Silver steel, also known as tool steel or bright tool steel, is a high-carbon, low-alloy steel commonly used for precision tools, components, and gauges. Despite its name, it does not contain any silver. The name comes from its highly polished appearance,

Composition and Properties

Silver steel typically has a carbon content of 0.85% to 1.05%, along with small amounts of manganese, chromium, and molybdenum. This composition provides a combination of favorable properties, including:

  • High hardness: Silver steel can be hardened to a Rockwell C (HRC) hardness of 55 to 65, making it suitable for applications where wear resistance is crucial.

  • Good toughness: Despite its hardness, silver steel also possesses a moderate level of toughness, allowing it to withstand shock and impact without breaking.

  • Excellent machinability: Silver steel can be easily machined using various techniques, including turning, milling, drilling, and grinding.

  • Dimensional stability: Silver steel exhibits good dimensional stability, meaning it retains its shape and size even under varying temperatures and working conditions.

Applications

Silver steel finds applications in a wide range of industries due to its versatility and desirable properties. Some of its common uses include:

  • Punches and dies: Silver steel is extensively used in the manufacture of punches and dies for metalworking operations.

  • Engraving tools: The high hardness and precision of silver steel make it ideal for engraving tools used in jewelry making, watchmaking, and other precision applications.

  • Precision gauges: Silver steel is commonly used in the production of precision gauges, such as calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges, for accurate measurement and inspection tasks.

  • Drill bits and taps: Silver steel is employed in the manufacturing of high-quality drill bits and taps for demanding machining applications.

  • Other precision components: Silver steel is also used in various other precision components, such as gears, bushings, and fixtures, where durability and precision are crucial.

Comparison to Other Steels

Silver steel is often compared to other tool steels, such as high-speed steel (HSS) and cold-work tool steel (CWTS). HSS offers superior wear resistance and hardness, making it suitable for applications with extreme wear. However, HSS is more difficult to machine and is prone to chipping. CWTS, on the other hand, exhibits better toughness and fatigue resistance compared to silver steel, making it ideal for applications with cyclic loading.

Overall, silver steel is a versatile and widely used material due to its combination of hardness, toughness, machinability, and dimensional stability. Its precision grinding ability and high polish make it suitable for a wide range of tools, gauges, and components in various industries.

Silver Steel Metric Tolerance Guide

<25mm +0 -0.015mm

25mm < 50mm +0 -0.025mm


Silver Steel Chemical Composition

Analyis Range (%)  Typical Analysis (%)
C .95/1.25 1.13
Si .40 max .22
Mn .25 / .45 .37
P .045 max .014
S .045 max .018
Cr .35/.45 .43

lengths listed in the drop down are a minimum length and may be slightly longer by 5mm to 10mm
Name
1.0mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
1.5mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
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5mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
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6mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
6.5mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
7mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
7.5mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
8mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
8.5mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
9mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
9.5mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
10mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
10.5mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
11mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
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25mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR
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50mm X 333 SILVERSTEEL BAR