Powder Pressing

Powder pressing compacts metal or ceramic powders in hardened steel dies using high uniaxial pressure. With powder materials like iron, steel, copper, and ceramics, it produces precise green parts for gears, bushings, structural components, filters, and cutting tool substrates.

Powder pressing, or powder compaction, is a primary step in powder metallurgy used to form metal or ceramic powders into dimensionally stable green parts. The process involves filling a die cavity with a precisely metered powder blend and applying uniaxial pressure through upper and lower punches. This pressure consolidates the particles, achieving sufficient green strength for subsequent sintering. Common powders processed include iron, steel, copper, tungsten, carbide, stainless steel, and advanced ceramics. Tooling consists of hardened steel dies, punches, core rods, and ejector systems, mainly made of advanced Cold Work Tool Steels, engineered to maintain tight tolerances and withstand compressive load and abrasive wear. Lubricants and binders are added to improve flowability and reduce friction during ejection. Process variables such as compaction pressure, powder particle size, density distribution, and tooling alignment directly influence final part properties. Powder pressing is widely used for gears, bushings, structural automotive components, cutting tool substrates, filters, magnetic parts, and medical or industrial ceramic components.

Related Products

  • BÖHLER K340 ISODUR

    BÖHLER 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.

    BÖHLER K340 ISODUR

    • Compressive strength 60%
    • Dimensional stability in heat treatment 80%
    • Toughness 60%
    • Wear resistance abrasive 60%
    • Wear resistance adhesive 80%
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    Datasheet
    • Cold Work
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER 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.

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  • BÖHLER K360 ISODUR

    BÖHLER 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.

    BÖHLER K360 ISODUR

    • Compressive strength 60%
    • Dimensional stability in heat treatment 80%
    • Toughness 60%
    • Wear resistance abrasive 80%
    • Wear resistance adhesive 80%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Cold Work
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER 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.

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  • BÖHLER K390 MICROCLEAN

    BÖHLER 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.

    BÖHLER K390 MICROCLEAN

    • Compressive strength 100%
    • Dimensional stability in heat treatment 100%
    • Toughness 80%
    • Wear resistance abrasive 100%
    • Wear resistance adhesive 100%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Cold Work
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER 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.

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  • BÖHLER K888 MATRIX

    BÖHLER 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.

    BÖHLER K888 MATRIX

    • Compressive strength 80%
    • Dimensional stability in heat treatment 100%
    • Toughness 100%
    • Wear resistance abrasive 40%
    • Wear resistance adhesive 40%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Cold Work
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER 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.

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  • BÖHLER K890 MICROCLEAN

    BÖHLER 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.

    BÖHLER K890 MICROCLEAN

    • Compressive strength 80%
    • Dimensional stability in heat treatment 100%
    • Toughness 100%
    • Wear resistance abrasive 60%
    • Wear resistance adhesive 60%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Cold Work
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER 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.

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  • BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN

    BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel produced by powder metallurgy. Due to its alloy design, this steel has very high wear resistance and good corrosion resistance. In addition, BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN is approved for food and beverage contact.

    BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN

    • Corrosion resistance 40%
    • Machinability in as supplied condition 20%
    • Polishability 60%
    • Toughness 40%
    • Wear resistance 100%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel produced by powder metallurgy. Due to its alloy design, this steel has very high wear resistance and good corrosion resistance. In addition, BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN is approved for food and beverage contact.

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  • BÖHLER N695

    BÖHLER N695 is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel with a high carbon content and added molybdenum.

    BÖHLER N695

    • Corrosion resistance 20%
    • Machinability in as supplied condition 20%
    • Polishability 20%
    • Toughness 20%
    • Wear resistance 80%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Plastic Mould
    • AISI 440C
    • EN X105CrMo17
    • SEL 1.4125
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER N695 is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel with a high carbon content and added molybdenum.

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  • BÖHLER S390 MICROCLEAN

    BÖHLER 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.

    BÖHLER S390 MICROCLEAN

    • Compressive strength 80%
    • Grindability 60%
    • Red hardness 80%
    • Toughness 80%
    • Wear resistance 80%
    • Edge stability 80%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Cutting Tools
    • Automotive
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER 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.

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  • BÖHLER S590 MICROCLEAN

    BÖHLER 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.

    BÖHLER S590 MICROCLEAN

    • Compressive strength 80%
    • Grindability 60%
    • Red hardness 80%
    • Toughness 60%
    • Wear resistance 60%
    • Edge stability 60%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Cutting Tools
    • EN HS6-5-3-8
    • SEL 1.3244
    • EN ISO 4957
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER 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.

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  • BÖHLER S600

    BÖHLER 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.

    BÖHLER S600

    • Compressive strength 60%
    • Grindability 60%
    • Red hardness 60%
    • Toughness 40%
    • Wear resistance 40%
    • Edge stability 60%
    Read More
    Datasheet
    • Cutting Tools
    • Automotive
    • EN HS6-5-2C
    • SEL 1.3343
    • EN ISO 4957
    Datasheet

    BÖHLER 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.

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  • Uddeholm Vanadis 8 SuperClean

    Uddeholm 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

    Uddeholm Vanadis 8 SuperClean

    • Abrasive wear resistance 100%
    • Adhesive wear resistance 70%
    • Ductility/edge chipping resistance 50%
    • Toughness/gross cracking resistance 30%
    Read More
    • Cold Work

    Uddeholm 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 More
  • Uddeholm Vanadis 8 XL

    Uddeholm 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

    Uddeholm Vanadis 8 XL

    • Abrasive wear resistance 100%
    • Adhesive wear resistance 30%
    • Dimensional stability 95%
    Read More
    • Cold Work

    Uddeholm 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 More

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