Plastic Mould Steels

The requirements for mould steels are more diverse than in any other manufacturing process. Wear resistance, especially when processing fibre-reinforced plastics, and in addition corrosion resistance, machinability, polishability, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties are among the most important criteria.

The plastics processing industry asks for a comprehensive portfolio of tool steels and high‑performance remelted or powder‑metallurgical tooling materials. These materials are used in demanding applications such as injection moulding, blow moulding and plastic extrusion, where tool steels must combine wear resistance, corrosion resistance, toughness, thermal stability and excellent polishability. With the industry’s most versatile program of stainless mould steels, BÖHLER and Uddeholm are regarded as market leaders for tool steels for plastic processing and the materials ensure: high tool life, • precise processing,stable cooling performance,flawless surface quality on plastic components. Tailored steel grades meet specific challenges such as high temperatures (up to ~400 °C), aggressive plastics (e.g., PVC), fibre‑reinforced materials (GRP), and large tool dimensions. Through decades of metallurgical expertise, Uddeholm’s Stainless Concept and BÖHLER’s advanced ESR and PM steels deliver optimised combinations of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, polishability and toughness, enabling reliable production of high‑volume, high‑quality plastic parts. The correct steel selection—combined with value‑adding services like heat treatment, PVD coatings and additive manufacturing—ensures superior tool performance and reduced cost per part. BÖHLER and Uddeholm tool steels are developed and manufactured in dedicated facilities in Kapfenberg (Austria) and Hagfors (Sweden), supporting tooling manufacturers worldwide with premium materials engineered for the most demanding mould applications.

Related Products

  • Uddeholm Corrax

    Uddeholm Corrax is a precipitation hardening steel with a unique set of properties that makes it perfect for many demanding applications. The superior resistance against corrosion combined with a hardness up to 50 HRC and a simple heat treatment makes Uddeholm Corrax the obvious choice for long run series of aggressive plastics such as PVC. The chemical composition makes Uddeholm Corrax easy to process by Additive Manufacturing. Hence, it is also available as powder for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD). Benefits Very good corrosion resistance Flexible hardness of 34-50 HRC achieved by ageing No hard “white layer” after EDM

    Uddeholm Corrax

    • Corrosion resistance 95%
    • Wear resistance 50%
    • Polishability 70%
    • Toughness 70%
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    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    Datasheet

    Uddeholm Corrax is a precipitation hardening steel with a unique set of properties that makes it perfect for many demanding applications. The superior resistance against corrosion combined with a hardness up to 50 HRC and a simple heat treatment makes Uddeholm Corrax the obvious choice for long run series of aggressive plastics such as PVC. The chemical composition makes Uddeholm Corrax easy to process by Additive Manufacturing. Hence, it is also available as powder for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD). Benefits Very good corrosion resistance Flexible hardness of 34-50 HRC achieved by ageing No hard “white layer” after EDM

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  • Uddeholm Mirrax ESR

    Uddeholm Mirrax ESR is a through hardening corrosion resistant steel with very good polishability. Mainly intended for medium to large cross sections. It has a unique combination of toughness, corrosion resistance and through hardening properties. Benefits Low mould maintenance costs: The surface of cavity impressions retain their original finish over extended running periods. Moulds stored or operated in humid conditions require less protection. Low production costs: Water cooling channels are less affected by corrosion Heat transfer characteristics, and therefore cooling efficiency, are constant throughout the mould life, ensuring consistent cycle times. Safe mould use because of good toughness also in big dimensions

    Uddeholm Mirrax ESR

    • Corrosion resistance 90%
    • Wear resistance 70%
    • Polishability 90%
    • Toughness 60%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    Datasheet

    Uddeholm Mirrax ESR is a through hardening corrosion resistant steel with very good polishability. Mainly intended for medium to large cross sections. It has a unique combination of toughness, corrosion resistance and through hardening properties. Benefits Low mould maintenance costs: The surface of cavity impressions retain their original finish over extended running periods. Moulds stored or operated in humid conditions require less protection. Low production costs: Water cooling channels are less affected by corrosion Heat transfer characteristics, and therefore cooling efficiency, are constant throughout the mould life, ensuring consistent cycle times. Safe mould use because of good toughness also in big dimensions

