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:
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.
Uddeholm Compax Supreme has been developed as a mold quality steel, based on the widely used AISI S7 grade. The steel is extremely clean and has a homogeneous microstructure. These features are achieved through strict processing control and maximum sulfur content of 0.005%. This quality level is verified by ultrasonic testing to high requirements. Uddeholm Compax Supreme is also suitable for a wide range of heavy duty blanking, shearing and forming tools, due to its excellent combination of toughness and wear resistance. Benefits machines consistently consistent hardness predictable in heat treatment can be polished to extremely high surface finishes greater performance security increased tool life
Read MoreUddeholm 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
Read MoreUddeholm Elmax Super Clean is a powder metallurgically produced mould steel characterized by a combination of very good wear resistance, corrosion resistance and dimensional stability. Recommended for long production runs of smaller and complicated shapes and/or reinforced plastics. High wear resistance is normally connected to low corrosion resistance and vice versa. In Uddeholm Elmax SuperClean it has however been able to achieve this unique combination of properties by a powder-metallurgy-based production. Uddeholm Elmax SuperClean offers a possibility to make long-life, low maintenance moulds for the best overall moulding economy. Benefits Less wear because of god wear resistance Less indentations because of compressive strength Less maintenance because of corrosion resistance Less adjustments after heat treatment because of good dimensional stability Standard specification AFNOR Z170 CVD 17.3
Read MoreUddeholm Holdax is prehardened steel with very good machinability and good resistance to indentation, mainly as holder steel for the plastic industry: Holders/bolsters for plastic moulds and die casting dies Plastics and rubber moulds with low requirements on polishability Support plates Constructional parts Uddeholm Holdax can also be used for engineering applications. Benefits Fast machining Less wear of cutting tools Good resistance to indentation Standard specification W.nr 1.2312 / AFNOR 40 CMD 8 + S
Read MoreUddeholm Idun is the world’s first patented corrosion resistant tool holder steel. It is delivered in pre-hardened condition and provides the possibility to start machining the finished part directly. Uddeholm Idun shares the superior qualities that always accompany the members of the Uddeholm Tool Holder Concept – meeting your requirements on durability while still being good to machine. With Uddeholm Idun we offer you even more: a possibility to change the game. A corrosion resistant steel grade that is delivered in pre-hardened condition. Uddeholm Idun allows you to skip the long and costly process of hardening, surface treatment and the transportation in between that is normally required with standard materials. A safe and reliable fast forward button to your finished product. It shortens tool making lead time and improves tool holder durability. It is e.g. perfect for custom made tool holders. Benefits Corrosion resistant Big savings in time and money Environmentally friendly
Read MoreUddeholm Impax Supreme is prehardened mould steel with very good polishing and photo etching properties. It is suitable for a wide range of injection moulds, blow moulds and extrusion dies for plastic. Uddeholm Impax Supreme is supplied at 290-330 HB. In east/south east asian countries served by Assab Uddeholm Impax Supreme is sold as AS 718 Supreme. Benefits No hardening risks No hardening costs Time saving, e.g. no waiting for heat treatment Lower tool cost (e.g. no distortion to rectify) Modifications easily carried out Can be subsequently nitrided to increase surface wear resistance or locally flame hardened to reduce surface damage. Standard specification W.nr 1.2738 / AISI P20 / AFNOR 35 CND 7
Read MoreUddeholm Mirrax 40 is a prehardened remelted stainless tool steel, supplied at 40 HRC. Uddeholm Mirrax 40 is produced using the electroslag remelting (ESR) process – an additional step in the steelmaking process that ensures very clean steel. Consequently, Uddeholm Mirrax 40 is capable of being polished to a very high surface finish. In addition, the combination of high hardness with high toughness results in a mould with good resistance to indentations and minimize the risk of unexpected failures, leading to a safer mould and a prolonged tool life. Benefits Lower production costs Fast tool making Excellent surface finish possible Less maintenance work Safe production
Read MoreUddeholm 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
Read MoreUddeholm Nimax is a low carbon steel with excellent toughness, machinability and weldability. It has also good polishing and etching properties. Uddeholm Nimax combines high hardness with a high toughness. This leads to a mould with good resistance to indentations and a minimum risk for unexpected failures, thereby leading to a more reliable tool and prolonged tool life. Benefits Excellent machinability reduces the manufacturing time Easy weldability, as no preheating or post treatment necessary, Good resistance to indentations and a minimum risk for unexpected failures, because of the high hardness in combination with a high toughness Safe mould and aprolonged tool life Uddeholm Nimax delivery hardness is 360-400 HB.
