Cold Work Tool Steels

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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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

A2 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.

D2 tool steel is a high carbon, high chromium air hardening steel known for its excellent wear resistance and edge retention. It’s commonly used in cutting tools, dies, and industrial applications requiring high durability and toughness. Best Coatings Duplex-VARIANTIC® delivers exceptional surface hardness and wear resistance through a combined nitriding and PVD coating process, extending tool life and improving performance in cold forming, stamping, and other cold work operations. Boost your cold work tools’ lifetime and efficiency. Explore our coating guide for the perfect fit.

AISI S7 is a shock-resistant tool steel known for its exceptional toughness, high impact resistance, and superior machinability. With its excellent combination of strength and wear resistance, S7 is ideal for mould-making and tooling applications requiring durability under extreme conditions. The steel is very clean and has a homogeneous microstructure. These features are achieved through strict processing control and a maximum sulfur content of 0.005%. Best Coatings Our DLC and PVD ultrafine coatings ensure enhanced part release and minimize demolding issues, perfectly supporting tooling that requires toughness and durability under high impact and wear conditions. Explore our coating guide to select the ideal solution for your tooling needs.