Die steels and improvedproductivity in die casting

SS-EN ISO 9001SS-EN ISO 14001

DIE CASTING

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ContentsIntroduction ............................................. 3

Demands on the die cast product ...... 3

Aspects of design .................................... 4

Die making ............................................... 5

Dimensional stability .............................. 6

Die Performance ..................................... 8

Demands on die steelsfor die casting ........................................... 10

Die economy ............................................ 14

Product programme – general description ............................ 15 – analysis and quality comparison ..... 16

Steel and hardnessrecommendations .................................... 17

The ESR tool steel process ................... 18

This information is based on our present state of knowledge and is intended to provide generalnotes on our products and their uses. It should not therefore be construed as a warranty ofspecific properties of the products described or a warranty for fitness for a particular purpose.

Classified according to EU Directive 1999/45/ECFor further information see our “Material Safety Data Sheets”.

Edition 6, 03.2008The latest revised edition of this brochure is the English version,which is always published on our web site www.uddeholm.com

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IntroductionPressure die casting offers aneconomical way of producing largequantities of complex, high-toler-ance parts in aluminium, magnesium,zinc and copper alloys.

The continued growth of the diecasting process depends, to a largeextent, on the greater use of diecastings in the automotive industry,where weight reduction is increas-ingly important.

Long production runs have fo-cused attention on the importanceof obtaining improved die life. Dur-ing the last years Uddeholm hasoccupied a leading role in develop-ing die materials to meet this de-mand and that of higher die steelspecifications. This has resulted inthe grades Uddeholm OrvarSupreme, Uddeholm Orvar Supe-rior, Uddeholm Vidar Superior,

Demandson the Die CastProductIncreasing demands on die castproducts will ensure continueddevelopment of die casting alloyswith higher strength and ductility,improved machinability, weldabilityand corrosion resistance.

Uddeholm QRO 90 Supreme andUddeholm Dievar.

Die casters are now experiencingreal savings in production and tool-ing costs by using these premiumdie steels with closely specified heattreatment procedures. Further im-provements have been realized bypaying close attention to goodproduct and die design and improv-ed die casting practices.

The trends in product design aregoing towards:

• larger components• thinner wall thicknesses• more complicated shapes

• closer tolerances

These factors favor the use of highpressure die casting over othercasting methods like low pressureand gravity die casting.

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✗

CavityHigh-strength steels are extremelynotch-sensitive. It is therefore im-portant that the cavity is designedwith smooth changes of sectionsand fillets of maximum possibleradius.

In order to reduce the risk of ero-sion and heat checking on the diematerial near the gate, the cavitywall or any cores or inserts shouldbe located as far from the gate aspossible.

Cooling channelsThe location of the cooling channelsshould be such that the entire sur-face of the die cavity has as uniform

✗

a temperature as possible. Surfacesmoothness of the channels is im-portant, both from the view pointof cooling and from the view pointof strength.

Runners, gates and overflowsTo get optimum casting conditionsthe cooling system must have a heatbalance with “the hot part” (run-ners, gates, overflows and cavities).This means that the design of therunner, gate and overflow system isof great importance. In parts whichare difficult to fill in the cavity, anoverflow should be located to helpcasting metal to flow into this part.In multicavity dies with identicalimpressions it is important that allrunners have the same path lengthand cross-sectional area and thatthe gates and overflows are identi-cal.

The position of the gates and thethickness and width of the land iscritical for the injection speed ofmetal. The gates should be designedso that the injected metal flowssmoothly and freely into all parts ofthe cavity. Casting metal that issprayed instead of flowed into the

cavity causes bad castings. Excessiveturbulence of casting metal cancause erosion of the die.

Guidelines for sizingThe following are some guidelinesfor sizing a die for aluminium tomeet strength requirements:

1. Distance from cavity to outersurface >50 mm (2 in)

2. Ratio of cavity depth to totalthickness <1:3

3. Distance from cavity to coolingchannel >25 mm (1 in)Distance from cavity to coolingchannel at corner >50 mm (2 in)

4. Fillet radii:Zinc >0,5 mm (0,02 in),Aluminium >1 mm (0,04 in),Brass >1,5 mm (0,06 in)

5. Distance from gate to cavity wall>50 mm (2 in)

Aspectsof Die DesignThe design of a die casting die isprimarily determined by the shapeof the finished component. Butthere are a number of aspects in-volved in the design and sizing of adie which can have an influence andimportant bearing on die life.

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Die MakingWhen manufacturing a die castingdie the following are of vital impor-tance:• Machinability• Electrical Discharge

Machining (EDM)• Heat treatment• Dimensional stability• Surface treatment• Weldability

MachinabilityThe machinability of martensitichot work tool steels is mainly influ-enced by the amount of non-metal-lic inclusions like manganese sulfidesand the hardness of the steel.

As the performance of a die cast-ing die can be improved by loweringthe impurities, i.e. sulphur and oxy-gen, Uddeholm Dievar, UddeholmOrvar Supreme, Uddeholm OrvarSuperior, Uddeholm Vidar Superiorand Uddeholm QRO 90 Supremeare produced with an extremelylow sulphur and oxygen level.

The optimum structure formachining is a uniform distributionof well spheroidized carbides in asoft annealed ferritic structure withas low a hardness as possible. TheMicrodizing process gives Udde-holm Dievar, Uddeholm OrvarSupreme, Uddeholm Orvar Supe-rior, Uddeholm Vidar Superior andUddeholm QRO 90 Supreme ahomogeneous structure with ahardness of approx. 160 HB forUddeholm Dievar and 180 HB forUddeholm Orvar Supreme, Udde-holm Orvar Superior, UddeholmVidar Superior and Uddeholm QRO90 Supreme. The steels are charac-terized by a very uniform machin-ability.

General machining data for turn-ing, milling and drilling of UddeholmDievar, Uddeholm Orvar Supreme,Uddeholm Orvar Superior, Udde-holm Vidar Superior and UddeholmQRO 90 Supreme can be found inthe product information brochures.

EDM OF HARDENEDAND TEMPERED MATERIAL

A Conventional machining

B Hardening and temperingC Initial EDM, avoiding “arcing” and

excessive stock removal rates.Finish with “finesparking”, i.e. lowcurrent, high frequency

D (i) Grind or polish EDM surface

(ii) Temper the tool at 15–25°C (30–50°F) lower than the highest previous tempering

temperature.

Heat treatmentHot work tool steels are normallydelivered in the soft annealed condi-tion. After machining, the die mustbe heat treated in order to giveoptimum hot yield strength, temperresistance, toughness and ductility.

The properties of the steel arecontrolled by the hardening tem-perature and time, the cooling rateand the tempering temperature.

A high austenitizing temperaturefor a die has a positive influence onthe hot yield strength and the re-sistance to softening, which reducethe heat checking tendency. InUddeholm Orvar Supreme, Udde-holm Orvar Superior and Udde-holm QRO 90 Supreme these prop-erties can be enhanced by austeni-tizing at 1050°C (1920°F) instead of1020°C (1870°F). For UddeholmDievar 1030°C (1885°F) instead of1000°C (1830°F) and for UddeholmVidar Superior 1000°C (1830°F)instead of 980°C (1800°F).

On the other hand, a high auste-nitizing temperature gives an in-creased risk of grain growth, whichcan cause a reduction in toughnessand ductility. Hence the higheraustenitizing temperature shouldonly be used for small dies, coresand core pins.

Similarly, a higher hardness has apositive effect on heat checking,although a hardness exceeding

A Conventional machining

B Initial EDM, avoiding “arcing” andexcessive stock removal rates.Finish with “finesparking”, i.e. lowcurrent, high frequency

C Grind or polish EDM surface. Thisreduces the risk of crack formationduring heating and quenching.Slow preheating, in stages, to thehardening temperature is recom-mended.

Electrical DischargeMachiningThe use of Electrical DischargeMachining (EDM) in the productionof die casting dies has been firmlyestablished in recent years.

Development of the process hasproduced significant refinements inoperating technique, productivityand accuracy, while increasing theversatility of the process. EDM con-tinues to grow, therefore, as a majorproduction tool in most die makingcompanies, machining with equalease hardened or annealed steels.

