Technical guide · 2026-08-14
Shock-Resisting Tool Steel
Shock-resisting tool steels sacrifice part of the wear ceiling to deliver higher impact toughness for punches, chisels and tools subjected to sudden loads, bending or localized stress concentration.
01
Definition and boundary
This family addresses impact-led failure at moderate temperature; it should not be ranked by D-series abrasion performance or high-speed red hardness.
Reference information only: final acceptance is controlled by the ordered product specification, condition, dimensions and certified test results.
02
How the material system works
Lower carbon limits carbide volume and supports a tougher tempered martensite.
Silicon and alloy additions improve hardenability without making wear the sole target.
Section size and quench severity determine the core-strength gradient.
03
Representative grades and systems
| Grade or system | Selection focus | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| S7 | Air-hardening shock grade with strong general impact resistance. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
| S5 | Silicon-manganese shock grade commonly oil quenched. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
| S1 | Tungsten shock grade for demanding hand and impact tools. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
04
Properties and trade-offs
Impact toughness
Resistance to breakage under bending
Moderate wear resistance at practical hardness
05
Product forms and supply conditions
06
Applications and selection
Applications and selection
- Pneumatic chisels and rivet sets
- Heavy-duty punches
- Shear blades and impact mandrels
Properties and trade-offs
- Quantify impact energy and support conditions before hardness.
- Choose quench route around section size and geometry.
- Add local wear treatment only after checking fatigue effects.
07
Fabrication, durability and inspection
Radius section transitions to reduce quench and service stress.
Prevent decarburization on loaded edges.
Temper promptly and avoid unverified local overheating during repair.
08
Procurement checklist
- State impact tool geometry and controlling section.
- Specify annealed condition, straightness and surface quality.
- Agree final hardness range, test coupon orientation and heat-treatment records.
09
Standards, sources and review
Standards and designation context
- ASTM A681 alloy tool-steel scope
- ASTM A600 where high-speed grades apply
- Buyer drawing and heat-treatment specification