Steel comes really hardened, the metal already undergoes a lion's share of its changes in dimension. This helps in minimising any type of distortion, especially when the machining is on. As a result, this assures that the end product will have dimensions with better accuracy. This would cut down on the need to make any rework or extra adjustments.
Significant Reduction of Manufacturing Cost and Time
The pre-hardened variety of 1.2738 tool steel is just the thing that you would need to save time. Moreover, it helps in reducing the cost of production. This is possible by eliminating any need for extra heat treatment. This is especially beneficial for various intricate tool designs, as well as the runs for large production. In such productions, heat treatment often plays a significant role. If you skip this procedure, then the makers can think of allocating resources with better efficiency, as well as focus on the most crucial production aspects.
Fair Polishability
Often, the most trusted 1.2738 tool steel providers like TJKSSL recommend this variety for its specific physical properties. For example, this material has a final grain structure that is different from that of other varieties of tool steel. This helps in giving a very shiny and impeccable finish to the end products. Such a property makes this pre-headed still a good choice for applications where appearance plays a significant role. Hence, you can find its use quite common in mould making and die casting. Also, surfaces having a polished appearance make certain tools perform better. This is because tools with a smooth surface help in preventing wear and reducing friction.
Good Toughness along with Wear Resistance
The pre-hardened variety of 1.2738 tool steel would offer a fair balance between toughness and hardness. This makes it ideal for the most demanding tool applications. It also has high toughness, which ensures that the metal can withstand any level of stress and impact, even without cracking or breaking. Simultaneously, its resistance to wear would extend the lifespan of your tools.
Excellent Machinability
In spite of its hardness, this tool steel offers fair machinability. This property allows tool makers to create intricate tool designs. While making it, there would be maximal accuracy and precision. The machinability of the material also helps in reducing any type of tool wear. This minimizes the need for frequent changes of tools and optimal maintenance.
The Best Applications
The best quality pre-hardened 1.2738 steel finds its use in applications like:
- Injection moulds: Due to their polishability and dimensional stability.
- Die-casting dies: Owing to their excellent wear resistance and toughness.
- Tooling: Because of its dimensional stability and fair machinability.
In conclusion
You can say that 1.2738 pre-hardened tool steel offers distinct properties that make it different from the others. And when you get your supplies from a reliable manufacturer, then you are going to utilise most of it.