Powder steel, alloy steel is used in punch press tooling

The choice of punch material in turret punch tooling is critical for tool life, edge retention, and the quality of the punched part. 

Standard material for punch body is M2/High speed steel,HRC 62-64 DEG.

The two material types Powder Steel (often Powder Metallurgy High-Speed Steel, or PM-HSS) and Alloy Steel (conventional tool steel),

 serve distinct roles based on their unique microstructures and resulting properties.

Powder Steel (PM-HSS) in CNC Punch tooling

Powder Steel (PM steel) is manufactured using a specialized powder metallurgy (PM) process, which results in a microstructure 

that is far more uniform than conventionally cast steel. This makes it the premium choice for demanding, high-production 

punching applications.

Manufacturing Process: The steel is melted, atomized into fine powder, and then consolidated under high pressure and heat 

(HIP - Hot Isostatic Pressing). This rapid cooling prevents large clusters of alloying elements.

Features:

High-Volume/Mass Production: Used where tool life and minimal downtime are paramount, such as in high-speed, continuous runs.

Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS): The preferred material for punching AHSS (like dual-phase steel) and other thick or abrasive

 materials that subject the punch to extremely high loads and wear.

Complex/Fineblanking Tools: Used for tools requiring the highest precision and edge integrity for long periods.

Key Properties:

Superior Wear Resistance: Due to a uniform, fine distribution of carbides (hard particles), the cutting edge resists abrasive wear much 

longer than conventional steel.

High Toughness: The lack of large carbide clumps (segregation) increases the steel's fracture resistance, making the punch less prone 

to chipping or micro-fracturing under high-impact conditions.

Excellent Grindability: The fine grain structure makes the steel easier to grind and sharpen, even with its high hardness, resulting in 

less tool maintenance time.

Alloy Steel (Conventional Tool Steel) in CNC Punch tooling

Alloy Steel refers to conventional tool steel grades that have been alloyed with elements like chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium

 (e.g., A2, D2, S7). These steels are manufactured through traditional ingot casting and forging. They offer an excellent balance of 

performance and cost-effectiveness for general-purpose punching.

Use in punch tooling:

General Purpose Punching: The workhorse material for punching mild steel, low-carbon steel, aluminum, and plastics where the 

demands are not extreme.

Medium-Volume Production: Suitable for production runs that are not long enough to justify the higher cost of PM-HSS.

Tool Holders and Components: Alloy steels are also used for the non-cutting components of the tool assembly (like punch holders 

or backer plates) where high tensile strength and toughness are needed, but not the extreme wear resistance of the punch tip.

Specific Grades:

D2 Tool Steel: High carbon, high chromium steel providing excellent wear resistance but lower toughness (more prone to chipping).

 Used for high-wear dies.

S7 Tool Steel: A shock-resisting steel offering excellent impact strength and toughness. Used for heavy-duty punches and applications 

where shock or side-loading is a concern.

Key Properties:

High Hardness and Strength: Achieved through heat treatment, providing resistance to plastic deformation and general wear.

Cost-Effectiveness: Generally more affordable than PM steels, making them the standard choice for most applications.

Adequate Toughness: Grades like S7 are specifically designed to absorb significant energy without fracturing.

Recommanded to punch

1.More thick sheetmetal suchas  stainless steel 2.0mm, Mild steel 3.0mm

2.Smaller 3.0mm diameter hole like as 1.5mm round hole

3.Narrow size,eg 1.5X10mm rectangle.

4.Addons for the special material

5.Delivery time longer than standard material M2