The basic principles of EDM(spark erosion) are electrical dis-charges between a graphite or cop-per anode and the steel, the cath-ode, in a dielectric medium. Duringthe process the surface of the steelis subjected to very high tempera-tures, causing the steel to melt orvaporize. A melted and brittle re-solidified layer is caused at the sur-face and beneath that a rehardenedand tempered layer.

The influence of the EDM opera-tion on the surface properties ofthe die steel can in unfavorablecircumstances destroy the workingperformance of the die. For thisreason the following steps arerecommended, as a precautionarymeasure:

EDM OF ANNEALED MATERIAL

More information about electricaldischarge machining can be found inthe brochure “EDM of Tool Steels”.

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50 HRC is not recommended foraluminium die casting and similarlynot exceeding 46 HRC for brass.The risk of cracking and total failureincreases with higher hardness.

However, by developing the highertoughness in Uddeholm Dievar andUddeholm Orvar Supreme, Udde-holm Orvar Superior and Udde-holm Vidar Superior the risk offailure is considerably reduced.

The quenching rate during hard-ening has a great significance forUddeholm Dievar, UddeholmOrvar Supreme, Uddeholm OrvarSuperior, Uddeholm Vidar Superiorand Uddeholm QRO 90 Supremeand for all other steels of similartype.

A low quenching rate gives thebest possible dimensional stability,but the risk for undesirable changesin the microstructure of the steelincreases.

A too low cooling rate duringhardening can reduce the fracturetoughness of the steel.

A high quenching rate gives thebest possible structure and conse-quently the best die life.

The right balance must be foundbetween the lower costs resultingfrom a low quenching rate and thebetter die life achieved by using ahigh cooling rate. In most cases ahigh quenching rate is to be pre-ferred where the total economy ofthe die is the major consideration.

Decarburization and heavy car-burization may cause prematureheat checking and shall be avoidedat all times.

The die should be tempered aftercooling to 50–70°C (120–160°F).A second tempering operation isessential to obtain a satisfactorystructure. The tempering tempera-ture should be selected to obtainthe desired hardness of the die. Athird temper is recommended foradded safety.

DimensionalStabilityDistortion duringthe hardening and temperingof die casting diesWhen a die casting die is hardenedand tempered, some warpage ordistortion normally occurs. Thisdistortion is usually greater whenusing higher austenitizing tempera-tures.

This is well known, and it is nor-mal practice to leave some machin-ing allowance on the die prior tohardening. This makes it possible toadjust the die to the correct dimen-sions after hardening and temperingby grinding, EDM’ing etc.

Distortion takes place becauseof stresses in the material. Thesestresses can be divided into:

• machining stresses• thermal stresses• transformation stresses

MACHINING STRESSES

This type of stress is generatedduring machining operations such asturning, milling and grinding.

If stresses have built up in a part,they will be released during heating.

Aluminium partfor the automotiveindustry

Heating reduces strength, releasingstresses through local distortion.This can lead to overall distortion.

In order to reduce distortionwhile heating during the hardeningprocess, a stress relieving operationcan be carried out. It is recom-mended that the material be stress-relieved after rough machining. Anydistortion can then be adjustedduring fine machining, prior to thehardening operation.

THERMAL STRESSES

These stresses are created whenthe die is heated. They increase ifheating takes place rapidly or un-evenly. The volume of the die isincreased by heating. Uneven heat-ing can result in local variations involume growth, leading to stressesand distortion.

Preheating in stages is alwaysrecommended in order to equalizethe temperature in the component.

An attempt should always bemade to heat slowly enough so thatthe temperature remains virtuallyequal throughout the die.

What has been said regardingheating also applies to quenching.Very powerful stresses arise duringquenching. As a general rule, the

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instructions are followed, goodresults can be obtained.

PREPARATION BEFORE WELDING

Parts to be welded must be ade-quately chamfered and free fromdirt and grease to ensure satisfac-tory penetration and fusion.

WELDING OFSOFT ANNEALED MATERIAL

1 Preheat to min. 325–375°C(620–710°F).

2 Start welding at this temperature.Never let the temperature of thetool go below 325°C (620°F).Max. interpass temperature 475°C(885°F). The best way to keep a con-stant temperature of the tool duringwelding, is to use an insulated boxwith thermostatically controlledelectrical elements inside the walls.

3 After welding cool very slowly20–40°C/h (35–70°F/h) for the firsttwo hours and then freely in air.

4 Soft anneal immediately afterwelding.

WELDING OF HARDENEDAND TEMPERED MATERIAL

1 Preheat to min. 325–375°C(620–710°F).

2 Start welding at this temperature.Never let the temperature of thetool go below 325°C (620°F).Max. interpass temperature 475°C(885°F). The best way to keep aconstant temperature of the toolduring welding, is to use an insulatedbox with thermostatically controlledelectrical elements inside the walls.

3 After welding cool very slowly20–40°C/h (35–70°F/h) for the firsttwo hours and then freely in air.

4 Stress temper 25°C (50°F) belowthe highest previous temperingtemperature for two (2) hours.

WELDING CONSUMABLES

Uddeholm QRO 90 Weld (SMAW),Uddeholm QRO 90 TIG-Weld orUddeholm Dievar TIG-Weld. Moreinformation about welding and con-sumables can be found in thebrochure “Welding of Tool Steel”.

cooling rates should be as fast aspossible, relative to the acceptabledistortion level.

It is important that the quenchingmedium is applied as uniformly aspossible. This is especially validwhen forced air or protective gasatmosphere (as in vacuum furnaces)is used. Otherwise temperaturedifferences in the tool can lead tosignificant distortion. Step quenchingis recommended for larger, morecomplex dies.

TRANSFORMATION STRESSES

This type of stress arises when themicrostructure of the steel is trans-formed. This is because the threemicrostructures in question—fer-rite, austenite and martensite—havedifferent densities, i.e. volumes.

The greatest effect is caused bytransformation from austenite tomartensite. This causes a volumeincrease.

Excessively rapid and unevenquenching can also cause local mar-tensite formation, causing volumeincreases locally in a die giving riseto stresses in some sections. Thesestresses can lead to distortion and,in some cases, cracks.

Surface treatmentSurface treatments like gas nitriding,salt bath or ion nitriding can have abeneficial effect on certain parts ofa die casting die, such as shotsleeves, nozzles, runners, spreaders,gates, ejector pins and core pins.Different steels possess differentnitriding properties, depending onchemical composition.

Other surface treatments havealso proved beneficial in die castingapplications.

WeldabilityIn many cases, it is important that adie casting die can be repaired bywelding. The repair-welding of toolsteel always entails a risk of crack-ing, but if care is taken and heating

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Preheating Material temperature

Tin, Lead alloys 100–150°C(210–300°F)

Zinc alloys 150–200°C(300–390°F)

Magnesium,Aluminium alloys 180–300°C

(355–570°F)

Copper alloys 300–350°C(570–660°F)

It is important that heating isgradual and even. Thermostaticallycontrolled heating systems arerecommended.

When preheating, coolant should begradually applied in order to obtaina state of equilibrium. Shock coolingshould be avoided.

Dies containing inserts must beheated at a slow rate so the insertsand holders can gradually expandtogether.

Correct coolingThe temperature of the die is con-trolled via cooling channels and bythe lubricant on the die surface.

In order to reduce the risk ofheat checking, the cooling water canbe preheated to approximately50°C (120°F). Thermostatically con-trolled cooling systems are alsocommon. Cooling water colder than20°C (70°F) is not recommended.During breaks longer than a fewminutes, the flow of coolant shouldbe adjusted so that the die does notcool down too much.

Surface treatmentTo avoid metal-to-die contact it isimportant that the lubricant (partingcompound) adheres well to the diesurface. For example, a new or re-cently repaired die should not havea glossy metal surface. It is thereforea good idea to coat the die surfacewith a thin oxide film to providegood adhesion for the lubricant inthe running-in period.

The surface of the die can beoxidized by heating to approx.500°C (930°F) for one hour follow-ed by cooling in air. Heating in asteam atmosphere, 500°C (930°F),for 30 minutes also produces agood oxide film, with suitable thick-ness.