Read MoreUddeholm Nimax ESR is an ESR remelted version of Uddeholm Nimax, keeping the features of Uddeholm Nimax, but with improved cleanliness and homogeneity as a result of the ESR process. Benefits Excellent polishing and etching properties Excellent machinability reduces the manufacturing time Easy weldability, as no preheating or post treatment necessary Good resistance to indentations and a minimum risk for unexpected failures, because of the high hardness in combination with a high toughness Safe mould and a prolonged tool life Examples of applications for Uddeholm Nimax ESR Automotive: Head and rear light, Large interior parts White goods: Control panels Electronic: LED TV frames
Read MoreUddeholm 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
Read MoreTo meet the most extreme demands on polishability in plastic mould steels, Uddeholm Polmax stands out as one of the cleanest steels available. Thus it offers unparalleled polishability. This high performance grade achieves surface finishes that go well beyond what can be achieved by most other tool steels. Uddeholm Polmax is also resistant to most corrosion attacks. Uddeholm Polmax is specifically engineered for cavities, cores, inserts and a broad range of product applications that demand superior surface finish. Examples include optical and medical applications. Uddeholm Polmax is a part of the Uddeholm Stainless Concept. Benefits Excellent surface finish can be achieved Reduced maintenance because of good corrosion resistance Widely used for moulds for lenses, compact discs, memory discs and medical applications Standard specification W.nr 1.2083 / AFNOR Z40 CV 14 (RSL+RSV)
Read MoreUddeholm Ramax HH is a corrosion resistant holder steel with good machinability, supplied in a high prehardened condition. Good machinability and corrosion resistance reduces tool manufacturing and maintenance costs. Benefits Low mould production cost thanks to low wear of the cutting edges in the milling and drilling operations and shorter machining time thanks to increased cutting speed possible. Lower mould maintenance costs due to corrosion resistance Lower production costs since water cooling channels are less effected by corrosion, ensuring consistent cycle time Uddeholm Ramax HH is supplied at a hardness level that is higher than other corrosion resistant prehardened grades, resulting in a more durable mould and a longer life time. By combining Uddeholm Ramax HH with one of our other products within the Stainless Concept, you can create a completely stainless mould.
Read MoreUddeholm 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
Read MoreUddeholm RoyAlloy is a high-performance stainless mould base tool steel designed to deliver exceptional durability and efficiency in demanding tooling environments. It is developed to meet the requirements of mould bases and moulds where demands on surface finish, service life, and corrosion resistance are more moderate. The material offers an attractive balance between performance, machinability, and cost, making it a competitive option for standard applications in the plastics industry. Benefits Unlike conventional stainless steels, RoyAlloy is supplied in a pre-hardened condition of approximately 30 HRC, eliminating the need for additional heat treatment. This significantly reduces lead times and production costs while ensuring dimensional stability throughout machining and finishing processes. RoyAlloy’s superior corrosion resistance sets it apart in applications where moisture or humid environments can compromise tool life. By minimizing rust and surface degradation, it ensures longer service intervals and reduced maintenance costs. The material’s homogeneous structure and stable mechanical properties provide good dimensional stability and sufficient strength for applications involving short to medium production runs or less demanding plastics. The steel’s weldability and repairability further enhance its value, allowing easy maintenance and extending tool lifespan.
Read MoreUddeholm 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)
Read MoreUddeholm 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).
Read MoreUddeholm Unimax is a high hardness hot work tool steel which provides great wear resistance even over extended time at elevated temperatures. It performs very well in precision forging and hot stamping. Benefits Improved durability and wear resistance in moulding processes that wear hard on the mould like, long run production, moulding of reinforced plastics and compression moulding Longer tool life and a smoother production run with fewer disturbances for maintenance due to the high ductility Problem solver in severe cold work applications where high chipping resistance is required The high hardness and toughness together with the good dimension stability makes Unimax suitable as a substrate steel for surface coating when needed The very good hardenability and the unique properties profile of Unimax make it especially suitable for larger moulds. Unimax is therefore supplied in larger dimensions
Read MoreUddeholm 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
Read MoreUddeholm Vanax SuperClean is the long-awaited response to the market’s need for steel that is both strong and stainless. Combining the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel such as AISI 316L, with a hardness of 60 HRC and the wear resistance of a cold work tool steel, opens up new opportunities. Where no previous materials suffice, this powder metallurgical steel grade offers resistance in the most corrosive environments possible. From start to finish, its unique material properties provide reliable performance in the most extreme conditions and for the most demanding working materials. Benefits Uddeholm Vanax SuperClean has an excellent corrosion resistance both in low and high temperature tempered condition in combination with good wear resistance to counteract mixed wear/galling/fretting. Applications are e.g. found in plastic moulding, food processing and engineering designs.
Read MoreUddeholm Vida 1 ESR is a premium ESR-remelted hot work tool steel developed for demanding tooling applications where toughness, reliability, and surface quality are critical. Based on a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloyed composition, it combines excellent high-temperature strength with outstanding toughness and ductility, making it a trusted choice for both hot work tooling and large plastic moulds. Benefits The ESR (Electro Slag Remelting) process provides a cleaner and more homogeneous steel structure, resulting in very good polishability and texturing properties, as well as consistent performance throughout the tool. Uddeholm Vidar 1 ESR offers good machinability, reliable through-hardening characteristics, and excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment. These properties help toolmakers achieve predictable manufacturing results and long service life in production environments. With its combination of strength, wear resistance, and toughness, Uddeholm Vidar 1 ESR is particularly suitable for plastic injection moulds, die-casting components, extrusion tooling, and other applications exposed to high mechanical and thermal loads. It delivers dependable performance, reduced maintenance requirements, and enhanced tool productivity. Standard specification W.nr 1.2343 / AFNOR Z38 CDV 5 (H11 ESR)
Read More