Steel is one of the most popular and versatile construction materials. It is highly machinable and suitable for rolling, forging, bending, deep drawing, welding, and cutting. Additionally, steel is easy to harden, offering high tensile strength and relatively good elongation at break. However, increased wear due to high temperature build-up in the cutting zone is a common issue.

Here are some widely used steel grades in industrial applications and their specific challenges:

• S235: A structural steel (material number 1.0037) used in engineering applications, especially as supports for welded structures. It has good plasticity and ductility, with excellent cold bending properties. Challenges include impurities, poor chip breaking, low surface quality, and the risk of built-up edges during machining.
• 42CrMo4+QT: A tempered, low-alloy steel (material number 1.7225) known for its high fatigue and impact strength. It is used in machine components, crankshafts, and axles. Machining challenges include high tensile strength and tool wear.
• X155CrVMo12-1: A high-alloy tool steel (material number 1.2379) valued for its wear resistance, dimensional stability, and toughness. Reliable machining requires managing quality fluctuations and high cutting forces.
• Toolox 44: A high-alloy steel used in tool, mold, and die making. Its extreme hardness can reduce tool life during machining.
• PM60: A high-speed powder metallurgy steel with high wear resistance, hot hardness, and toughness. It is used in motor car production, but achieving good surface quality can be challenging.
• Hardox 500: A high-alloy, wear-resistant steel that is tough, easy to work, and abrasion-resistant. It is suitable for machine components under heavy strain, such as grinding machines and shredders.

Steel is highly machinable, but it is important to consider the specific properties of different steel grades. For example, low-carbon steels require extremely sharp cutting edges due to their tendency to adhere to the tool. Increased tool wear due to heat build-up is a major issue for many types of steel.

ZCC Cutting Tools (ZCC CT) is your partner of choice for efficient, reliable machining of steel. We offer high-quality tools for turning, milling, and drilling that meet your specific needs.