To remove built-up deposits ofdie lubricants after a period of use,shot peening of the cavity surface isrecommended. This treatment alsocloses some of the heat checkingcracks. It induces compressivestresses in the surface layer, which

Die PerformanceThe life of a die casting die variesconsiderably depending on the sizeand design of the casting, the type ofcasting alloy, and the care and main-tenance of the die.

The life of a die can be prolongedby suitable treatment before andduring casting by:

• suitable preheating• correct cooling• surface treatment• stress tempering

Preheatingrange

Preheatingrange

Impact strength

QRO 90 SUPREME

DIEVAR

100 200 300 400 500°C 200 400 600 800 1000°F

Testing temperature

ORVAR SUPREME

VIDAR SUPERIOR

ORVAR SUPERIOR

Hot yieldstrength

100 200 300 400 500 600°C 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

Testing temperature

QRO 90 SUPREMEDIEVAR

ORVAR SUPREMEand ORVAR SUPERIOR

VIDAR SUPERIOR

Suitable preheatingThe initial contact between a colddie casting die and the hot castingmetal causes a severe shock to thedie material. Heat checking can startat the very first shot and quicklylead to total failure.

Further, it is important to notethat the impact strength, i.e. thematerials ability to withstand ther-mal and mechanical shock, is in-creased significantly during the firstshots by proper preheating of thetool.

It is essential, therefore that thetemperature difference between thedie surface and the molten metal isnot too great. For this reason, pre-heating is always recommended.

The most suitable preheating tem-perature is dependent on the typeof casting alloy, but normally liesbetween 150 and 350°C (300 and660°F).

The curves, in the graphs to theleft, show the range within whichthe material can be preheated. It isimportant not to preheat to anexcessively high temperature, sincethe die may become too hot duringdie casting, causing a tempering backof the die material. Observe thatthin ribs get hot very quickly. Thefollowing preheating temperaturesare recommended:

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Manufacturing of a diefor brass die casting

compensate for some of the tensilestresses which cause heat checking.Parts which are subjected to abra-sion and friction, such as ejectorpins and shot sleeves, may be ni-trided or nitrocarburized for longerlife.

Stress temperingDuring die casting, the surface ofthe die is subjected to thermalstrains derived from the variationsin temperature; this repeated strain-ing may result in residual stressesbeing generated in the surface re-gions of the die. In most cases, suchresidual stresses will be tensile innature and thereby assist initiationof heat checking cracks. Stresstempering the die will reduce thelevel of residual tensile stress andthereby enhance die life. We recom-mend, therefore, that stress temper-ing be performed after the running-in period and then after 1000–2000and 5000–10 000 shots. The pro-cedure is then repeated for eachadditional 10 000–20 000 shots, solong as the die exhibits only minoramounts of heat checking. However,there is little point in stress temper-

ing a heat checked die because theformation of surface cracks in itselfreduces the level of residual stress.Stress tempering is best carried outat a temperature about 25°C (50°F)below the highest tempering tem-perature which has previously beenused during heat treatment of thedie. Normally, two hours holdingtime at temperature should be suffi-cient.

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Casting Casting temp. Factors which limit Normal life, number of shotsalloy °F °C die life, Die Die Core

Zinc ~800 ~430 Erosion 0.5–2 million 0.5–2 million

Mag- ~1200 ~650 Heat checking 100,000 50,000nesium Cracking to to

Erosion 400,000 200,000Indentation

Alumi- ~1300 ~700 Heat checking 60,000 40,000num Cracking to to

Erosion 200,000 150,000Indentation

Copper/ ~1780 ~970 Heat checking 5,000 1,000Brass Indentation to to

Erosion 50,000 5,000Cracking

Demands onDie Steels for DieCastingDie casting dies are exposed tosevere thermal and mechanicalcyclic loading, which puts high de-mands on the die material. Thereare thus a number of phenomenawhich restrict die life. The mostimportant are:

• thermal fatigue (heatchecking)

• corrosion/erosion• cracking (total failure)• indentation

The number of shots achievable in adie casting die is strongly influencedby the working temperature, i.e.the casting alloy. The die life for aspecific alloy can also vary consider-ably due to the design of the castproduct, the surface finish, the pro-duction rate, the process control,the design of the die, the die mate-rial, and its heat treatment and theacceptance level of size and surfacefinish variations.

strain. If any one of these factors arenot present, a thermal fatigue crackwill neither initiate nor propagate.The plastic strain starts the crackand the tensile stress promotes thecrack growth.

The following factors influence thethermal fatigue:• Die temperature cycle

Preheating temperatureSurface temperature of the dieHolding time at peak tem-peratureCooling rate

• Basic die material propertiesThermal expansion coefficientThermal conductivityHot yield strengthTemper resistanceCreep strengthDuctility

• Stress raisersFillets, holes and cornersSurface roughness

Die temperature cycle

PREHEATING TEMPERATURE

It is essential that the temperaturedifference between the die surfaceand the molten metal is not toogreat. For this reason preheating isalways recommended.

The preheating temperatureshould be minimum 180°C (355°F)for Aluminium at which tempera-ture the fracture toughness isalmost twice as high as at roomtemperature.

Thermal fatigueThermal fatigue is a gradual crackingdue to thermal stresses from manytemperature cycles and is a micro-scale phenomenon taking place onlyin a thin surface layer.

In use die casting dies are sub-jected to alternate heating and cool-ing. This gives rise to severe strainsin the surface layer of the die,gradually leading to thermal fatiguecracks. Typical thermal fatigue dam-age is a pattern of surface cracksknown as “heat checking”, well-illustrated in the following photo-graph.

Much attention has been paid tounderstanding the thermal fatigueprocess and to relate the resistanceto heat checking to basic materialproperties. For this purpose Udde-holm has built a special device forsimulation of the thermal fatiguedamage. The aim of these efforts isto improve and develop the diematerial and has resulted in thepre-mium steel grades UddeholmDievar, Uddeholm Orvar Supreme,Uddeholm Orvar Superior, Udde-holm Vidar Superior and UddeholmQRO 90 Supreme.

FACTORS WHICHINFLUENCE THERMAL FATIGUE

Thermal fatigue cracks are causedby a combination of thermal cyclicstress, tensile stress and plastic

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SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF THE DIE

The temperature of the surfacelayer of the die is very importantfor the occurrence of thermalfatigue. Up to 600°C (1110°F) thethermal expansion and the stressesare moderate for a normal hotwork steel but at higher tempera-tures the risk of heat checkingbecomes significant. The surfacetemperature of the die is mainlydetermined by the preheating tem-perature, the casting temperature ofthe metal, the design of the castproduct, the die shape and size andthe thermal properties of the diematerial.

HOLDING TIME ATPEAK TEMPERATURE

Longer holding time implies an in-creased risk of overtempering andcreep of the die material. Thismeans a reduction of the mechani-cal strength and accordingly a lowerresistance to mechanical and/orthermal loadings.

COOLING RATE

The rate at which the surface layercools is of considerable importance.More rapid cooling gives rise togreater stresses and leads to cracksat an earlier stage. The choice ofcoolant is normally a compromisebetween desired die life and pro-duction rate but most die castershave switched from oil-basedlubricants to water-based ones forenvironmental reasons.

Basic die material properties

THERMAL EXPANSION COEFFICIENT

The thermal expansion coefficientought to be low to get low thermalstresses.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

A high thermal conductivity reducesthe thermal gradients and therebythe thermal stresses. It is, however,

very difficult to predict or to inves-tigate experimentally to whatextent the thermal conductivityinfluences this matter.

HOT YIELD STRENGTH

A high hot yield strength lowersthe plastic strain and is beneficial inresisting heat checking.

TEMPER RESISTANCE

If a die material with initially highhot yield strength becomes softerduring use due to high temperatureexposure it means that the heatchecking damage accelerates. It istherefore important that the diematerial has a good resistance tosoftening at high temperatureexposure.

