本文讨论了工具钢的性能及其对工业工具使用性能的影响。比较了各种工具钢的力学性能。介绍了粉末冶金（颗粒冶金，简称CPM）工具钢的特点。提出了利用属性提高工具性能或修复工具问题的方法。本文还为评估大多数类型的工业工具和模具的机械性能要求提供了一个有凝聚力的背景。

This paper discusses properties of tool steels relative to their effects on operating performance of industrial tools. Mechanical properties of various tool steels are compared. The characteristics of powder metallurgy (particle metallurgy, or CPM) tool steels are presented. The method for utilizing properties to upgrade tool performance or fix tool problems is suggested. This paper also presents a cohesive background for evaluating mechanical property requirements for most types of industrial tools and dies.