GET THE HEAT OUT
Simple Solutions That Work™ April 2020
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. Improved part quality due to better cast structure of the aluminum, as well as reduced porosity is another. However, there is a limit to how many waterlines, and how close these water lines can be to the molding surface, before gross cracking of the die causes premature die failure in an H13 die. Tungsten alloy components have high thermal conductivity, but their high cost and low mechanical strength limit their practical applications.
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COVID-19 update from International Mold Steel
March 18, 2020
Valued Customers and Partners:
As our country continues to feel the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to assure you that we are following the guidance from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), we are operating normally and our inventory levels are good.
The health and wellness of our team and customers is our top priority and we are monitoring the situation closely. We have developed action and response protocols at our facility and for our field sales team. Specific additional steps include:
- Travel has been limited by all IMS employees. No travel to level 2 or above country.
- Anyone who has recently been to a level 2 or above country will not be allowed to enter our facility for 15 days after they return.
- Hand sanitizer is available in common areas and work stations.
- All deliveries and pickups are being made outside of our building.
These steps represent our best judgment, at this moment, about the steps we can take to reduce the risk for ourselves and others. We are committed to taking additional action based on current conditions.
Thank you for your business and partnership. We look forward to making it through this unprecedented situation.
Paul Britton, President
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT DIE STEEL
Simple Solutions That Work™ April 2018
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.
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New stainless mold base steel offers high machinability and improved thermal conductivity
Industeel ArcelorMittal has developed an original patented free-machining martensitic stainless steel called SuperPlast Stainless (SPS), that has seen good success in the marketplace among mold base manufacturers. Mold bases manufactured with SPS offer high machinability to provide both high productivity and longer tool life, thus reducing costs.
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“Toolox is actually well suited for everything,” says Tony Bäckman, the owner of ToBe Teknik, “but we consider it most beneficial in the production of reinforced materials that cause heavier wear on the moulds than other plastics.”
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Cutting Tool Costs
"We used Toolox 44 as somewhat of a last attempt to repair the die and make it last longer/' he says. It was a success. With the A2 and D2 tool steels, we were getting probably 10,000 to 15,000 hits before the die broke. With the Toolox 44, we did 254,000 hits on the die insert."
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The Solution for a Discerning Market
Read how Spanish company Metalurgicas ARNAL used Toolox to cut costs by reducing processing times.
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Metal Forming Magazine, April 2008
Stamper Replaces Carbide Tooling with Coated DC53 |
Why 8% Chrome Cold Work Die Steels are the Fastest Growing Tool Steels
Thomas Schade Vice President, International Mold Steel, Inc.
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TOOLING:
Solutions Start in the Mold
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By: Michelle Maniscalco
NPE Issue 2006
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Injection Molding Magazine 2006 NPE Issue |
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What You Should Consider
When Purchasing P20 Steel

Moldmaking Technology Magazine
November, 2004 |
When buying P20 steels, moldmakers should be aware of the variations and key issues that affect delivery, cost and leadtimes.
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High-performance coating helps stamper fight downtime

Reprinted with permission from The Croydon Group, Ltd., December 7, 2004.
Dies last longer, need no regrinding
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New CrN Tool Coatings Keep Going and Going and Going…

Metal Forming Magazine, July 2003
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Matrix High-Speed Steels -- Economical Alternative to Powders
Metal Forming Magazine, May 2004.
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Steel Selection – Closing the Gap with Offshore Tooling
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The most discussed topic in the mold building industry today is cheaper tooling from offshore competition.
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Pre-Hardened Tool Steel Saves Time and Money
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Using NAK55 standard mold bases allows moldmakers to focus on crucial core and cavity work.
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Is It Tough Enough for You?
Can a new tool steel that machines like butter really be tough enough to withstand the pounding that a Tier One automotive stamping plant will put it through? We ask an "old D-2 boy" what he thinks.
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High-Performance Mold Steel
Article provided with permission from Makino, Inc. The complete article is available on their Web site. at www.moldmakermag.com
Prehardened Mold Steels offer Machinability and Weldability |