CREEP STRENGTH

The softening associated with tem-per resistance is clearly acceleratedby mechanical load. The die materialis exposed both to high tempera-ture and mechanical load. It is thusobvious that a good die materialwill possess resistance to the jointaction of high temperature andmechanical load as quantified by ahigh creep strength. In fact, it hasbeen proven by experiment thatheat checking cracks also can beproduced by constant temperatureand cyclic mechanical load.

DUCTILITY

The ductility of the die materialquantifies the ability to resist plasticstrain without cracking. At the ini-tiation stage of the thermal fatiguedamage the ductility governs thenumber of cycles before visiblecracks appear for a given hot yieldstrength and temperature cycle. Atthe crack growth stage the ductilityhas a declining influence.

The ductility of the material isgreatly influenced by slag inclusionsand segregations, i.e. the purity andthe homogeneity of the steel. Thesteels from Uddeholm for die cast-

ing dies are therefore processed in aspecial way. The ductility of the steelhas been considerably improved bymeans of a special melting and refin-ing technique, a controlled forgingprocess and a special microstructuretreatment. This improvement isespecially pronounced in the centerof thick blocks.

Stress raisers

FILLETS, HOLES AND CORNERS

Geometrical stress concentrationand increased thermal gradientsincrease the stresses and strains atfillets, holes and corners. This meansthat heat checking cracks start ear-lier in these areas than on planesurfaces. The joint action of heatchecking cracks and fillets increasesthe risk of total failure of the die.

SURFACE ROUGHNESS

Surface defects such as grindingscratches affect the starting ofcracks for the same reasons asfillets, holes and corners. Within therecommended grinding range of220–600 grit, surface roughnessshould not be a cause of heat check-ing. One advantage with a not toohighly polished surface, for examplesand blasted or oxidized, is that theparting lubricant adheres better andis distributed more evenly on thesurface. Further, less soldering takesplace and it gives better release ofcastings. This is especially importantduring the running-in of a new die.

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EROSION BY MOLTENCASTING METAL

Erosion is a form of hot mechanicalwear on the die surface, resultingmainly from the motion of the melt.

Erosion depends upon the velo-city of the melt as it is injected intothe die as well as its temperatureand composition. Melt speeds inexcess of 180 feet/s (55 m/s) sub-stantially increase erosion damage.

A high temperature also affectsthe situation, as the surface of thedie is more easily tempered back.Hard particles such as inclusionsand/or precipitated hard siliconparticles, in hypereutetic aluminiummelts containing more than 12,7%silicon, further increase the risk oferosion damage.

Most commonly a combination ofcorrosion and erosion damagesoccur on the die surface. The typeof damage that is predominant de-pends largely on the velocity of themolten metal into the die. At highvelocities, it is normally the erosiondamage which is predominant.

A good tempering back resistanceand a high hot yield strength of thedie material are important.

Aluminium735°C(1355°F)

Non-oxidized surface

Oxidized surface

1000

800

600

400

200

ORVARSUPREME48 HRC

Zinc500°C(930°F)

Material lossmg/cm2

Brass950°C(1740°F)

Erosion

Soldering damage on a core pin

Corrosion/Erosion

CORROSION BYMOLTEN CASTING METAL

During die casting, the molten metalis injected into the die. In caseswhere the cavity surface lacks aprotective layer, the cast metal willdiffuse into the die surface. At thesame time, alloying elements withinthe die (especially iron), will diffusefrom the die surface into the castmetal. These processes can createboth dissolution of the steel andintermetallic compounds betweenthe cast metal and the die surface.In cases where severe formation ofintermetallic compounds occurs, thecast metal will solder to the diesurface.

Uddeholm has investigated thecorrosion tendency in differentmolten die casting metals.

FACTORS WHICHINFLUENCE CORROSION

A number of factors influence diecorrosion:

• Temperature of thecasting metal

• Composition of thecasting metal

• Design of the die• Surface treatment

TEMPERATURE OFTHE CASTING METAL

The die casting alloys have criticaltemperatures above which corro-sion attacks increase. Zinc starts toreact with steel at about 480°C(900°F) and aluminum at about720°C (1330°F). Copper alloys donot seem to have any really criticaltemperature, but corrosion in-creases slowly with temperature.

COMPOSITION OFTHE CASTING METAL

Pure metals attack tool material at amuch greater rate than commercialalloys. This is valid both for zinc(Zn) and aluminium (Al). The corro-sion of the die steel also increaseswhen the aluminium melt contains alow iron content.

DESIGN OF THE DIE

Die design is also of importancefor corrosion. If molten metal isinjected at too high a velocity, thelubricant on the surface of thecavity can be “washed” away. Toohigh a velocity is usually caused byincorrect gating design.

Degree of corrosion

AluminiumZinc BrassNotrecomm.

Notrecomm.

400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Temperature °C

Notrecomm.

SURFACE TREATMENT

The surface treatment of the diesteel is of great importance. If me-tallic contact between the die steeland the molten metal can beavoided, the risk of corrosion ismuch less. An oxide film on thesurface provides good protection.Nitrided or nitrocarburized surfacesas well as other coating methodsalso give a certain protection.

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IndentationIndentation on the parting lines orsinking of the die is normally dueto too low hot hardness.

At elevated temperatures, thestrength of the steel and thereforeits hardness will diminish. Thismeans that the risk of indentationon a hot work die will increasewith the operating temperature ofthe die. Both the locking pressureon the die halves and the metalinjection pressure are so high thata certain high-temperaturestrength is required. This is espe-cially important for die casting ofaluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg)and copper (Cu) alloys.

Fracture toughness, KIC

ksi(in)1/2, MPa(m)1/2

Fracture toughness at roomtemperature (center, short-transverse direction)

100

80

60

40

20

Cracking (total failure)The toughness of the die material isthe ability to accumulate tensilestresses without cracking at sharpnotches or other stress raisers. Thetoughness of a die is dependent onthe die material and its heat treat-ment. Due to the fact that the me-chanical and thermal stresses in adie are spread in all directions thetoughness in the die has to be con-sidered in all directions—longitudi-nal, transverse and short transverse.

Uddeholm Dievar, UddeholmOrvar Supreme, Uddeholm OrvarSuperior, Uddeholm Vidar Superiorand Uddeholm QRO 90 Supremeare produced by a special process-ing technique which improves theisotropy of the mechanical proper-ties.

Thermal shock is total crackingdue to occasional thermal overload-ing. It is a macroscale phenomenonand is one of the most frequentcauses of total damage of the die.

FRACTURE TOUGHNESSOF UDDEHOLM DIEVAR ANDUDDEHOLM ORVAR SUPREME

The ability of a material to resiststresses without unstable crackingat a sharp notch or crack is calledfracture toughness.

The fracture toughness of Udde-holm Dievar and Uddeholm OrvarSupreme at different hardnesses areshown in the figure below.

44 45 46 48 44 48 49 HRC

60

50

40

30

20

UDDEHOLMORVAR SUPREME

UDDEHOLMDIEVAR

DIE CASTING

14

STEEL COST

DIE MAKING COST

PRODUCTION ANDMAINTENANCE COSTS

welding

scrap

preheating

lost production

heat treatment

delivery delays

adjustment

etc., etc...

TOOL COST

TOTALPRODUCT

COST

repairs

Die EconomyThe drive for improved toolingeconomy has resulted in the de-velopment of “premium quality” diesteels.

As the tooling cost is in the orderof 10–20 per cent of the total costof the finished aluminium die castproduct, the validity of paying forpremium die steel quality resultingin increased tool life is obvious.

The most decisive factors thatgovern tool life are the die material,its heat treatment and the die cast-ing process control. The material ina die casting die accounts for 5–15 per cent of the die cost whilethe heat treatment cost is about5–10 per cent. The picture below—The Cost Iceberg—shows the steelcost in relation to total toolingcosts.

In order to assure a good steelquality a number of material specifi-cations for die material have beendeveloped during the last 20 years.Most of these contain requirementson chemical analysis, microclean-liness, microstructure, banding, grainsize, hardness, mechanical proper-ties and internal soundness (qualitylevel).

One of the most advanced specifi-cations for steel acceptance criteriaand heat treatment at present is theSpecial Quality Die Steel & HeatTreatment Acceptance Criteria forDie Casting Dies #207–2006 re-leased by the North American DieCasting Association (NADCA).