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  • Uddeholm Orvar Supreme

    Uddeholm Orvar Supreme can be regarded as an “all-round” steel used in several application areas. Except for hot work application areas the steel is also used in moulds for plastics and as a material in high stressed axles. The high degree of purity and the very fine structure shows improvement in dies and components where high mechanical and thermal stresses are involved. Uddeholm Orvar Supreme is produced using the Electro-Slag-Refining (ESR) technique. The ESR process gives Uddeholm Orvar Supreme a high level of homogeneity and cleanliness which results in a high performance hot work tool steel of the highest quality. Benefits Improved tooling performance Uddeholm Orvar Supreme meets the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) #207 requirements for Superior high quality H-13 die steel. Standard specification W.nr 1.2344 / AISI H13 / AFNOR Z38 CDV 5.1

    Uddeholm Orvar Supreme

    • Corrosion resistance 30%
    • Wear resistance 80%
    • Polishability 60%
    • Toughness 80%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    Datasheet

    Uddeholm Orvar Supreme can be regarded as an “all-round” steel used in several application areas. Except for hot work application areas the steel is also used in moulds for plastics and as a material in high stressed axles. The high degree of purity and the very fine structure shows improvement in dies and components where high mechanical and thermal stresses are involved. Uddeholm Orvar Supreme is produced using the Electro-Slag-Refining (ESR) technique. The ESR process gives Uddeholm Orvar Supreme a high level of homogeneity and cleanliness which results in a high performance hot work tool steel of the highest quality. Benefits Improved tooling performance Uddeholm Orvar Supreme meets the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) #207 requirements for Superior high quality H-13 die steel. Standard specification W.nr 1.2344 / AISI H13 / AFNOR Z38 CDV 5.1

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  • Uddeholm Rigor

    Uddeholm Rigor is a medium alloyed tool steel with a good resistance to both the abrasive and adhesive types of wear as well as good resistance to cracking. This combination makes Uddeholm Rigor an all purpose tool steel for medium run cold work applications. Short tool making lead times Safe and consistent production Good tooling economy for short and medium run tooling Benefits Uddeholm Rigor is a tool steel offering good tooling economy for short and medium run tooling when the cost of making the tool is a significant portion of the total cost for producing the required number of parts Uddeholm Rigor is a medium alloyed cold work tool steel with a very good balance between tool performance properties and tool making properties Uddeholm Rigor has a good hardenability and can therefore be used for larger short and medium run tools In East/South East Asia countries served by Assab, Uddeholm Rigor is sold as XW-10. Standard specification W.nr 1.2363 / AISI A2 / AFNOR Z100 CDV5

    Uddeholm Rigor

    • Corrosion resistance 20%
    • Wear resistance 90%
    • Polishability 50%
    • Toughness 30%
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    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    Datasheet

    Uddeholm Rigor is a medium alloyed tool steel with a good resistance to both the abrasive and adhesive types of wear as well as good resistance to cracking. This combination makes Uddeholm Rigor an all purpose tool steel for medium run cold work applications. Short tool making lead times Safe and consistent production Good tooling economy for short and medium run tooling Benefits Uddeholm Rigor is a tool steel offering good tooling economy for short and medium run tooling when the cost of making the tool is a significant portion of the total cost for producing the required number of parts Uddeholm Rigor is a medium alloyed cold work tool steel with a very good balance between tool performance properties and tool making properties Uddeholm Rigor has a good hardenability and can therefore be used for larger short and medium run tools In East/South East Asia countries served by Assab, Uddeholm Rigor is sold as XW-10. Standard specification W.nr 1.2363 / AISI A2 / AFNOR Z100 CDV5

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  • Uddeholm Stavax ESR

    Uddeholm Stavax ESR is a premium stainless mould steel for small and medium inserts and cores. Uddeholm Stavax ESR combines corrosion and wear resistance with excellent polishability, good machinability and stability in hardening. Mould maintenance requirement is reduced by assuring that core and cavity surfaces retain their original finish over extended operating periods. When compared with non stainless mould steel, Uddeholm Stavax ESR offers lower production costs by maintaining rust free cooling channels, assuring consistent cooling and cycle time. This classic stainless tool steel is the right choice when rust in production is unacceptable and where requirements for good hygiene are high, as within the medical industry, optical industry and for other high quality transparent parts. Uddeholm Stavax ESR is a part of the Uddeholm Stainless Concept. Benefits Low mould maintenance because of corrosion resistance: Surfaces retain their original finish Less production during storing and operation in humid condition Lower production costs: Since water-cooling channels are unaffected by corrosion Heat transfer characteristics, and therefore cooling efficiency, are constant throughout the mould life, ensuring consistent cycle times. Long life mould Standard specification W.nr 1.2083 / AISI 420 / AFNOR Z40 CV 14 (RSL)

