At the NADCA Die Casting Congress in Indianapolis, USA, Daniel Frie of the Swiss Steel Group showcased the latest developments in tool steels for the die-casting industry. A particular focus was on improving resistance to thermal cracking and extending the lifespan of die-casting molds.
The innovations from the Swiss Steel Group promise a significant increase in efficiency and mark an important milestone for the die-casting industry.
The company has worked intensively to develop high-quality tool steels that can withstand the extreme thermal demands of die-casting production. Special attention was given to resistance against so-called "hot cracks," which occur due to repeated thermal stresses during the production process.
Key Highlights from the Presentation:
Extended Tool Lifespan: The new tool steels from the Swiss Steel Group allow for a significant extension of die-casting mold lifespans. Thanks to improved high-temperature properties, the formation of thermally induced stress cracks is greatly reduced, leading to less downtime and increased operational efficiency in practice.
Increased Production Efficiency: The advanced steels from the Swiss Steel Group offer an exceptional combination of strength and toughness, enabling more consistent production cycles without compromising the tools' lifespan. In various field tests, tool lifespan was increased by over 200%.
Practical Case Studies: Frie presented several successful case studies. In one case from Brazil, the lifespan of a tool was extended from 100,000 to 150,000 cycles. In another case in the USA, the lifespan of a critical component was increased by over 50%. These results demonstrate the enormous potential of the new steels to deliver exceptional performance, even under the most demanding conditions, such as those in automotive and structural part production.
As a market leader in green steels, the Swiss Steel Group continues to focus on research and innovation to optimize the performance of tool steels. The new advancements in high-temperature properties are groundbreaking and offer the die-casting industry crucial advantages in terms of productivity and cost efficiency.