Further improvement of toolingeconomy must involve specificationson the heat treatment of the die.This should be optimized to avoidany excessive dimensional changesor distortion but to produce theoptimal combination of hardnessand toughness. The most criticalfactors are the hardening tempera-ture and the cooling rate duringquenching.

“The Cost Iceberg”

Precautions like proper preheatingof the die as well as stress temper-ing will give a better die economy.

Surface treatments are methodsto protect the die surface fromcorrosion/erosion and thermal fa-tigue.

New welding techniques haveopened areas for maintenance andrepair welding, both important waysto increase the die life.

Everyone involved in the chain—steel producer, die manufacturer,heat treater and die caster—knowsthat there can be large variations inquality level at every step of thisprocess.

Optimum results can only beachieved by demanding and payingfor premium quality all along theline.

DIE CASTING

15

Product ProgrammeGeneral description

UDDEHOLM DIEVAR

A premium Cr-Mo-V-alloyed hot work die steel with good high temperature strengthand excellent hardenability, toughness and ductility. Suitable for medium to big dies inaluminium die casting. It meets the requirements of NADCA #207-2006.

UDDEHOLM ORVAR SUPREME AND UDDEHOLM ORVAR SUPERIOR

Premium Cr-Mo-V-alloyed hot work die steels (H13) with good resistance to thermalfatigue. The steels are produced by a special melting and refining technique and meet therequirements of NADCA #207–2006.

UDDEHOLM VIDAR SUPERIOR

A premium Cr-Mo-V alloyed hot work die steel (H11 modified) with good resistance tocracking and meets the requirements of NADCA #207–2006.

UDDEHOLM QRO 90 SUPREME

A premium hot work die steel with high hot yield strength and good temper resistance.Especially suited for die casting of copper, brass and for small inserts and cores inaluminium die casting.

UDDEHOLM QRO 90 HT

A prehardened QRO 90 Supreme material, supplied at 37–41 HRC and suitable forcore pins.

UDDEHOLM IMPAX SUPREME

A prehardened Ni-Cr-Mo-steel supplied at 310 HB suitable for die casting of zinc, leadand tin. Also used as a holder material and prototype dies.

UDDEHOLM HOLDAX

A prehardened steel with very good machinability supplied at ~310 HB for clamping andholding plates.

DIE CASTING

16

Qualitative comparison of critical die steel properties

Uddeholm Temper Hot yieldgrade resistance strength Ductility Toughness Hardenability

Qualitative comparison of resistance to different die failures (the longer the bar, the better)

Analysis

Quality comparison

Uddeholmgrade Heat checking Gross cracking Erosion Indentation

DIEVAR

ORVAR SUPREME

ORVAR SUPERIOR

VIDAR SUPERIOR

QRO 90 SUPREME

DIEVAR

ORVAR SUPREME

ORVAR SUPERIOR

VIDAR SUPERIOR

QRO 90 SUPREME

Uddeholm Hardness Analysis, % grade AISI HB C Si Mn Cr Mo V Others

DIEVAR – ~160 0,35 0,2 0,5 5,0 2,3 0,6 –

ORVAR SUPREME H13 ~180 0,39 1,0 0,4 5,2 1,4 0,9 –(1.2344)

ORVAR SUPERIOR H13 ~180 0,39 1,0 0,4 5,2 1,4 0,9 –(1.2344)

VIDAR SUPERIOR H11 modified ~180 0,36 0,3 0,3 5,0 1,3 0,5 –(1.2340)

QRO 90 SUPREME – ~180 0,38 0,3 0,8 2,6 2,3 0,9 Microalloyed

IMPAX SUPREME P20 modified ~310 0,37 0,3 1,4 2,0 0,2 – Ni 1,01.2738

HOLDAX 4140 modified ~310 0,40 0,4 1,5 1,9 0,2 – S 0,07(1.2312)

DIE CASTING

17

Steel and Hardness Recommendations

* Surface treatment is recommended

1 Clamping plates2 Holder plates3 Die inserts4 Fixed inserts5 Cores6 Sprue bushing (nozzles)7 Sprue pin (Spreader)8 Ejector pins

1 2 3 3

48

5 67 2 1

Die Part Tin/Lead/Zinc Aluminium/Magnesium Copper, Brass

Clamping plates HOLDAX HOLDAX HOLDAXHolder plates (prehardened) ~310 HB (prehardened) ~310 HB (prehardened) ~310 HB

IMPAX SUPREME IMPAX SUPREME IMPAX SUPREME(prehardened) ~310 HB (prehardened) ~310 HB (prehardened) ~310 HB

Die inserts IMPAX SUPREME DIEVAR QRO 90 SUPREME~310 HB 44–50 HRC 40–46 HRCORVAR SUPREME ORVAR SUPREME ORVAR SUPREMEORVAR SUPERIOR ORVAR SUPERIOR ORVAR SUPERIOR46–52 HRC VIDAR SUPERIOR 40–46 HRC

42–48 HRC

Fixed inserts ORVAR SUPREME DIEVAR QRO 90 SUPREMECores ORVAR SUPERIOR 46–50 HRC 40–46 HRC

46–52 HRC ORVAR SUPREMEORVAR SUPERIORVIDAR SUPERIOR44–48 HRCQRO 90 SUPREME42–48 HRC

Core pins ORVAR SUPREME QRO 90 SUPREME* QRO 90 SUPREME46–52 HRC 44–48 HRC 42–46 HRC

QRO 90 HT* QRO 90 HT

Sprue parts ORVAR SUPREME ORVAR SUPREME QRO 90 SUPREME48–52 HRC ORVAR SUPERIOR 42–46 HRC

46–48 HRCQRO 90 SUPREME44–46 HRC

Nozzle STAVAX ESR ORVAR SUPREME QRO 90 SUPREME40–44 HRC ORVAR SUPERIOR 40–44 HRCORVAR SUPREME 42–48 HRC ORVAR SUPREME35–44 HRC QRO 90 SUPREME ORVAR SUPERIOR

42–46 HRC 42–48 HRC

Ejector pins QRO 90 SUPREME QRO 90 SUPREME QRO 90 SUPREMEORVAR SUPREME ORVAR SUPREME ORVAR SUPREME46–50 HRC (nitridedo 46–50 HRC (nitrided) 46–50 HRC (nitrided)

Plunger ORVAR SUPREME ORVAR SUPREME QRO 90 SUPREMEShot sleeve 42–46 HRC (nitrided) ORVAR SUPERIOR 42–46 HRC (nitrided)

42–48 HRC (nitrided) ORVAR SUPREMEQRO 90 SUPREME ORVAR SUPERIOR42–48 HRC (nitrided) 42–46 HRC (nitrided)

DIE CASTING

18

The ESR Tool Steel ProcessThe starting material for our tool steel is carefully selected from highquality recyclable steel. Together with ferroalloys and slag formers, therecyclable steel is melted in an electric arc furnace. The molten steelis then tapped into a ladle.

The de-slagging unit removes oxygen-rich slag and after the de-oxidation, alloying and heating of the steel bath are carried out in theladle furnace. Vacuum degassing removes elements such as hydrogen,nitrogen and sulphur.

ESR PLANT

In uphill casting the prepared moulds are filled with a controlled flowof molten steel from the ladle.

From this, the steel can go directly to our rolling mill or to theforging press, but also to our ESR furnace where our most sophisti-cated steel grades are melted once again in an electro slag remeltingprocess. This is done by melting a consumable electrode immersed inan overheated slag bath. Controlled solidification in the steel bathresults in an ingot of high homogeneity, thereby removing macro seg-regation. Melting under a protective atmosphere gives an even bettersteel cleanliness.

HOT WORKING

From the ESR plant, the steel goes to the rolling mill or to our forgingpress to be formed into round or flat bars.

Prior to delivery all of the different bar materials are subjected to aheat treatment operation, either as soft annealing or hardening andtempering. These operations provide the steel with the right balancebetween hardness and toughness.

