International Mold Steel

Hot Work Steels

Overview  

Our hot work steels provide the best balance of toughness and strength to deliver dies that are tough to the core.

Recommended Reading

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DIE STEEL

Simple Solutions That Work™ 

In today’s die-cast market, you have many different steels to choose from. North American Die Casting Association publishes a list of different types of Hot Works steels to choose from when selecting a material for an upcoming job.

HARDNESS AND CHARPY IMPACT VALUES IN DIE STEELS
When it comes to steels used in the die-cast industry, one of the key factors that die casters are looking for is consistency. Consistency can come in many forms. We can have consistency in quality, pricing, hardness levels, and many more. One of the main consistencies that need to be maintained to achieve longer die life is mechanical properties. In particular “Charpy Impact Strength”.
ALUMINUM MOTORCYCLE WHEEL
SCRAP REDUCING CASE STUDY WITH HIGH THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY DIE STEEL A manufacturer of aluminum motorcycle wheels was suffering with a rejection rate of 45%. Most rejects were caused by shrinkage around the center core pin for the axle area. The original pin was made out of H-13 at HRC 49 and nitrided. The caster could not get sufficient cooling of the H-13 pin to eliminate the shrinkage problem.
Get the Heat Out!

Using High Thermal Conductivity Steel to Reduce Cycle time, Reduce Scrap, and Improve Part Quality

There are many benefits to increasing the cooling rate for an aluminum part in a die cast die. Reducing cycle time is an important cost savings.

DH31-EX

DH31-EX is a hot working die steel with the best balance of strength and toughness showing the comparable softening resistance to SKD7.

DH31-EX is a hot working die steel with the best balance of strength and toughness showing comparable softening resistance to SKD7 and twice the hardenability as that of SKD61.

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS

  • High hardenability
  • High toughness is obtained even in large-size die.
  • High strength

DHA-World

Improved H13 applicable for a wide variety of uses High toughness even in large dies due to higher hardenability than that of H13

Unique Characteristics:
  • 38-42 HRc hardness.
  • Through hardened for exceptional dimensional stability.
  • Cuts mold making costs by reducing man hours required for machining.

TOOLOX 44

TOOLOX 44 is a new quenched and tempered tool steel designed to have high impact and low residual stresses and therefore good dimensional stability.

Unique Characteristics:

  • Despite hardness of nominal 45 HRC, this new steel is easy to machine.
  • Great for guide rails, bending tools, etc. when high stability materials are required.
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