These tool steels are essentially carbon steels processed through heat treatment, containing 0.5–1.5% carbon. Other alloying elements may be present, varying in quality and generally less than 0.5%.金属材料 such as nickel, tungsten, or molybdenum, are expensive. Using smaller quantities of these costly materials can add value to lightweight applications.

This group of steel must be water quenched to achieve a hard outer layer. Lightweight tools, springs, and other small accessories, as well as medium and small fasteners, may be the products. They cannot be used in the environment due to the W series steel being more brittle than other tool steels. The W series steel is more prone to cracking and can only withstand continuous temperatures of 302°F (150°C).

2 - Cold-Working Tool Steel

Cold Work Tool Steel Requires Cold Conditions – They are hard, tough, and wear-resistant, but not suitable for high-temperature environments. Since cutting cold materials requires more force than cutting hot materials, cold work tool steel needs to have tensile strength.

Under these conditions, cold does not mean it's time for metalworkers to don their wool sweaters. An environment below 392°F (200°C) is what is termed the "cold office" for these tools. Unlike many types of steel, graphite is typically formed in cold-rolled steel. This type of graphite makes many of these alloys processable: graphite provides lubrication.