W-grade tool steel is a high-carbon steel that requires water hardening because of its low alloy content and lower hardenability than other tool steels. Small amounts of other elements such as manganese, molybdenum and silicon may be added to the steel to increase its functionality.
This type of tool steel is less expensive than other tool steels, making it popular for many basic applications. Although it is usually less expensive than other types of tool steel, it cannot be used where high temperatures exist - at 150 °C they begin to soften significantly.
The steel can reach very high levels of hardness, but it is more brittle than other tool steels. All W-grade tool steels need to be water quenched, which may result in more warping and cracking. Some common uses include the manufacture of cold heading dies, embossing tools, industrial cutting tools and reamers.
