Contents
S2 Tool Steel: Properties and Fabrication
- John
Welcome to the S2 steel guide! If you’re looking for a tool steel with excellent impact resistance, S2 steel is a great choice. Part of the AISI S-group, it’s designed for high-impact environments and is widely used in durable, high-strength tools.
S2 steel’s hardenability is controlled by its chemical composition, allowing it to reach optimal hardness at higher temperatures for better wear resistance. The addition of silicon also enhances its ability to maintain hardness and resist deformation under heat.
This guide’ll explore S2 steel’s properties, fabrications, and applications to help you see why it’s the go-to material for high-performance tools. We hope this brief overview helps you make the right decision!
What is S2 Steel?
S2 steel is a tough, high-carbon tool steel with great impact resistance, ideal for tools like hammers and chisels. It contains about 0.90–1.10% carbon and 0.50–0.80% silicon. The “S” stands for “shock-resistant,” and the “2” marks its specific grade. S2 steel is heat-treated for added strength and meets industry standards like ASTM A681, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty applications.
Properties of S2 Tool Steel
S2 tool steel is widely recognized for its outstanding impact resistance and high toughness, making it a top choice for tools exposed to heavy stress and shock. Its excellent wear resistance and ability to maintain hardness even under high temperatures are key factors that enhance its durability.
Chemical Composition of S2 Tool Steel
Here is the chemical composition table of s2 tool steel.
| Element | Content (%) |
| Carbon, C | 0.90 – 1.10 |
| Silicon, Si | 0.50 – 0.80 |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.50 – 0.80 |
| Chromium, Cr | 0.30 – 0.60 |
| Molybdenum, Mo | 0.20 – 0.40 |
| Phosphorus, P | ≤ 0.030 |
| Sulfur, S | ≤ 0.030 |
Physical Properties of S2 Tool Steel
S2 steel’s physical properties ensure it performs well under extreme conditions. Here are its key physical characteristics:
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ | 0.280 lb/in³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 27.5 W/m·K | 19.0 BTU·in/h·ft²·°F |
| Specific Gravity | 7.75 | 0.28 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa | 30.5 × 10⁶ psi |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 12.5 µm/m·°C | 7.0 × 10⁻⁶ /°F |
Mechanical Properties of S2 Tool Steel
S2 tool steel’s mechanical properties make it ideal for tough, high-impact applications. Below are its key mechanical properties:
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
| Charpy Impact | 20 J | 14.8 ft-lb |
| Hardness | 58-60 HRC | 58-60 HRC |
| Machinability | 65% (relative to W1) | 65% (relative to W1) |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.27 | 0.27 |
Can S2 Steel Rust?
Yes, S2 steel can rust if not properly cared for, as it is not stainless and can corrode when exposed to moisture and chemicals. Proper maintenance, like coating or regular cleaning, helps prevent rusting.
Product We Provide for S2 Cold Work Steel
SteelPRO Group is a professional supplier of S2 tool steel materials, offering high-quality S2 round bars, flat bars, plates, and rods. We cater to a variety of customer needs and provide tailored solutions for your projects. For daily pricing and availability, feel free to contact us.
Our available products and specifications include:
- S2 Steel Round Bar: Diameter 10mm – 800mm
- S2 Steel Plate: Thickness 5mm – 500mm x Width 150mm – 2000mm
- S2 Steel Rod: Diameter 6mm – 500mm
- Custom sizes of S2 steel: Available upon request
Additional services we offer:
- Surface Finish: Black, Rough Turned, Polished, or as per customer specifications
- Process: Hot Rolled, Cold Drawn, Forged, Annealed, Cutting
Feel free to reach out for specific requirements or custom orders!
Fabrication of S2 Cold Work Steel
Fabricating S2 cold work steel requires precise processes to ensure it delivers excellent impact resistance and durability. From forging and rolling to heat treatment and machining, each step is crucial for achieving the steel’s full potential.
