Maintaining Hot Work Steel Tools: Tips for Extending Tool Life

 Optimum maintenance of hot work steel tools might require regular monitoring and specialist attention. However, it is not entirely complicated. There are a few things that you can do to make the most of your experience with the tools made from this steel variety.

 

Before you start Using

 

When you get a tool made from hot work steel, you need to inspect the tool entirely before using it. Check for any signs of possible wear or tear or damages. It is also important to cleanse the files meticulously before you start using them. And if the manufacturers recommend, then remember to coat or lubricate the tools well. If you are not too sure about which way to make it, then you might consider getting help from your supplier or a professional.

 

When Using the Tool

 

When using a hot work steel tool, you need to be particularly careful about the use of heat on the tools. You need to take care of that to avoid applying too much heat. You need to know that different types of hot work tool steel have different capacities for heat resistance. So, it is important that you know the level of heat tolerance of the metal. It is also important that you control the rate of cooling. This is important to check thermal shock. Gradual cooling is an effective way to do it. You also need to avoid any random drops or blows. This would help check the impact. Maintaining the right way clearance can also be a way to keep a check on excessive tear and wear.

 

When you are done using the tools

 

Cleaning the tools right after their use is one of the best ways of optimal maintenance. And while you clean, it is equally important to try them properly. This would not only prevent the formation of rust but will also prolong its working life. It is also important to store them carefully in a close, dry, and cool place. You can get better results if you store them in a quality toolbox. This would also ensure maximum protection for the tools. If needs arise, then you can also consider using a coat or rust inhibitor.

 

For Regular Maintenance

You don't need to go overboard to maintain your hot work steel tools right. You can enjoy excellent service if you re-sharpen or re-grind them systematically in regular intervals. And while you do so, make sure to check for signs of wear. Determine whether you can get better service by replacing the components, or repairing them. You can also consider conducting hardness testing, such as Rockwell C, and run NDT or Non Destructive Testing to check for defects and cracks.

 

About Heat Treatment

 

No matter the heat treatment you give to the metals, it is important that you follow the treatment procedures that your manufacturer and suppliers recommend. And while you monitor temperature, you also need to check the quenching rates.

 

Choosing the Right Coats

 

When you need to apply coatings for maximum wear resistance, then you might want to choose components like titanium nitride and chrome. However, nitriding or bonding could be better choices for surface treatment.

 

While you do your bit to maintain your hot work steel tools in their best shapes, ensure that the operators who handle them have the necessary training and experience. Also, maintaining a record of tool maintenance can help you keep better control of tool keeping. Finally, you could get better results if you leave the more complex maintenance jobs to the experts.