As a seasoned supplier of bimetal steel strip, I've had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of materials used in this field. Bimetal steel strip is a composite material made by bonding two different types of steel together, each contributing its unique properties to the final product. This combination allows for a wide range of applications, from cutting tools to industrial machinery. In this blog post, I'll explore the common materials used in bimetal steel strip and their significance in various industries.
High - Speed Steel (HSS)
High - speed steel is one of the most widely used materials in the production of bimetal steel strip. It is known for its excellent hardness, wear resistance, and ability to maintain its cutting edge at high temperatures. These properties make it ideal for applications where high - speed cutting and precision are required, such as Gang Saw Blades Steel.
HSS typically contains elements like tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and vanadium. Tungsten and molybdenum contribute to the high - temperature strength of the steel, while chromium enhances corrosion resistance. Vanadium forms hard carbides that improve wear resistance. For example, in saw blades used for cutting metals, the HSS teeth can withstand the high frictional forces and heat generated during the cutting process, ensuring a long - lasting and efficient cutting performance.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is another fundamental material in bimetal steel strip production. It is relatively inexpensive and has good ductility, making it suitable for forming and shaping processes. Carbon steel is often used as the backing material in bimetal steel strip, providing structural support and flexibility.
There are different grades of carbon steel, with varying carbon content. Low - carbon steel contains less than 0.3% carbon and is soft and easily formable. Medium - carbon steel has a carbon content between 0.3% and 0.6%, offering a balance between strength and ductility. High - carbon steel, with a carbon content above 0.6%, is hard and strong but less ductile. For instance, Medium and High Carbon Steel X32 can be used in bimetal strips where a certain level of hardness and strength is required in the backing material.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for bimetal steel strip in applications where corrosion resistance is crucial. It contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which forms a passive oxide layer on the surface of the steel, protecting it from rust and other forms of corrosion.
In addition to chromium, stainless steel may also contain nickel, molybdenum, and other elements to enhance its properties. Austenitic stainless steels, such as 304 and 316 grades, are widely used due to their excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and high toughness. Ferritic stainless steels are known for their magnetic properties and relatively low cost. Martensitic stainless steels are hard and can be heat - treated to achieve high strength. For example, in food processing equipment or marine applications, bimetal steel strip with a stainless steel layer can ensure long - term durability and hygiene.
Tool Steel
Tool steel is a specialized type of steel designed for use in cutting, forming, and shaping tools. It has high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness, making it suitable for the teeth or cutting edges of bimetal steel strip.
Tool steels are classified into different groups based on their composition and properties. For example, water - hardening tool steels are relatively inexpensive and can be hardened by quenching in water. Oil - hardening tool steels offer better dimensional stability during heat treatment and are often used in applications where precision is required. Air - hardening tool steels can be hardened in air, reducing the risk of distortion. In the production of Saws Blade Steel Strip, tool steel can be used to create sharp and durable teeth that can cut through a variety of materials.
Alloy Steel
Alloy steel is created by adding various alloying elements to carbon steel to improve its mechanical properties. These elements can include manganese, silicon, nickel, chromium, and others. Alloy steels offer a wide range of properties, such as increased strength, toughness, and wear resistance.
The choice of alloying elements depends on the specific requirements of the application. For example, manganese can improve the hardenability of the steel, while silicon enhances its strength and resistance to oxidation. In bimetal steel strip, alloy steel can be used either as the cutting edge material or the backing material, depending on the desired performance characteristics.
The Bonding Process
The bonding of different materials in bimetal steel strip is a critical step in the manufacturing process. There are several methods used for bonding, including roll bonding, explosion bonding, and diffusion bonding.
Roll bonding involves passing the two metal strips through a set of rollers under high pressure, which causes the surfaces to bond together. This method is suitable for large - scale production and can produce bimetal strips with good bonding strength. Explosion bonding uses the energy from an explosive charge to create a high - pressure impact that bonds the two metals. It is often used for bonding dissimilar metals with different melting points. Diffusion bonding involves heating the two metal surfaces to a high temperature and applying pressure, allowing the atoms to diffuse across the interface and form a strong bond.
Applications of Bimetal Steel Strip
Bimetal steel strip has a wide range of applications across various industries. In the metalworking industry, it is used in saw blades for cutting metals, plastics, and wood. The combination of a hard cutting edge material like HSS and a flexible backing material like carbon steel allows for efficient and precise cutting.
In the automotive industry, bimetal steel strip can be used in components such as clutch plates and brake linings. The different properties of the two bonded metals can provide the necessary friction, wear resistance, and heat dissipation.
In the electrical industry, bimetal strips are used in thermostats. The different thermal expansion coefficients of the two metals cause the strip to bend when heated or cooled, which can be used to control electrical circuits.
Conclusion
The common materials used in bimetal steel strip, including high - speed steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, tool steel, and alloy steel, each bring their unique properties to the table. The choice of materials depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as cutting performance, corrosion resistance, and structural support. Through advanced bonding processes, these materials are combined to create bimetal steel strips that meet the diverse needs of various industries.
If you are interested in purchasing high - quality bimetal steel strip for your specific application, I encourage you to reach out for a procurement discussion. We can work together to determine the most suitable materials and manufacturing processes to meet your requirements.
References
- ASM Handbook Committee. (2000). ASM Handbook, Volume 1: Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High - Performance Alloys. ASM International.
- Kalpakjian, S., & Schmid, S. R. (2010). Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. Pearson.
- Reed - Hill, R. E., & Abbaschian, R. (1992). Physical Metallurgy Principles. PWS Publishing Company.
