Tool material characteristics Carbon tool steels exhibit low heat resistance and low wear resistance compared with HSS and carbides. Is this statement correct?

Mechanical Engineering Production Engineering Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Correct
  • B
    Incorrect
  • C
    Correct only for interrupted cuts
  • D
    Incorrect for low-speed turning
  • E
    Correct only above 800 °C

Answer

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Tool material selection balances hot hardness, wear resistance, toughness, and cost. Carbon tool steels were historically common but are now limited to low-speed applications due to poor hot-strength and rapid softening at modest temperatures.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Carbon tool steels lose hardness rapidly above roughly 200–250 °C.
  • Comparators: high-speed steel (HSS), cast/cemented carbides, ceramics.
  • Operations: general cutting where heat generation is significant.

Concept / Approach:Hot hardness describes a material's ability to retain hardness at elevated temperatures. Carbon tool steels temper easily and cannot maintain an edge under modern cutting speeds, leading to accelerated flank wear and built-up edge formation.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Assess heat resistance: carbon tool steels soften at relatively low temperatures → low heat resistance.Assess wear resistance: softening plus limited alloy carbides → poorer wear resistance than HSS/carbides.Conclusion: the statement is correct.

Verification / Alternative check:Tool life curves (Taylor's equation) show dramatically lower permissible cutting speeds for carbon steels versus HSS/carbide for the same life.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Claiming incorrectness or exceptions (interrupted cuts, high temperatures) misunderstands the fundamental deficiency in hot hardness and wear resistance.

Common Pitfalls:Using carbon tool steel where heat cannot be controlled; choose HSS or carbide for sustained industrial speeds.

Final Answer:

Correct

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