Fine blanking, blanking, and stamping cut and shape steel, aluminum, and copper sheets using precision punches and dies. Fine blanking delivers clean, burr‑free edges for gears and mechanisms, while stamping supports high‑volume production of structural metal parts.
Fine blanking, blanking, and stamping are sheet‑metal forming processes used to cut and shape components with high dimensional accuracy. Blanking and stamping use a punch and die set in a mechanical or hydraulic press to shear material—typically steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper alloys. Fine blanking differs by applying a triple‑action press with controlled clearance, a v‑ring, and counterpressure, enabling clean, straight‑edged cuts with minimal burrs and precise tolerances. Tooling is mainly made of hardened advanced Cold Work Tool Steels and HSS. Dies, guide plates, stripper systems, and wear‑resistant inserts are designed for cyclic loads and abrasive contact. Tooling material selection considers thickness, ductility, and work‑hardening behavior to ensure proper edge quality. Applications include gears, clutch components, levers, brackets, seat mechanisms, electrical connectors, and structural sheet-metal parts. Fine blanking is preferred where smooth edges and high accuracy are essential, while standard stamping suits large‑volume, cost‑efficient production of formed and cut metal parts.
BÖHLER K294 MICROCLEAN is a cold work tool steel manufactured using powder metallurgy and belongs to the group of 10% vanadium steels. The high content of vanadium carbides makes this steel highly resistant to wear. The toughness is at the same level as conventional 12% chromium steels. BÖHLER K294 MICROCLEAN is used in situations where wear resistance is the decisive factor and toughness is of secondary importance.
Read MoreBÖHLER K340 ISODUR belongs to the group of 8% chromium steels. This tool steel is produced using the electro-slag remelting (ESR) process developed by BÖHLER. This re-melting technology ensures the lowest micro and macro segregation as well as excellent purity and uniformity of the material. Compared to conventional 12% chromium steels, BÖHLER K340 ISODUR offers significantly better toughness, hardening response and higher resistance to adhesive wear. This material is therefore used in virtually all cold work applications in situations where tool steels like 1.2379 are insufficient in terms of adhesive wear resistance and toughness. K340 ISODUR also features better machinability and reduces the risk of stress cracking during electrical discharge machining.
Read MoreBÖHLER K360 ISODUR belongs to the group of 8% chromium steels. This tool steel is produced using the electro-slag remelting (ESR) process developed by BÖHLER. This re-melting technology ensures the lowest micro and macro segregation as well as excellent purity and uniformity of the material. The alloy composition with higher molybdenum and vanadium content makes BÖHLER K360 ISODUR even more wear resistant than BÖHLER K340 ISODUR. Compared to tool steels like 1.2379 (D2), this combination of better toughness and wear resistance offers significant advantages for punching and cutting tools.
Read MoreBÖHLER K390 MICROCLEAN is a high-alloyed, high-performance cold work tool steel manufactured using powder metallurgy. This material has the highest alloy content in the group of cold work tool steels with high vanadium content. The high alloy content gives this material outstanding wear resistance. At the same time, the powder metallurgical manufacturing process creates a uniform matrix with finely distributed primary carbides. Among other things, this leads to good material toughness. BÖHLER K390 MICROCLEAN is a problem solver for applications requiring extremely high wear resistance and compressive strength.
Read MoreBÖHLER K460 corresponds to the material 1.2510 (100MnCrW4, O1) and has comparable properties to the popular tool steel 1.2842. Additional alloying with tungsten achieves higher resistance to abrasive wear compared to the tool steel 1.2842. BÖHLER K460 offers the advantage of simple heat treatment with low hardening temperatures and single tempering. However, this characteristic tempering behaviour limits the use of advanced coatings. The material has a good hardening response, but only moderate through hardenability. BÖHLER K460 is used for punching and cutting tools, plastic molds, thread cutting tools and machine knives in the wood, paper and recycling industries.
Read MoreBÖHLER K888 MATRIX – This MATRIX steel offers an excellent combination of high toughness and high compressive strength. MATRIX materials have high toughness, which is a critical factor in many applications. However, the hardness achievable with commonly used MATRIX steels often limits the potential applications. BÖHLER K888 MATRIX breaks through this barrier and offers the best of both worlds of matrix steels and high alloy tool steels. BÖHLER K888 MATRIX is a unique problem solver in situations where high compressive strength and toughness are required. Its advantageous tempering behavior with a pronounced secondary hardness maximum also enables the use of advanced coatings.
Read MoreBÖHLER K890 MICROCLEAN is a high-performance cold work tool steel manufactured using powder metallurgy. It features good toughness, very high compressive strength and excellent fatigue strength. This favorable combination of properties can avoid chipping damages to tools. BÖHLER K890 MICROCLEAN is not only used in cold work applications, but also in mold making.
Read MoreBÖHLER S390 MICROCLEAN – “The decathlete” This grade is our PM steel with many positive usage properties. For twist drills, taps, mills, broaches, or cold-work applications, BÖHLER S390 MICROCLEAN is always a high performer.
Read MoreBÖHLER S590 MICROCLEAN – “The expert” High-speed steel manufactured in a powder metallurgy process, with good hot hardness, compressive strength, and wear resistance. PM technology gives it good toughness and excellent workability, such as the best machinability.
Read MoreBÖHLER S600 – “The high-speed steel” Ideal for mills, twist drills, and taps, broaches, cold-work tools. BÖHLER S600 is the most commonly used high-speed steel and is the starting material for our customers who deal with high-speed steel.
Read MoreUddeholm Vanadis 8 SuperClean sets a new standard for Powder Metallurgical Tool Steel. The technological advancements makes this cold work tool steel superior to its predecessors. The unprecedented combination of extremely high wear and chipping resistance paired with improved machining properties raises production rates and reduces costs. Benefits Lower price per produced part Longer tool life Predictable Production Standard specification AISI D2 / AFNOR de type Z230VCD8.5.4
Read MoreUddeholm Vanadis 8 XL is specifically developed for extremely demanding tool steel applications where abrasive wear is the primary challenge. Its exceptional wear resistance makes it an ideal substitute for hard metals, especially in applications involving highly abrasive working materials. Uddeholm Vanadis 8 XL is not only strong and durable, but also a well-thought-out, sustainable choice. The longer tool life means fewer tool changes and less maintenance, saving time, costs, resources and is also cobalt-free, supporting our customers’ goals to reduce their environmental impact. By offering Uddeholm Vanadis 8 XL, we are taking concrete steps for a sustainable future. Benefits With its superior wear resistance, Uddeholm Vanadis 8 XL offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to cemented carbide in the most demanding tool applications. Standard specification AISI M2 / W.nr 1.3343
Read MoreA2 tool steel is a medium alloyed steel with good resistance to abrasive and adhesive wear and cracking. This combination makes A2 an all purpose tool steel for medium run cold work applications. Best Coatings Duplex-VARIANTIC® delivers superior wear resistance and toughness in cold forming and fine blanking — extending tool life and reducing downtime in medium-run applications. Find the perfect match to boost durability and performance in cold work! Check our coating guide to discover the best solution for your application.
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