MACHINING

Before the material is finished and put into stock, we also roughmachine the bar profiles to required size and exact tolerances. In thelathe machining of large dimensions, the steel bar rotates against astationary cutting tool. In peeling of smaller dimensions, the cuttingtools revolve around the bar.

To safeguard our quality and guarantee the integrity of the toolsteel we perform both surface- and ultrasonic inspections on all bars.We then remove the bar ends and any defects found during the in-spection.

DIE CASTING

19

ROLLING MILL

FORGING

ESR-PLANT

ELECTRIC ARCFURNACE

STOCK

MACHINING

HEATTREATMENT

UPHILL CASTING

EuropeAustriaRepresentative officeUDDEHOLMAlbstraße 10DE-73765 NeuhausenTelephone: +49 7158 9865-0www.uddeholm.de

BelgiumUDDEHOLMEuropark Oost 7B-9100 Sint-NiklaasTelephone: +32 3 780 56 20www.uddeholm.be

CroatiaBöHLEr UDDEHOLM Zagreb d.o.o za trgovinuZitnjak b.b10000 ZagrebTelephone: +385 1 2459 301Telefax: +385 1 2406 790www.bohler-uddeholm.hr

Czech republicBöHLEr UDDEHOLM CZ s.r.o.Division UddeholmU Silnice 949161 00 Praha 6, ruzyneTelephone: +420 233 029 850,8www.uddeholm.cz

DenmarkUDDEHOLM A/SKokmose 8, BramdrupdamDK-6000 KoldingTelephone: +45 75 51 70 66www.uddeholm.dk

EstoniaUDDEHOLM TOOLING ABSilikatsiidi 7EE-11216 TallinnTelephone: +372 655 9180www.uddeholm.ee

FinlandOY UDDEHOLM ABritakuja 1, PL 57FI-01741 VANTAATelephone: +358 9 290 490www.uddeholm.fi

FranceHead officeUDDEHOLMZ.I. de Mitry-Compans, 12 rue Mercier,Fr-77297 Mitry Mory CedexTelephone: +33 (0)1 60 93 80 10www.uddeholm.fr

Branch officesUDDEHOLM S.A.77bis, rue de VesoulLa Nef aux MétiersFr-25000 BesançonTelephone: +33 (0)381 53 12 19

LE POINT ACIErSUDDEHOLM - Aciers à outilsZ.I. du recou, Avenue de Champlevert Fr-69520 GrIGNYTelephone: +33 (0)4 72 49 95 61

LE POINT ACIErS UDDEHOLM - Aciers à outilsZ.I. Nord 27, rue François rochaixFr-01100 OYONNAXTelephone: +33 (0)4 74 73 48 66

GermanyHead officeUDDEHOLMHansaallee 321DE-40549 DüsseldorfTelephone: +49 211 5351-0www.uddeholm.de

Branch officesUDDEHOLMFalkenstraße 21DE-65812 Bad Soden/TSTelephone: +49 6196 6596-0

UDDEHOLM Albstraße 10DE-73765 NeuhausenTelephone: +49 7158 9865-0

UDDEHOLMFriederikenstraße 14bDE-06493 HarzgerodeTelephone: +49 39484 727 267

Great BritainUDDEHOLM DIVISIONBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM (UK) LIMITEDEuropean Business ParkTaylors Lane, OldburyGB-West Midlands B69 2BNTelephone: +44 121 552 5511Telefax: +44 121 544 2911www.uddeholm.co.uk

GreeceSTASSINOPOULOS-UDDEHOLM STEEL TrADING S.A.20, Athinon StreetGr-Piraeus 18540Telephone: +30 210 4172 109www.uddeholm.gr

SKLErO S.A.Heat Treatment and Trading of SteelUddeholm Tool SteelsIndustrial Area of ThessalonikiP.O. Box 1123Gr-57022 Sindos, ThessalonikiTelephone: +30 2310 79 76 46www.sklero.gr

HungaryUDDEHOLM TOOLING/BOKDunaharaszti, Jedlik Ányos út 25HU-2331 Dunaharaszti 1. Pf. 110Telephone/fax:+36 24 492 690www.uddeholm.hu

IrelandHead office:UDDEHOLM DIVISIONBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM (UK) LIMITEDEuropean Business ParkTaylors Lane, OldburyUK-West Midlands B69 2BNTelephone: +44 121 552 5511Telefax: +44 121 544 2911www.uddeholm.co.ukDublin:Telephone: +353 1845 1401

ItalyUDDEHOLMDivisione della Bohler Uddeholm Italia S.p.A.Via Palizzi, 90IT-20157 MilanoTelephone: +39 02 39 49 211www.uddeholm.it

LatviaUDDEHOLM TOOLING LATVIA SIAPiedrujas Street 7LV-1035 rigaTelephone: +371 7 702133latvia@assab.com

Branch officeUDDEHOLMBarrio San Martín de Arteaga,132Pol.Ind. TorrelarragoitiES-48170 Zamudio (Bizkaia)Telephone: +34 94 452 13 03

SwedenHead officeUDDEHOLM SVENSKA ABBox 98SE-431 22 MölndalTelefon: +46 31 67 98 50www.uddeholm.se

Branch officesUDDEHOLM SVENSKA ABBox 45SE-334 21 AnderstorpTelefon: +46 371 160 15 UDDEHOLM SVENSKA ABBox 148SE-631 03 EskilstunaTelefon: +46 16 15 79 00

UDDEHOLM SVENSKA ABBox 98SE-431 22 MölndalTelefon: +46 31 67 98 70

UDDEHOLM SVENSKA ABHonnörsgatan 24SE-352 36 VäxjöTelefon: +46 470 457 90

SwitzerlandHErTSCH & CIE AGGeneral Wille Strasse 19CH-8027 ZürichTelephone: +41 44 208 16 66www.hertsch.ch

TurkeyHead officeASSAB Korkmaz Celik A.S.Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 2. Cadde No: 26 Y. Dudullu34776 UmraniyeTr-Istanbul Telephone: +90 216 420 1926www.assabkorkmaz.com

LithuaniaUDDEHOLM TOOLING AB BE PLIENAS Ir METALAIT. Masiulio 18BLT-52459 KaunasTelephone: +370 37 370613, -669 www.besteel.lt

The NetherlandsUDDEHOLMIsolatorweg 30NL-1014 AS AmsterdamTelephone: +31 20 581 71 11www.uddeholm.nl

NorwayUDDEHOLM A/SJernkroken 18Postboks 85, KalbakkenNO-0902 OsloTelephone: +47 22 91 80 00www.uddeholm.no

PolandBOHLEr UDDEHOLM POLSKASp. z.o.o./Co. Ltd.ul. Kolejowa 291, Dziekanów Polski,PL-05-092 LomiankiTelephone: +48 22 429 2260, -203, -204www.uddeholm.pl

PortugalF rAMADA Aços e Industrias S.A.P.O. Box 10PT-3881 Ovar CodexTelephone: +351 256 580580www.ramada.pt

romaniaBöHLEr-UDDEHOLM romania SrLAtomistilor Str. No 96-102077125 - com. Magurele, Jud. Ilfov.Telephone: +40 214 575007Telefax: +40 214 574212

russiaUDDEHOLM TOOLING CIS9A, Lipovaya Alleya, Office 509rU-197183 Saint PetersburgTelephone: +7 812 6006194www.uddeholm.ru

SlovakiaBohler-Uddeholm Slovakia s.r.o.divizia UDDEHOLMCsl.Armády 5622/5SK-036 01 MartinTelephone: +421 (0)434 212 030www.uddeholm.sk

SloveniaRepresentative officeUDDEHOLM Divisione della Bohler Uddeholm Italia S.p.A.Via Palizzi, 90IT-20157 MilanoTelephone: +39 02 39 49 211www.uddeholm.it

SpainHead officeUDDEHOLMGuifré 690-692ES-08918 Badalona, BarcelonaTelephone: +34 93 460 1227www.acerosuddeholm.com

ˇ

DIE CASTING

AmericaArgentinaACErOS BOEHLEr UDDEHOLM S.AMozart 401619-Centro Industrial GarinGarin-Prov. Ar-Buenos AiresTelephone: +54 332 7444 440www.uddeholm.com.ar

