Top 10 Companies in the Machine Tool Steel Industry (2026): Innovators Driving Precision Manufacturing

In Business Insights
January 20, 2026


The Global Machine Tool Steel Market was valued at USD 382.7 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 642.9 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This robust growth is propelled by expanding manufacturing activities across automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery sectors, alongside technological advancements in high-speed steel formulations and precision tooling requirements.

As global industries push toward higher efficiency and precision in manufacturing, the demand for specialized steel capable of withstanding extreme operational conditions has intensified. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Machine Tool Steel Industry—comprising established metallurgical giants and specialist manufacturers who are setting new benchmarks for performance, durability, and innovation in tool steel production.


🔟 1. Sandvik Materials Technology

Headquarters: Sandviken, Sweden
Key Offering: High-Speed Steels, Powder Metallurgy Tool Steels, Corrosion-Resistant Grades

Sandvik Materials Technology is a global leader in advanced stainless steels and special alloys, with a formidable presence in the machine tool steel segment. The company’s proprietary powder metallurgy process produces tool steels with unmatched homogeneity and wear resistance, making them ideal for high-performance cutting tools and industrial applications.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Pioneering developments in carbide-containing tool steels for extended service life

  • Advanced heat treatment capabilities ensuring consistent hardness above 64 HRC

  • Sustainable manufacturing initiatives targeting 90% recycled content in steel production

Download FREE Sample Report: Machine Tool Steel Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Nachi-Fujikoshi Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-Speed Steel (HSS) Cutting Tools, Die Steels, Specialty Alloys

Nachi-Fujikoshi is renowned for its comprehensive range of cutting tools and tool steels, with a strong focus on research and development. The company’s recent launch of enhanced HSS grades in Q3 2024 demonstrated a 15% improvement in tool life for high-temperature machining applications, reinforcing its position as an innovation leader.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Breakthrough surface treatment technologies for superior wear resistance

  • Integration of digital tracking for material traceability throughout the supply chain


8️⃣ 3. Daido Steel Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan
Key Offering: Die Steels, High-Speed Steels, Specialty Tool Steels

Daido Steel specializes in high-grade tool steels for demanding applications in automotive die casting and plastic molding. The company’s proprietary DACS (Daido Advanced Casting System) technology produces exceptionally clean steel with minimal impurities, resulting in superior mechanical properties and extended tool life.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Development of nano-carbide dispersion steels for ultra-precision applications

  • Strategic partnerships with automotive OEMs for custom steel development


7️⃣ 4. Voestalpine AG

Headquarters: Linz, Austria
Key Offering: Tool and Die Steels, High-Performance Alloys, Specialty Steels

Voestalpine’s High Performance Metals division is a key European supplier of premium tool steels, serving industries ranging from aerospace to energy. The company’s focus on customer-specific solutions and application engineering has established it as a preferred partner for complex machining operations requiring exceptional material performance.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Investment in Industry 4.0 technologies for predictive quality control

  • Development of cobalt-free high-speed steel alternatives

Download FREE Sample Report: Machine Tool Steel Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Kennametal Inc.

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Tungsten-Based Tool Steels, Cemented Carbides, Cutting Tools

Kennametal combines expertise in materials science with cutting tool manufacturing, creating integrated solutions for metal cutting applications. The company’s advanced tool steels are engineered for specific machining processes, offering optimized performance in high-speed and heavy-duty operations across multiple industries.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Development of application-specific steel grades for additive manufacturing

  • Digital machining solutions integrating tool steel performance analytics


5️⃣ 6. Erasteel SAS

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Powder Metallurgy High-Speed Steels, Specialty Alloys

As part of the ERAMET group, Erasteel is a world leader in powder metallurgy high-speed steels, supplying critical components to the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. The company’s ASP (Abnormal Steel Powder) technology produces steels with superior toughness and wear resistance compared to conventional production methods.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Pioneering work in nitrogen-alloyed tool steels for enhanced performance

  • Sustainability-focused production with closed-loop material recycling systems


4️⃣ 7. Nippon Koshuha Steel Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Tool and Die Steels, High-Speed Steels, Specialty Alloys

Nippon Koshuha Steel specializes in high-quality tool steels for precision applications, with particular expertise in die steels for the electronics and automotive sectors. The company’s rigorous quality control ensures consistent material properties essential for high-volume manufacturing operations.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Development of micro-clean steels for critical injection molding applications

  • Advanced heat treatment services for optimized tool performance


3️⃣ 8. OSG Corporation

Headquarters: Toyokawa, Japan
Key Offering: High-Speed Steel Cutting Tools, Taps, End Mills, Drills

OSG is a globally recognized manufacturer of cutting tools made from premium tool steels, with a strong emphasis on research and product development. The company’s proprietary surface treatment technologies enhance the performance of their tool steels, delivering superior results in demanding machining applications.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Innovations in coated tool steels for improved machining efficiency

  • Global technical support network for application-specific solutions


2️⃣ 9. Carpenter Technology Corporation

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Premium Tool Steels, High-Temperature Alloys, Specialty Steels

Carpenter Technology produces high-performance tool steels for critical applications in aerospace, defense, and medical industries. The company’s expertise in vacuum melting and precision rolling ensures exceptional material consistency and performance characteristics required for mission-critical components.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Development of custom alloy formulations for specific customer applications

  • Advanced material characterization capabilities for quality assurance


1️⃣ 10. Thyssenkrupp AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Tool and Die Steels, Forged Components, Specialty Alloys

Thyssenkrupp’s materials services division supplies high-quality tool steels to industrial customers worldwide, backed by extensive metallurgical expertise and production capabilities. The company’s focus on sustainable steel production aligns with growing industry demands for environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

Innovation & Technological Leadership:

  • Investment in digitalization for improved supply chain efficiency

  • Development of next-generation tool steels for electric vehicle manufacturing

Get Full Report Here: Machine Tool Steel Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔧 Outlook: The Future of Machine Tool Steel is Smarter and More Sustainable

The machine tool steel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by digitalization, sustainability imperatives, and evolving manufacturing requirements. While traditional tool steels continue to dominate volume production, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on advanced formulations and sustainable production methods to meet future industry demands.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated adoption of powder metallurgy for superior material properties

  • Growing emphasis on circular economy principles in steel production

  • Digital twin technology for predictive performance optimization

  • Custom alloy development for specific industry applications

Get Full Report Here: Machine Tool Steel Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above represent the vanguard of tool steel innovation, driving progress in manufacturing efficiency and material performance across global industries.