When choosing the right material for a specific application, composition and properties are critical. And for heavy-duty operations that demand high resistance to wear impact, and heat, H26 Tool Steel (UNS T20826) is a go-to choice for many manufacturers. Known for its exceptional toughness and durability, H26 Tool Steel has a unique chemical makeup that makes it resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and deformation. With high carbon, tungsten, and vanadium, H26 Tool Steel (SAE-AISI H26 steel) can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures without cracking or losing its edge. Its excellent workability and machinability make it a popular choice in tool-making and metalworking industries. Indeed, H26 Tool Steel is an ideal material for applications that require high performance and reliability. This article will provide an overview of H26 Tool Steel’s uses, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, heat treatment, and machining capabilities.
What Forms of H26 Tool Steel is Available at Piping Mart?
- H26 Tool Steel Bars
- H26 Tool Steel Pipes
- H26 Tool Steel Tubes
- H26 Tool Steel Valves
- H26 Tool Steel Washers
- H26 Tool Steel Flanges
- H26 Tool Steel Fasteners
- H26 Tool Steel Sheet Plates
- H26 Tool Steel Pipe Fittings
- H26 Tool Steel Forged Fittings
H26 Tool Steel Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.45-0.55 |
| Mn | 0.15-0.40 |
| Si | 0.15-0.40 |
| Cr | 3.75-4.50 |
| Ni | 0.3 |
| W | 17.25-19.00 |
| V | 0.75-1.25 |
| Cu | 0.25 |
| P | 0.03 |
| S | 0.03 |
H26 Tool Steel Physical Properties
| Properties | Conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| T (°C) | Treatment | ||
| Density | 8.67 x 1000 kg/m3 | 25 | – |
H26 Tool Steel Mechanical Properties
| Properties | Conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| T (°C) | Treatment | ||
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 25 | – |
| Elastic modulus | 27557-30458 ksi | 25 | – |
H26 Tool Steel Thermal Properties
| Properties | Conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| T (°C) | Treatment | ||
| Thermal expansion | 12.4 x 10-6/ºC | 20-540 | – |
H26 Tool Steel Equivalents
- ASTM A681
- FED QQ-T-570
- UNS T20826
H26 Tool Steel Uses
Tool Steel H26 is a versatile alloy steel that has good wear resistance and can be hardened to reach Rockwell C 58–60 hardness. Its excellent shock absorption makes it ideal for use in applications where impact loading occurs. Common uses for Tool Steel H26 include tooling plates and punches; dies; jigs; shear blades; cams; surgical knives; valves; turbine housing; shafts; gears; forging dies; drill bits; taps; and reamers.
H26 Tool Steel Uses in Industries
- Automotive Industry
- Aerospace Industry
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Manufacturing Industry
- Tooling Industry
H26 Tool Steel Corrosion Resistance
Tool Steel H26 offers good corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content (11%), making it suitable for use in corrosive environments. It also has high levels of molybdenum (1%), which increases its corrosion resistance further by forming a protective oxide film on the surface of the steel.
H26 Tool Steel Heat Resistance
Tool Steel H26 resists oxidation at temperatures up to 1300°F (704°C). Its high chromium content also provides excellent protection against scaling at higher temperatures. Additionally, its molybdenum content helps reduce distortion caused by thermal cycling or welding.
H26 Tool Steel Heat Treatment
To achieve maximum hardness and strength, Tool Steel H26 should be heated between 1650°F–1700°F (899°C–927°C), followed by oil quenching and then tempering at 500–600°F (260–316°C). This process results in a tough material that is highly resistant to wear while still maintaining some ductility.
H26 Tool Steel Machining
Tool Steel H26 can be machined with standard cutting tools such as drills, taps, reamers, milling cutters and lathes using cutting speeds slightly lower than those used for carbon steels of similar hardness. When machining this alloy, coolants are recommended to reduce friction and prevent overheating the workpiece or cutting edge during extended operations such as drilling or tapping deep pockets or long holes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Tool Steel H26 is an alloy steel that offers excellent toughness and wears resistance when heat treated correctly. Its good corrosion resistance makes it suitable for use in corrosive environments, while its high chromium content provides excellent protection against scaling at higher temperatures. And thanks to its molybdenum content, it can be machined using standard cutting tools with coolants when necessary for extended operations. All these factors make Tool Steel H26 an ideal choice for parts used in various industrial applications where strength and durability are important considerations.
Meet Heer, a dynamic and driven writer learning tricks of her trade in the metal industry. With a background in Digital Marketing, Heer brings a unique perspective to her writing, sharing valuable insights. Apart from blogging she like reading and hiking.
