Alloy Steels
Alloy steels are basically carbon steels with additional elements added to alter the characteris-tics and bring about a predictable change in the mechanical properties of the alloyed metal. Alloy steels are not normally used for most tools due to their increased cost, but some have been found favor for special applications. The alloying elements used most ofter in steels are manganese, nickel, molybdenum and chromium.
Another type of alloy steel frequently used for tooling applications is stainless steel. Stainless steel is a term used to describe high chromium and nickel-chromium steels. These steels are used for tools which must resist high temperatures and corrosive atmospheres. Some high chromium steels can be hardened by heat treatment and are used where resistance to wear, abrasion, and corrosion are required. Typical applications where a hardenable stainless steel is sometimes preferred are plastic injection molds. Here the high chromium contents allows the steel to be highly polished and prevents deterioration fo the cavity from heat and corrosion.
