Choosing steel for impact tools
Q: What steel do you recommend for an impact tool that weighs about 2 to 3 lb. We have been considering S7 but we are having difficulty locating information on the sources for the forgings. We are also wondering if this grade is the right choice for our impact tools.
A: First of all, I am not sure S7 is the right choice for the impact tool you described. My suggestion is either S5 or H13. Both also have good impact properties, and the S5 does not have as much alloy content as the S7, which contains over 3.2 Cr and 1.4 Mo and 0.3 V. This grade (S7) is good for warm working or shearing. H13 is a stainless grade that has excellent impact properties and heat resistance, but its hardness capability is not as high as S5. If no heat is involved with the impact tool, then S5 should do just great.
H. James Henning answers forgers’ technical and operational questions. For more than 40 years he held key technical positions in the forging industry, most recently as director of technology for the Forging Industry Association. He is president of Henning Education Services, Columbus, OH, specializing in customized education and training in forging technologies.
c/o FORGING
1300 E. 9th St.
Cleveland, OH
44114-1503
Q: What steel do you recommend for an impact tool that weighs about 2 to 3 lb. We have been considering S7 but we are having difficulty locating information on the sources for the forgings. We are also wondering if this grade is the right choice for our impact tools.
A: First of all, I am not sure S7 is the right choice for the impact tool you described. My suggestion is either S5 or H13. Both also have good impact properties, and the S5 does not have as much alloy content as the S7, which contains over 3.2 Cr and 1.4 Mo and 0.3 V. This grade (S7) is good for warm working or shearing. H13 is a stainless grade that has excellent impact properties and heat resistance, but its hardness capability is not as high as S5. If no heat is involved with the impact tool, then S5 should do just great.
H. James Henning answers forgers’ technical and operational questions. For more than 40 years he held key technical positions in the forging industry, most recently as director of technology for the Forging Industry Association. He is president of Henning Education Services, Columbus, OH, specializing in customized education and training in forging technologies.
Send questions to
c/o FORGING
1300 E. 9th St.
Cleveland, OH
44114-1503
Or e-mail: henningedu@aol.com.
Guidelines and recommendations offered here are based on information believed to be reliable and are supplied in good faith but without guarantee. Operational conditions that exist in individual plants and facilities vary widely. Users of this information should adapt it, and always exercise independent discretion in establishing plant or facility operating practice.
