D2 Tool Steel - Cold Work Steel for 3D Printing

 

D2 tool steel is a type of cold work steel variety. It offers the characteristic of extreme hardenability after high heat treatment. While D2 tool steel is robust, has more resistance against wearing, however, it is not as tough as compared to other cold work steel types. Its unusually high chromium content renders it with great hardenability. It also exhibits compressive strength after heating at high temperatures. The dimensional stability of D2 tool steel has been highly praised by steel industry experts. The corrosion resistance at hardened conditions is a prime benefit in conformal cooling applications.

 

1. Applications – D2 tool steel is nowadays widely used in various works that need moderate toughness and excellent wear resistance. Blanking, forming dies, coining, sizing tool members, coining, gauges, burnishing tools, shear cutting tools, etc. are some of the most common use of D2 tool steel. With the 3D printing business flourishing excessively in the market, D2 tool steel has become one of the most accessible metals that allow easy 3D printing platforms to consumers. Suppliers can print on high-performance metal parts in low volumes for end-use applications as well as per production.
2. Properties – D2 tool steel suppliers vouch for the excellent properties and characteristics of this cold work tool steel. This is air-hardened and is known for its hardenability and compressive strength after heat treatment. D2 tool steel parts exhibit unparalleled mechanical properties on a promising and accessible platform than conventional powder bed fusion 3D printing alternatives.
3. 3D printing with D2 tool steel – D2 tool steel suppliers are sure about the fact that D2 tool steel is the best option for 3D printing. The procedure consists of two steps. In the first step, parts are directly allowed to transfer from the printer into the furnace. It provides a completely hands-free experience during removing hazardous lasers or loose powders generally associated with 3D printing. It gives an unimaginable surface finish and portrays high-performance mechanical properties.
4. A bit of history – D2 tool steel first started gaining popularity during the Second World War. Years before, during that time, D2 tool steel was only used for making dies for production lines. Dies were pressed down for creating or cutting shapes out of soft steel. D2 steel was created for punching out large airplane parts military vehicles. Only then it was manually assembled in an assembly line. This clearly shows the high strength, durability, and longevity of D2 knife steel. The steel will easily retain its toughness till 425 degrees Celsius. It is a chromium and the carbide in D2 allows easy wear resistance when it comes in contact with abrasive materials and other metals. This is also the reason why D2 becomes excellent tool steel for 3D printing services.

 

The market demand for D2 tool steel for 3D printing is currently high and D2tool steel suppliers are expecting it to grow in the future.