    Uddeholm Stavax ESR

    • Corrosion resistance 70%
    • Wear resistance 50%
    • Polishability 90%
    • Toughness 50%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    Datasheet

    Uddeholm Stavax ESR is a premium stainless mould steel for small and medium inserts and cores. Uddeholm Stavax ESR combines corrosion and wear resistance with excellent polishability, good machinability and stability in hardening. Mould maintenance requirement is reduced by assuring that core and cavity surfaces retain their original finish over extended operating periods. When compared with non stainless mould steel, Uddeholm Stavax ESR offers lower production costs by maintaining rust free cooling channels, assuring consistent cooling and cycle time. This classic stainless tool steel is the right choice when rust in production is unacceptable and where requirements for good hygiene are high, as within the medical industry, optical industry and for other high quality transparent parts. Uddeholm Stavax ESR is a part of the Uddeholm Stainless Concept. Benefits Low mould maintenance because of corrosion resistance: Surfaces retain their original finish Less production during storing and operation in humid condition Lower production costs: Since water-cooling channels are unaffected by corrosion Heat transfer characteristics, and therefore cooling efficiency, are constant throughout the mould life, ensuring consistent cycle times. Long life mould Standard specification W.nr 1.2083 / AISI 420 / AFNOR Z40 CV 14 (RSL)

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  • Uddeholm Tyrax ESR

    Uddeholm Tyrax ESR combines best in class toughness, corrosion and wear resistance. This grade was developed for molding of high performance plastics often filled with glass fiber reinforcements and additives like flame retardants. This matrix- based microstructure is designed to achieve a high-gloss surface by only a few polishing steps, dramatically reducing the tool lead time and enabling production of top quality plastic parts. Uddeholm Tyrax ESR can achieve a high hardness (up to 58 HRC) and is a suitable upgrade from AISI 420 ESR, AISI S7 and AISI 440C. Benefits good dimensional stability at heat treatment and in service even microstructure and small grain size good hardenability Uddeholm Tyrax is also available for Additive Manufacturing, powder for processing Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD).

    Uddeholm Tyrax ESR

    • Corrosion resistance 80%
    • Wear resistance 80%
    • Polishability 95%
    • Toughness 60%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    Datasheet

    Uddeholm Tyrax ESR combines best in class toughness, corrosion and wear resistance. This grade was developed for molding of high performance plastics often filled with glass fiber reinforcements and additives like flame retardants. This matrix- based microstructure is designed to achieve a high-gloss surface by only a few polishing steps, dramatically reducing the tool lead time and enabling production of top quality plastic parts. Uddeholm Tyrax ESR can achieve a high hardness (up to 58 HRC) and is a suitable upgrade from AISI 420 ESR, AISI S7 and AISI 440C. Benefits good dimensional stability at heat treatment and in service even microstructure and small grain size good hardenability Uddeholm Tyrax is also available for Additive Manufacturing, powder for processing Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD).

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  • Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean for Plastic Moulding

    Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean is the most versatile pm tool steel on the market today, combining high wear resistance with very good ductility and resistance to chipping of edges. Excellent machinability in both soft and hard condition ensures advantages in both tool making and tool maintenance. Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean is also available as powder for processing by Electron Beam Melting technology (EBM). This powder has the same chemical composition as the PM material. Benefits Reliable production with low risk of edge chipping Best combination of high hardness, wear resistance and chipping resistance High compressive strength Best stock standard program of all PM grades Standard specification AISI D2 / AFNOR de type Z136 CDV 5.4

    Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean for Plastic Moulding

    • Corrosion resistance 20%
    • Wear resistance 80%
    • Polishability 80%
    • Toughness 50%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    Datasheet

    Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean is the most versatile pm tool steel on the market today, combining high wear resistance with very good ductility and resistance to chipping of edges. Excellent machinability in both soft and hard condition ensures advantages in both tool making and tool maintenance. Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean is also available as powder for processing by Electron Beam Melting technology (EBM). This powder has the same chemical composition as the PM material. Benefits Reliable production with low risk of edge chipping Best combination of high hardness, wear resistance and chipping resistance High compressive strength Best stock standard program of all PM grades Standard specification AISI D2 / AFNOR de type Z136 CDV 5.4

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