T1 / 1.3355 High-Speed Tool Steel (W18 / SKH2)

T1 (1.3355), also known as W18 or SKH2, is a classic tungsten-based high-speed tool steel. It is well known for its excellent hot hardness, strong wear resistance, and stable cutting performance at elevated temperatures.

Thanks to its high tungsten content, T1 steel maintains hardness and cutting-edge stability even under high-speed and high-temperature machining conditions. It is widely used in precision cutting tools, drills, end mills, and heavy-duty industrial tooling, where thermal stability and wear resistance are critical.

For manufacturers seeking a reliable, proven HSS grade, W18/T1 remains a practical and cost-effective choice for both conventional and demanding machining applications.

Key Applications

W18 high-speed steel is used where high hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature strength are required, including:

  • Metal cutting tools: drills, milling cutters, and lathe tools for high-speed and high-temperature machining
  • Moulds and dies: die-casting and stamping tools with high wear resistance.
  • Precision tools: measuring and inspection instruments
  • Automotive tooling: tools for engine and transmission manufacturing
  • Aerospace and defense tools: components used under high-temperature and high-load conditions
Metal Cutting Tools
W18 / T1 Equivalent Standards & Specifications
ZEICIN GradeGBAISIJISDINErasteelBohlerHitachi
W18W18Cr4VT1SKH21.3355ET1S200YHX2
W18 / T1 Chemical Composition
ElemnetCWMoCrVCoAlMnSiSP
Contene(%)0.73-0.8317.20-18.703.80-4.501.00-1.200.10-0.400.20-0.40≤0.03≤0.03
W18 / T1 Heat Treatment Process

Annealing

Performed to soften the steel, relieve internal stresses, and improve machinability before hardening.

Quenching

Heated to high temperature and rapidly cooled to achieve high hardness, wear resistance, and cutting performance.

Tempering

Applied after quenching to reduce residual stress and optimize the balance between hardness and toughness, ensuring stable performance at elevated temperatures.

W18 / T1 Isothermal Spheroidizing

Annealing-Quenching-Tempering graph (HRC:63-64)

W18 / T1 Microstructure
Microstructure W18 / T1 100times
Microstructure W18 / T1 500times
W18 / T1 Product Forms

ZEICIN Steel is a professional manufacturer of W18 / T1 high-speed steel, supplying products through hot rolling and hot forging processes. Both bulk orders and customized sizes are available.

 

TypeSpecification(mm)Surface Condition
Cold-drawn Round Steelφ1-12Black/Centerless Surface
Hot-rolled Round Steelφ12-60Turned Surface
Precision Forged Round Steel
(Spray Forming)
φ60-300+Turned/Peeled Surface

Surface Condition Gallery

Different surface conditions affect appearance, dimensional accuracy, and machining allowance. The images below show common delivery options (actual products may vary by size and batch).

Why Choose ZEICIN STEEL As Your W18 / T1 Manufacturer?
T1 tungsten-based HSS maintains stable cutting performance under high-speed and high-temperature conditions.
Excellent Hot Hardness and High-Temperature Stability
A proven production route ensures uniform microstructure, consistent hardness, and predictable performance.
Mature Process and Reliable Heat Treatment Response
Optimized hardness–toughness balance helps reduce edge softening and supports continuous and heavy-duty machining.
Balanced Toughness for Continuous Cutting
Strict quality control ensures batch consistency. Materials comply with major international standards and are supplied with full traceability.
Stable Quality and International Compliance
Technical Strength
To ensure stable supply and batch consistency, we build our capability on continuous R&D and process innovation.

ZEICIN STEEL invests in R&D for high-speed steels and martensitic stainless steels. Our focus is on cleaner steel, more uniform carbide distribution, and stable heat-treatment response to support longer service life and better batch consistency.

National-Level Program Participation & R&D Support

Our company research and development team:Our company is one Member of the key project of “the 13th five-year plan ”of the National ministry of science and technology, Our company enjoys National government support and financial subsidies.

Rapid-Solidification ESR Development (High Speed Steel)

Together with Shanghai University and a Beijing-based steel research institute, we have developed a rapid-solidification electroslag remelting (RS ESR) process route. This process helps improve steel cleanliness and carbide uniformity, supporting longer tool life and more stable performance.

Spray Forming HSS: Technical Cooperation & Capability Building

We work with Baosteel Group on spray forming technology. Our team supports process development and engineering validation for spray-formed HSS, helping meet high-performance material development and scale-up needs.

Awards & Honors Received
RS-ESR
Spray Forming HSS
Honorary certificate
Invention Patent Certificate
Environmental Management System Certification
Invention Patent Certificate
Utility Model Patent Certificate
Packaging & Shipping
Customer Feedback
Real customer feedback to show our performance in quality, and service .
HSS CLIENTS TEST FEEDBACK
HSS CLIENTS TEST FEEDBACK
HSS HOBS TEST FEEDBACK
Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We are a factory. ZEICIN STEEL produces high-quality, cost-effective special steels, including stainless steel, tool & die steel, and high-speed steel. We also have our own import/export license, so we can serve overseas customers directly and support stable supply with batch traceability.

Yes. For first-time cooperation, we can provide a limited quantity of samples for verification (such as grade confirmation, machining trials, or heat-treatment evaluation). Samples can be shipped by international courier, and the courier cost is paid by the buyer. We value honest cooperation and look forward to a long-term win-win partnership.

Our common international payment methods include T/T and L/C. For trade terms, we can also support options such as DDU based on the order. The final payment method and terms can be confirmed according to your country/region, order value, and delivery method.

 

Our products use standard industrial packaging to ensure safe transportation. If you need custom packaging, please let us know when placing your order.

If the products are in stock, delivery usually takes 5–7 days.
If the products are not in stock, delivery time is about 30–40 days, depending on the order quantity.

圆棒 30

Contact us for more information on steel materials and finished products.

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