Services
Tool Steel Machining
Tool steels are characterized by high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. We provide precision tool steel CNC machining services, catering to a wide range of industries.
One-Stop Tool Steel CNC Machining Services
Leveraging extensive experience in machining tool steels, Xtmade possesses a deep understanding of the material's properties. Our one-stop CNC machining service provides a comprehensive customer experience, covering everything from raw material procurement and production to surface finishing, assembly, packaging, and shipping. Our professional expertise, streamlined workflows, and state-of-the-art CNC machinery enable us to machine tool steel to tolerances of +/- 0.005 mm. In addition to machining various types of tool steel, we offer a wide range of metal materials suitable for diverse custom parts.
End-to-End Tool Steel Machining Workflow
Our end-to-end tool steel machining workflow enables us to tackle a wide range of machining challenges. We maintain a database of such challenges; when we encounter a new issue, we systematically troubleshoot every stage of the process to pinpoint the root cause—whether it stems from material incompatibility, processing errors, or other factors. Once the source is identified, we apply our professional expertise and technical know-how to resolve the problem.
All tool steel stock sourced with Mill Test Reports (MTRs) and verified for internal voids or inclusions via ultrasonic testing.
High-efficiency roughing leaves +0.015" stock allowance. Parts undergo thermal stress relief prior to hardening to prevent warping.
Computer-controlled vacuum furnace hardening with gas quench followed by deep cryogenic processing (-300°F) to convert residual austenite.
Final sizing in hardened state (54–64 HRC) utilizing 5-axis hard milling, sub-micron wire EDM, and hydrostatic surface grinding.
Full geometric verification on Zeiss CMM in climate-controlled laboratory. Deliverables include FAIR (AS9102) and MTR documentation.
Type
Tool Steel Material Selection
We offer a wide range of tool steel machining; our online CNC machining tool steel service can help you select the right material, and we provide 24-hour service—feel free to contact us at any time.
Tool Steel Machining Capabilities
As a professional tool steels CNC machining supplier, we utilize specialized machine tools and cutting tools optimized for highly abrasive, high-strength tool steel alloys. We select specific machining processes tailored to each part to ensure the finished components meet our customers' requirements.
Technical Capabilities & Manufacturing Limits
| Parameter / Feature | Engineering Specification |
| Max Part Envelope (X / Y / Z) | 2,300 × 1,500 × 600 mm (Large-format gantry machining) |
| Machining Tolerance | ±0.005 mm (Precision dimensional control) |
| Min Feature Size | ⌀1.0 mm (Micro-hole drilling & pin execution) |
| Min Wall Thickness | 0.25 mm (Geometry & alloy dependent) |
| As-Machined Surface Finish | Ra 0.4 – 3.2 µm (Post-process grinding available for tighter finishes) |
| Rapid Prototype Lead Time | Fast-track in 3 business days |
| Production Pricing | Confirmed following DFM & Drawing Review |
Integrated Heat Treatment Services
To prevent warping, cracking, and dimensional distortion, we have fully integrated heat treatment processes into our tool steel CNC machining workflow. Our comprehensive service covers rough machining in the annealed state, stress-relief treatment, oxidation-free vacuum hardening (achieving hardness levels of 60+ HRC), and post-hardening finishing operations—such as hard milling, grinding, and wire-cut EDM. We ensure adherence to tolerances of ±0.005 mm and target Rockwell hardness specifications, while providing 100% HRC inspection reports and Material Test Reports (MTR).
Quality Inspection
To prevent premature cracking, wear-related failure, and assembly mismatches, we implement rigorous quality control throughout the tool steel fabrication—including calibrated Rockwell (HRC) hardness testing, CMM dimensional verification, material spectral analysis (PMI), and non-destructive testing—to ensure full compliance with your drawing specifications; each shipment is accompanied by a Material Test Report (MTR) and a Certificate of Conformance.
Every heat-treated tool steel component undergoes multi-point Rockwell C scale (HRC) hardness testing to verify target hardness and uniform case depth.
