S7 tool steel is versatile, durable and a high-performance material. S7 steel demonstrates excellent shock resistance and belongs to the category of oil-hardening, air-hardening, non-deforming tool steels. Its unique properties enable manufacturers to employ it for a wide array of applications in various industries. It’s especially employed when shock-resistance, ease of machining and heat treatment are a priority.
In this article, we discuss the specific properties of S7 tool steel and why it is popular in manufacturing and industrial applications.
What is a S7 Tool Steel?
S7 is a high-carbon, low-chromium alloy, shock resisting tool steel that is characterized by its toughness and wear resistance. It combines high impact strength, good dimensional stability and machinability with excellent resistance to shock thus, making it a preferred steel of choice for various applications.
S7 tool steel is also referred to as air or oil hardening steel as it can be hardened in air or oil respectively.
AISI S7 tool steel demonstrates the highest hardenability and resistance to softening at elevated temperatures among the S-series steels. These particular properties of S7 tool steel make it popular amongst manufacturers in shock-resistant applications.
Its unique properties are what makes it popular for high-impact and high-stress applications. It’s thus employed for a wide range of tool and die applications. In addition, S7 tool steel is employed for both cold and hot work tooling applications:
Cold Work Tooling: S7 tool steel is widely employed for making cold work tooling due to its high toughness and wear resistance. For instance: blanking dies, forming dies, and shear blades.
Hot Work Tooling: It can also be implemented to make hot work tooling due to its resistance to high temperature and thermal fatigue. S7 steel is typically suitable when the operating temperature does not exceed 538°C / 1000°F. For instance: forging and extrusion dies.
The hardenability of S7 Steel and other group S steels can be changed and controlled by varying their composition. It is possible to achieve optimum hardness with S7 steels at higher austenitizing temperatures. The tempering resistance is enhanced through silicon, which forms a microstructure that resists distortion in tempered conditions. Since it demonstrates air-hardening properties, it is safe and stable to use in heat treatments.
S7 tool steel is susceptible to corrosion. It can easily rust and corrode which is why it should be kept away from moisture and humidity. During storage, it is recommended to consider using rust inhibitors and wrap it in corrosion-resistant materials such as plastic or wax paper.
Why should you choose S7 Tool Steel?
High Shock Resistance
S7 tool steel is of the shock-resistant tool steel family. It demonstrates excellent resistance to high shock. It thus, is an ideal application that involves high stress, shock, and impact. It also exhibits excellent toughness.
Good Wear Resistance
S7 tool steel demonstrates excellent wear resistance due to its high Carbon content. It is thus ideal for applications, where high levels of abrasion and wear resistance are a priority.
Good Dimensional Stability
S7 tool steel demonstrates good dimensional stability. It thus, can maintain its shape and size even under high stress and pressure which makes it ideal for applications that require high precision and accuracy.
Wide Array of Applications
S7 tool steel can be applied to an array of applications. It is particularly useful in applications where resistance to high impact and shock is required. The most common applications are listed below:
Cold Work Tooling: It’s often implemented for manufacturing cold work tools, such as cutting tools and shear blades due to its excellent toughness and wear resistance.
Plastic Molds: It is particularly applied for producing plastic molds in injection molding due to its high thermal conductivity and resistance to high impact strength. In addition, its resistance to thermal fatigue and thermal shock makes it ideal for molding applications.
Forging Dies: S7 tool steel is particularly employed in manufacturing forging dies that are used to shape and form metal under high pressure and temperature. The high toughness and wear resistance of S7 tool steel make it ideal for this particular application.
Stamping Dies: S7 tool steel is also employed for manufacturing stamping dies, that are used to cut and shape metal into specific shapes and sizes. The high hardness and wear resistance makes it ideal for this particular application.
Extrusion Dies: It’s also used in manufacturing extrusion dies that are particularly used to shape and form plastics and metals under high pressure and temperature. S7 Tool Steel’s high wear resistance and toughness make it ideal for manufacturing extrusion dies.
Aerospace Components: S7 tool steel is employed for manufacturing critical components due to its high strength and toughness in the aerospace industry.
Medical Equipment: S7 steel is a popular steel for manufacturing medical devices and surgical instruments due to its corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.