T1 High Speed Steel – The Original Workhorse of HSS

In the world of cutting tools, not all steels are built to last. But T1 High Speed Steel has stood the test of time and continues to outperform in high-heat, high-speed applications where edge retention is non-negotiable.

As the original tungsten-based high-speed steel, it laid the foundation for high-performance cutting materials – and it still earns its keep in today’s machining world. At Toolman Special Steels, we are proud to be among the trusted T1 high speed steel suppliers delivering consistent, high-grade performance to industries across India and beyond.

What is T1 High Speed Steel?

Also known as DIN 1.3355 or AISI T1, this steel is a tungsten (W)-based HSS developed for exceptional cutting performance under high heat and wear conditions. With high red hardness, it maintains cutting edges even when temperatures soar – making it ideal for high-speed cutting, drilling, milling and tapping applications.

T1 stands out as a general-purpose HSS, offering a balanced profile of hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. Whether you’re machining mild steel, cast iron, or alloy steels, T1 performs with classic reliability.

Chemical Composition

Key Properties of T1 Steel

Property Value
Hardness (After Treatment) 62–66 HRC
Red Hardness Excellent (up to 600°C)
Toughness Good for a tungsten HSS
Grindability Moderate
Wear Resistance High
  • Red Hardness: Maintains edge sharpness even under prolonged exposure to high cutting temperatures.
  • Microstructure: High volume of stable carbides ensures long tool life.
  • Durability: Performs well in interrupted cuts and less-than-ideal machining conditions.

✅ Why it matters: T1 excels in applications where long tool life and sharpness under heat are critical.

Chemical Composition of T1 HSS

Element Percentage (%)
Tungsten (W) 17.25 – 18.75
Chromium (Cr) 3.75 – 4.50
Vanadium (V) 0.90 – 1.30
Carbon (C) 0.65 – 0.80
Manganese (Mn) 0.20 – 0.40
Silicon (Si) 0.20 – 0.45

Tungsten gives T1 its edge-retaining red hardness – making it a top-tier steel for thermal and mechanical abuse.

Typical Applications of T1 High Speed Steel

Toolman’s T1 steel is frequently used in:

  • Twist drills
  • End mills
  • Taps and reamers
  • Slitting cutters
  • Punches and dies
  • Lathe tools

If your tooling environment involves continuous or interrupted cutting at high speeds – T1 is a classic, reliable choice.

Chemical Composition

Why Choose Toolman Special Steels as Your T1 HSS Partner?

  • Custom Sizes & Finishes: Available in rounds, flats, blocks, and cut-to-length.
  • Precision Heat Treatment: Controlled hardening and tempering to meet your specific needs.
  • Industry Know-how: Trusted by OEMs, toolmakers, and forging shops across sectors.
  • In-stock Inventory: Faster delivery for time-sensitive projects.

Manufacturing Range

ROUNDS SQUARES
SIZE (MM) CONDITION SIZE (MM) CONDITION
6.00 - 14.00 CG 7.2, 8.8, 10.5, 11 HRA
15.00 - 50.00 HRAP 13.5, 14, 17.5, 21 HRA
52.00 - 405.00 FAT 27, 32, 40 HRA
52.0 - 305.00 FA

Flats

THICKNESS WIDTH CONDITION
5.00 - 32.00 21.00 - 105.00 HRA
32.00 - 105.00 40.00 - 205.00 FA

Industries We Serve

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • General Machining
  • Die & Mold Manufacturing
  • Forging and Metal Cutting

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for T1 high speed steel suppliers who deliver quality, consistency, and technical insight, look no further than Toolman Special Steels. Our T1 steel products combine the heritage of classic HSS with modern precision – crafted to help your tools go further and last longer.

Reach out to our experts today and upgrade the quality of your tools with Toolman’s trusted steel solutions.

👉 Email us at indiatoolman@gmail.com

Or request a custom quote for your T1 requirements.

Bonus: Download the Full Technical Datasheet

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