Forging/Rolling
In forging, S2 steel is heated to about 1100-1200°C (2012-2192°F) and shaped by pressing or hammering. Rolling is used for thinner sections at temperatures of 850-950°C (1562-1742°F). Both methods refine the grain structure, improving strength and toughness.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is key to enhancing S2 steel’s hardness and wear resistance:
- Annealing: Heated to 800-850°C (1472-1562°F) and slowly cooled to relieve stresses and soften the steel for easier machining.
- Preheating: Heated to 500-650°C (932-1202°F) before hardening to ensure even heating and prevent thermal shock.
- Austenitizing: The steel is heated to 850-900°C (1562-1652°F), where it transforms into austenite, setting up for the hardening process.
- Quenching: Rapid cooling (usually with oil or air) at 800-850°C (1472-1562°F) to harden the steel.
- Tempering: Heated to 150-300°C (302-572°F) to reduce brittleness and improve toughness after quenching.
- Cold Working: Finally, the steel can be cold worked to refine its shape and finish.
Machining
S2 steel can be easily machined after proper heat treatment. Typical machining processes include:
- Cutting: S2 steel is cut using standard methods like saw cutting or CNC machining.
- Surface Treatment: Grinding, polishing, or other surface treatments can be applied for desired finishes, improving surface quality and wear resistance.
Each step in the fabrication process is designed to enhance the steel’s performance for tough, high-impact applications.
S2 Steel Equivalent Grades
The following are approximate equivalent grades for S2 steel, all of which are from U.S. standards. These grades share similar properties and performance characteristics to S2 steel, offering alternative options depending on your specific requirements.
| ASTM A681 | FED QQ-T-570 | SAE J437 | SAE J438 | UNS T41902 |
| S2 | S2 | 2 | 2 | T41902 |
S2 Steel vs Chrome Vanadium
Because S2 steel and Chrome Vanadium steel share similar characteristics, such as high strength and durability, it’s important to compare them directly to determine which is best suited for your specific needs.
Chemical Composition
S2 steel has higher carbon content (0.90-1.10%) and silicon (0.50-0.80%), making it tougher and more resistant to impact. Chrome Vanadium typically contains 0.60-0.80% carbon, along with chromium and vanadium, which improve its wear resistance and hardness.
Performance
S2 steel excels in impact resistance and toughness, while Chrome Vanadium is stronger in terms of overall wear resistance and hardness. S2 is better for high-impact applications, while Chrome Vanadium performs better in tools that need a sharper edge and resistance to wear.
Price
S2 steel tends to be more affordable than Chrome Vanadium, which can be a bit pricier due to the alloying elements like chromium and vanadium.
Application
S2 steel is commonly used in high-impact tools like chisels, punches, and hammers. Chrome Vanadium is often found in wrenches, sockets, and other hand tools that need to withstand wear and maintain sharpness.
In short, choose S2 for toughness and impact resistance, and Chrome Vanadium for wear resistance and edge retention.
Is S2 Steel Better Than CRV?
S2 steel is better for impact resistance and toughness, while CRV (Chrome Vanadium) excels in wear resistance and edge retention, making S2 ideal for high-stress applications and CRV for tools that require sharpness.
Applications of ASTM S2 Cold Work Tool Steel
S2 cold work tool steel is known for its excellent impact resistance and toughness, making it ideal for applications where tools are subjected to high stress and shock. Here are some of its key applications:
- Heavy-duty tooling: Hammers, chisels, punches, dies
- Mining and construction: Rock drills, tamping tools, impact tools
- Automotive: Cutting tools, stamping dies
- Manufacturing: Die-casting tools, shear blades, cold-forming tools
S2 Tool Steel Manufacturer
S2 Tool Steel is a high-impact, tough material perfect for tools like hammers and chisels that need excellent wear and impact resistance.
At SteelPRO Group, we take pride in providing S2 Tool Steel with exceptional consistency and precision. Our advanced heat treatment ensures top-notch toughness and durability, while our focus on high purity and dimensional control gives our s2 tool steel an edge. Whether you need standard shapes or custom sizes, we offer reliable, high-performance S2 steel tailored to your exact needs.