BrazilAÇOS BOHLEr-UDDEHOLM DO BrASIL LTDA– DIV. UDDEHOLMEstrada Yae Massumoto, 353CEP 09842-160Br-Sao Bernardo do Campo - SP BrazilTelephone: +55 11 4393 4560, 4554www.uddeholm.com.br

CanadaHead Office & WarehouseBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM LIMITED2595 Meadowvale Blvd.Mississauga, ON L5N 7Y3Telephone: +1 905 812 9440www.bucanada.com

Branch WarehousesBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM LIMITED3521 rue AshbySt. Laurent, QC H4r 2K3Telephone: +1 514 333 8000

BOHLEr-UDDEHOLM LIMITED730 Eaton Way - Unit #10New Westminister, BC V3M 6J9Telephone: +1 604 525 3354

Heat TreatingBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM THErMO-TECH2645 Meadowvale Blvd.Mississauga, ON L5N 7Y4Telephone: +1 905 812 9440

ColombiaAXXECOL S.A.Carrera 35 No 13-20Apartado Aereo 80718CO-Bogota 6Telephone: +57 1 2010700www.axxecol.com

ASTECO S.A.Carrera 54 No 35-12Apartado Aereo 663CO-MedellinTelephone: +57 (4) 444 0122www.asteco.com.co

Dominican republicrAMCA, C. POr A.P-2289P.O. Box 025650Miami, Fl. 33102Telephone: +1 809 682 4011domrep@assab.com

EcuadorIVAN BOHMAN C.A.Apartado 1317Km 6 1/2 Via a DauleGuayaquilTelephone: +593 42 254111www.ivanbohman.com.ec

IVAN BOHMAN C.A.Casilla Postal 17-01370 QuitoTelephone: +593 2 2248001www.ivanbohman.com.ec

El SalvadorACAVISA DE C.V.25 Ave. Sur, no 763 Zona 1SV-San SalvadorTelephone: +503 22 71 1700www.acavisa.com

GuatemalaIMPOrTADOrA ESCANDINAVAApartado postal 11CGT-Guatemala CityTelephone: +502 23 659270guatemala@assab.com

HondurasACAVISA DE C.V.25 Ave. Sur, no 763 Zona 1SV-San SalvadorTelephone: +503 22 71 1700www.acavisa.com

MexicoHead officeACErOS BOHLEr UDDEHOLM S.A. de C.V.Calle Ocho No 2, Letra ”C”Fraccionamiento Industrial Alce BlancoC.P. 52787 Naucalpan de JuarezMX-Estado de MexicoTelephone: +52 55 9172 0242www.bu-mexico.com

Branch officeBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM MONTErrEY, NUEVO LEONLerdo de Tejada No.542Colonia Las VillasMX-66420 San Nicolas de Los Garza, N.L.Telephone: +52 81 83 525239

PeruC.I.P.E.S.AAv. Oscar r. Benavides (ante Colonial) No. 2066PE-Lima 1Telephone: +51 1 336 8673peru@assab.com

U.S.A.Head office and WarehouseBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM COrPOrATION2505 Millennium DriveElgin IL 60124Telephone: 1-630-883-3000 or1-800-652-2520Sales phone: 1-800-638-2520www.bucorp.com

Region East WarehouseBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM COrPOrATION220 Cherry StreetShrewsbury MA 01545

Region Central WarehouseBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM COrPOrATION548 Clayton Ct.Wood Dale IL 60191

Region West WarehouseBOHLEr-UDDEHOLM COrPOrATION9331 Santa Fe Springs roadSanta Fe Springs, CA 90670

VenezuelaGrupo OSS C.A.Av. Bolivar Edif. Aceros Suecos , Piso 3 Oficina 1La Trinidad VE-Caracas 1080, VenezuelaTeléfono: +58 212 942 1994grupooss@assab.com

Other Countries in AmericaASSAB INTErNATIONAL ABBox 42SE-171 11 Solna, SwedenTelephone: +46 8 564 616 70www.assab.se

Asia & PacificAustraliaBOHLEr UDDEHOLM Australia129-135 McCredie roadGuildford NSW 2161Private Bag 14AU-SydneyTelephone: +61 2 9681 3100www.buau.com.au

BangladeshASSAB INTErNATIONAL ABP.O. Box 17595Jebel AliAE-DubaiTelephone: +971 488 12165www.assab.se

North ChinaHead officeASSAB Tooling (Beijing) Co LtdNo.10A rong Jing Dong JieBeijing Economic Development AreaBeijing 100176, ChinaTelephone: +86 10 6786 5588www.assabsteels.com

Branch officesASSAB Tooling (Beijing) LtdDalian Branch8 Huanghai Street, Haerbin roadEconomic & Technical Develop. DistrictDalian 116600, ChinaTelephone: +86 411 8761 8080

ASSAB Qingdao Officeroom 2521, Kexin MansionNo. 228 Liaoning road, Shibei DistrictQingdao 266012, ChinaTelephone: +86 532 8382 0930

ASSAB Tianjin OfficeNo.12 Puwangli Wanda XinchengXinyibai road, Beichen DistrictTianjin 300402, ChinaTelephone: +86 22 2672 0006

Central ChinaHead officeASSAB Tooling Technology (Shanghai) Co LtdNo. 4088 Humin roadXinzhuang Industrial ZoneShanghai 201108, China Telephone: +86 21 5442 2345www.assabsteels.com

Branch officesASSAB Tooling Technology (Ningbo) Co LtdNo. 218 Longjiaoshan roadVehicle Part Industrial ParkNingbo Economic & Technical Dev. ZoneNingbo 315806, ChinaTelephone: +86 574 8680 7188ASSAB Tooling Technology

(Chongqing) Co LtdPlant C, Automotive Industrial lParkChongqing Economic & Technological Development Zone Chongqing 401120, ChinaTelephone: +86 23 6745 5698

South ChinaHead officeASSAB Steels (HK) Ltdroom 1701–1706Tower 2 Grand Central Plaza 138 Shatin rural Committee road Shatin NT - Hong KongTelephone: +852 2487 1991www.assabsteels.com

Branch officesASSAB Tooling (Dongguan) Co LtdNorthern District Song Shan Lake Science & Technology Industrial ParkDongguan 523808, ChinaTelephone: +86 769 2289 7888www.assabsteels.com

ASSAB Tooling (Xiamen) Co LtdFirst Floor Universal Workshop No. 30 Huli Zone Xiamen 361006, ChinaTelephone: +86 592 562 4678

Hong KongASSAB Steels (HK) Ltdroom 1701-1706Grand Central Plaza, Tower 2 138 Shatin rural Committee roadShatin NT, Hong KongTelephone: +852 2487 1991www.assabsteels.com

IndiaASSAB Sripad Steels LTDT 303 D.A.V. ComplexMayur Vihar Ph I ExtensionIN-Delhi-110 091Telephone: +91 11 2271 2736www.assabsripad.com

ASSAB Sripad Steels LTD709, Swastik ChambersSion-Trombay roadChemburIN-Mumbai-400 071Telephone: +91 22 2522-7110, -8133www.assabsripad.com

ASSAB Sripad Steels LTDPadmalaya TowersJanaki AvenueM.r.C. NagarIN-Chennai-600 028Telephone: +91 44 2495 2371www.assabsripad.com

ASSAB Sripad Steels LTD19X, D. P. P. roadNaktola Post OfficeIN-Kolkata-700 047Telephone: +91 (33) 400 1645www.assabsripad.com

ASSAB Sripad Steels LTDGround floor, Plot No 11-6-8Opp IDPL Factory Out GateBalanagarIN-Hyderabad-500 037Telephone: +91 (40) 2377 8148www.assabsripad.com

IndonesiaHead officePT ASSAB Steels IndonesiaJl. rawagelam III No. 5Kawasan Industri PulogadungJakarta 13930, IndonesiaTelephone: +62 21 461 1314www.assabsteels.com

DIE CASTING

22

Branch officesSUrABAYA BrANCHJl. Berbek Industri 1/23Surabaya Industrial Estate, rungkut Surabaya 60293, East Java, IndonesiaTelephone: +62 31 843 2277