High-precision Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and optical projectors are used to inspect and verify complex cavity profiles, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) requirements, and tight tolerances as precise as ±0.005 mm.
Ultrasonic and magnetic particle inspections are performed to detect subsurface micro-cracks and eliminate risks associated with the recast layer.
100% material composition analysis (PMI spectral testing) ensures the authenticity of mold steel grades (e.g., D2, H13, M2), supported by original Mill Test Reports (MTR) for verification.
Deep Cavity Tool Steel Machining
Machining deep cavities, narrow mold pockets, and features with high length-to-diameter ratios in hard tool steel poses a significant risk of tool deflection, chatter, and breakage. Our deep-cavity tool steel CNC machining technology integrates shrink-fit tool holders, high-pressure internal cooling systems, and directional EDM corner-clearing techniques; this approach effectively eliminates stress-induced cracking and enables the machining of tool steel components with complex geometries.
DFM Analysis
Our engineering services go far beyond simple drawing reviews. Your project will be handled directly by our experienced tool steel engineering team. We assign a dedicated mold engineer to every project to provide comprehensive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis—including optimizing toolpaths for deep-cavity clearance, designing specialized rigid fixtures for thin-walled parts, and precisely calculating machining allowances prior to hardening—ensuring a seamless process from initial drawings to the delivery of the finished tool steel component. Additionally, we offer reverse engineering services; simply provide an existing part or old drawings, and we can manufacture the component for you.
Tool Steel CNC Machining Shop
Xtmade operates a dedicated CNC tool steel machining workshop, equipped with a range of CNC machine—including grinding, vertical and horizontal CNC machining centers, wire-cut EDM, and sinker EDM equipment—enabling the production of custom precision tool steel components and rapid prototyping services. Beyond our high-end equipment, our workforce consists of highly experienced professionals who have undergone comprehensive training; their expert and standardized operation of the machinery ensures the production of high-precision tool steel parts.
Why Choose Us
Tool Steel CNC Machining Surface Finishes
Our CNC machining services for tool steel include professional surface treatments. The choice of treatment depends primarily on the part's intended application. If you are unsure which surface treatment process to select, please contact our engineers.
As Machined
Beadblasting
Brushing
Heat Treatment
Polishing
Powder Coating
Electropolishing
Electroplating
Passivation
Tool Steel Parts
Tool Steel Applications
Tool steel uses are found in applications with strict requirements for wear resistance, hardness, toughness, dimensional stability, or high-temperature performance. Our custom tool steel machining services can manufacture various customized parts according to your engineering drawings to meet your requirements, no matter what they are.
How to Order Tool Steel Machining Services
Request a Tool Steel Machining Quote
Please send your drawings or CAD files, specifying the tool steel grade, hardness requirements, quantity, tolerances, and any required inspection documentation. We will evaluate the parts, contact you regarding any manufacturing questions, and provide a quotation.
FAQ
Can you machine tool steel from my drawing or CAD file?
Yes. We work from your drawings, 3D models or samples. To quote accurately, we need the grade, hardness requirement, quantity, critical tolerances and finish requirements.
Should my part be machined before or after hardening?
It depends on final hardness and tolerance. Most parts are rough machined, hardened, then finished. Parts in pre-hardened steel such as P20 can be machined to final size directly. If your drawing does not say, we will propose a sequence for your approval.
Why does heat treatment affect my tolerances?
Hardening changes part size and shape, and the movement varies with grade and geometry. Features with close tolerances are normally finished after hardening, with stock left on those surfaces beforehand.
Can you reproduce a worn or obsolete tooling part?
Yes. Send the drawing or the worn part. We review whether the geometry, grade and hardness can be defined well enough to manufacture, and tell you what is missing.
Do you guarantee the confidentiality of client designs and technical data?
Yes. We treat all materials provided by clients as confidential project information. If your project involves a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or specific confidentiality requirements, we can review and confirm these terms before any technical data is shared.
