Materials and steel alloys for quality tools.

Any good press brake operator knows that quality machining requires the right tools: tough, hard and durable.

In addition to hardening treatments, a key element to consider is the material and alloys used.

Two types of steel are commonly used in the manufacture of machine components and press brake tools in particular: 42CrMo steel and C45 steel.

Let's look at them together.

Sheet metal bending tools: advantages of C45 steel.

Chemical composition: carbon 0.42-0.50%, manganese 0.50-0.80%, silicon 0.40-0.60%.

C45 steel is a carbon steel with properties useful for certain processes, it is

Easy to machine.

Its chemical composition allows it to be easily subjected to machining operations such as grinding and milling.

Suitable for medium load applications.

As it does not have very high mechanical strength, it is suitable for tools that are not subjected to heavy loads and stresses, such as thin sheet metal applications.

Cost effective.

Due to its lower cost, it is suitable for applications where there is no need for tools with high mechanical properties.

Sheet metal bending tools: Advantages of 42CrMo steel.

Chemical composition: Chromium 0.90-1.20%, Manganese 0.50-0.80%, Carbon 0.38-0.45%, Silicon 0.17-0.37%, Molybdenum 0.15-0.25%.

We have seen that the C45 steel is suitable for machining at a moderate level of stress. In comparison, 42CrMo steel has

Better tensile strength.

42CrMo steel has a higher tensile strength than C45 steel due to the presence of chromium and molybdenum. This means it can withstand heavy loads and higher stresses without breaking or deforming. It is therefore ideal for heavy duty applications requiring high strength and durability.

Increased resistance to wear and abrasion.

42CrMo steel has better wear and abrasion resistance than C45 steel. This means it retains its shape and performance for longer. This property makes it suitable for: press brake tools subject to wear and continuous use.

Increased hardness.

It can be heat treated to improve its hardness, increasing its resistance to wear and deformation.

Improved toughness.

42CrMo steel has a higher toughness than C45 steel due to the presence of molybdenum. As a result, it is more resistant to sudden impacts or shock loads.

Higher heat resistance.

42CrMo steel is more resistant to high temperature stress than C45 steel. It can withstand higher temperatures without losing strength or durability. This makes it more suitable for surface heat treatment.

More customisation options.

42CrMo steel can be hardened and tempered when specific hardness and toughness properties are required. This material therefore allows greater customisation in the production process. This allows us to create customised tools for every need.

Using 42CrMo steel instead of C45 for bending tools therefore has many advantages. A tool made of 42CrMo steel allows machining with more special specifications and, on average, has a longer tool life.

C45 steel or 42CrMo?

There is no better alloy in absolute terms: it all depends on your bending requirements! For the best choice of material according to the specific needs of each job, the entire Eurostamp team is at your disposal.

Eurostamp Tooling bending tools.

Eurostamp Tooling has been manufacturing and supplying press brake tools and equipment since 1970.

Our bending tools are made exclusively from Italian, special and carbon steels with induction hardening on the wear parts to increase hardness and strength.

We check and verify all standard and special codes to assess their performance and ensure the highest quality and efficiency in every detail.

More than 3700 customers worldwide choose Eurostamp Tooling.

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