Application of new PM tool steels for powder compaction tooling - Hans Hallen, Uddeholm Tooling AB, Sweden

The demands on tooling for powder compaction are becoming increasingly severe due to more complex geometries and higher densities of the components. Lower lubricant levels and higher pressures are being used and failure due to fatigue and galling is becoming more pronounced on the tools. In many cases, the tools could actually limit the possibility to develop new sintered parts due to quality and manufacturing problems. This paper presents new development of tool steels which are addressing these new challenges. Case studies of the new tool steels used in the mass production of various components will also be presented.