MEDAN BrANCHKomplek Griya riatur IndahBlok A No.138Jl. T. Amir HamzahHalvetia Timur, Medan 20124Telephone: +62 61 847 7935/6

BANDUNG BrANCHKomp. ruko Bumi KencanaJl. Titian Kencana Blok ENo.5 Bandung 40233Telephone: +62 22 604 1364

TANGErANG BrANCHPusat Niaga CibodasBlok C No. 7 TangerangTelephone: +62 21 921 9596, 551 2732

SEMArANG BrANCHJl. Imam Bonjol No.155r.208 Semarang 50124Telephone: +62 358 8167

IranASSAB INTErNATIONAL ABP.O. Box 19395Ir-1517 TEHrANTelephone: +98 21 888 35392www.assabiran.com

IsraelPACKEr YADPAZ QUALITY STEELS LtdP.O. Box 686Ha-Yarkon St. 7, Industrial ZoneIL-81106 YAVNETelephone: +972 8 932 8182www.packer.co.il

JapanUDDEHOLM KKAtago East Building3-16-11 Nishi ShinbashiMinato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanTelephone: + 81 3 5473 4641www.assabsteels.com

JordanENGINEErING WAY Est.P.O. Box 874Abu AlandaJO-AMMAN 11592Telephone: +962 6 4161962engineeringway@assab.com

MalaysiaHead officeASSAB Steels (Malaysia) Sdn BhdLot 19, Jalan Perusahaan 2Batu Caves Industrial Estate68100 Batu CavesSelangor MalaysiaTelephone: +60 3 6189 0022www.assabsteels.com

Branch officesBUTTErWOrTH BrANCHPlot 146a Jalan Perindustrial Bukit Minyak 7Kawasan Perindustrial Bukit Minyak14000 Bukit Mertajam, SPT PenangTelephone: +60 4 507 2020

JOHOr BrANCHNo. 8, Jalan Persiaran Teknologi Taman Teknologi81400 SenaiJohor DT, MalaysiaTelephone: +60 7 598 0011

New ZealandVIKING STEELS25 Beach road, OtahuhuP.O. Box 13-359, OnehungaNZ-AucklandTelephone: +64 9 270 1199www.ssm.co.nz

PakistanASSAB International ABP.O. Box 17595Jebel AliAE-DubaiTelephone: +971 488 12165www.assab.se

PhilippinesASSOCIATED SWEDISH STEELS PHILS Inc.No. 3 E. rodriguez Jr., Avenue Bagong Ilog, Pasig CityPhilippinesTelephone: +632 671 1953/2048www.assabsteels.com

republic of KoreaHead officeASSAB Steels (Korea) Co Ltd116B-8L, 687-8, Kojan-dong Namdong-kuIncheon 405-310, KoreaTelephone: +82 32 821 4300www.assabsteels.com

Branch officesBUSAN BrANCH14B-5L, 1483-9, Songjeong-dong Kangseo-ku, Busan 618-270, KoreaTelephone: +82 51 831 3315

DAEGU BrANCHroom 27, 7-Dong2 FIndustry Materials Bldg.1629Sangyeog-Dong, Buk-KuKorea-Daegu 702-710Telephone: +82 53 604 5133

LebanonWArDE STEEL & METALS SArL METCharles Helou Av, Warde BldgP.O. Box 165886LB-BeirutTelephone: +961 1 447228lebanon@assab.com

Saudi ArabiaASSAB INTErNATIONAL ABP.O. Box 255092SA-riyadh 11353Telephone: +966 1 4466542saudiarabia@assab.com

SingaporeHead office PacificASSAB Pacific Pte Ltd171, Chin Swee road No. 07-02, SAN CentreSG-Singapore 169877 Telephone: +65 6534 5600www.assabsteels.com

JurongASSAB Steels Singapore (Pte) Ltd18, Penjuru CloseSG-608616 SingaporeTelephone: +65 6862 2200

Sri LankaGErMANIA COLOMBO PrIVATE Ltd.451/A Kandy roadLK-KelaniyaTelephone: +94 11 2913556www.iwsholdings.com

SyriaWArDE STEEL & METALS SArL METCharles Helou Av, Warde BldgP.O. Box 165886LB-BeirutTelephone: +961 1 447228lebanon@assab.com

TaiwanHead officeASSAB Steels (Taiwan) Co LtdNo. 112 Wu Kung 1st rd.Wu Ku Industry ZoneTW-Taipei 248-87, Taiwan (r.O.C.)Telephone: +886 2 2299 2849www.assabsteels.com

Branch officesNANTOU BrANCHNo. 10, Industry South 5th road Nan Kang Industry ZoneNantou 540-66, Taiwan (r.O.C.)Telephone: +886 49 225 1702TAINAN BrANCHNo. 180, Yen He Street, Yong Kang CityTainan 710-82, Taiwan (r.O.C.)Telephone: +886 6 242 6838

ThailandASSAB Steels (Thailand) Ltd9/8 Soi Theedinthai, Taeparak road, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540, ThailandTelephone: +66 2 385 5937, +66 2 757 5017www.assabsteels.com

United Arab EmiratesASSAB INTErNATIONAL ABP.O. Box 17595Jebel AliAE-DubaiTelephone: +971 488 12165www.assab.se

VietnamCAM Trading Steel Co Ltd90/8 Block 5, Tan Thoi Nhat WardDistrict 12, Ho Chi Minh CityVietnamTelephone: +84 8 5920 920www.assabsteels.com

Other AsiaASSAB INTErNATIONAL ABBox 42E-171 11 Solna, SwedenTelephone: +46 8 564 616 70www.assab.se

AfricaEgyptMISr SWEDEN FOr ENGINEErING IND.Montaser Project No 20Flat No 14Al Ahram Street-El TabiaEG-Giza CairoTelephone: +20 2 7797751www.assab.se

KenyaSANDVIK Kenya LtdP.O. Box 18264Post code 00500KE-NairobiTelephone: +254 20 532 866info@sandvik.co.ke

MoroccoMCM Distribution4 Bis, rue 8610 - Z.I.2035 Charguia 1TN-TunisTelephone: + 216 71 802 479

South AfricaUDDEHOLM Africa (Pty.) Ltd.P.O. Box 539ZA-1600 Isando/JohannesburgTelephone: +27 11 974 2791www.bohler-uddeholm.co.za

TunisiaMCM Distribution4 Bis, rue 8610 - Z.I.2035 Charguia 1TN-TunisTelephone: + 216 71 802 479www.mcm.com.tn

ZimbabweRepresentative office:UDDEHOLM Africa (Pty.) Ltd.P.O. Box 539ZA-1600 Isando/JohannesburgTelephone: +27 11 974 2781www.bohler-uddeholm.co.za

Other African CountriesASSAB INTErNATIONAL ABBox 42SE-171 11 Solna, SwedenTelephone: +46 8 564 616 70www.assab.se

www.assab.com www.uddeholm.com www.uddeholm.com

Network of excellenceUddeholm is present on every continent. This ensures you

high-quality Swedish tool steel and local support wherever you

are. Assab is our wholly-owned subsidiary and exclusive sales

channel, representing Uddeholm in various parts of the world.

Together we secure our position as the world’s leading supplier

of tooling materials.

UD

DEH

OLM

080304.300 / TRYC

KERI KNA

PPEN, KA

RLSTAD

200803

Uddeholm is the world’s leading supplier of tooling materials. This

is a position we have reached by improving our customers’ everyday

business. Long tradition combined with research and product develop-

ment equips Uddeholm to solve any tooling problem that may arise.

It is a challenging process, but the goal is clear – to be your number one

partner and tool steel provider.

Our presence on every continent guarantees you the same high quality

wherever you are. Assab is our wholly-owned subsidiary and exclusive

sales channel, representing Uddeholm in various parts of the world.

Together we secure our position as the world’s leading supplier of

tooling materials. We act worldwide, so there is always an Uddeholm

or Assab representative close at hand to give local advice and support.

For us it is all a matter of trust – in long-term partnerships as well as in

developing new products. Trust is something you earn, every day.

For more information, please visit www.uddeholm.com or www.assab.com