Tool steels are a special class of alloys designed for tool and die applications. High-speed steels are a subset of tool steels designed to operate at high speeds. This chapter describes the composition, properties, heat treatment, and use of wrought and alloyed tool steels, high-speed steels, and their counterparts made by powder metallurgy. It includes information on the chemical composition and application range of many commercial tool steels and explains how to apply coatings that reduce friction, thermal conductivity, and wear.

This chapter discusses the properties and compositions of steels used in pressure vessels, piping, boilers, rebar, and other structural applications. It covers fine-grained steels, quenched and tempered steels, and controlled rolled (thermomechanical treatment) steels. It also compares and contrasts steels used for concrete reinforcement and in various types of pressure vessels, and presents a metallographic study of the effects of welding on the micro and macrostructure of steel.

This appendix contains tables listing the chemical compositions of standard carbon H-steels and standard carbon boron H-steels and the hardenability characteristics of alloys.

This chapter focuses on the failure aspects of tool steels. The discussion covers the classification, chemical composition, main characteristics, and several failures of tool steels and their relation to heat treatment. The tool steels covered are hot work, cold work, plastic mold, and high-speed tool steels.

This appendix consists of tables listing temperatures recommended for austenitizing carbon and low-alloy steels prior to hardening.

Steel heated in contact with air at temperatures in the tempering range takes on various temper colors due to the formation of a thin oxide film. This appendix provides information on the cause and source of oxidation of steel and time-temperature effect on SAE 1035 steel. In addition, figures that show temper colors after heating 1035 steel in circulating air are presented.