Holder Material Tool Steel
The Importance of Holder Materials
In any tooling system—whether for injection molding, extrusion, die casting, or forging—the holder material serves as the structural foundation of the tool. Though not directly involved in the molding or forming process, the holder must provide long-term mechanical stability, precise support, and resistance to mechanical and thermal stresses.
Benefits of selecting the right holder material include:
• Reliable performance of working/tooling components
• Reduced deformation under pressure and temperature
• Easier machining and fabrication
• Improved tool assembly, alignment, and maintenance
Why Holder Tool Steel Selection Matters
The holder material must endure high clamping forces, thermal variations, and repeated assembly operations over long production cycles. Choosing the right steel affects:
• Structural integrity and tool alignment
• Tool changeover efficiency
• Machining and weldability
• Cost-effectiveness without compromising reliability
What Makes an Excellent Holder Tool Steel?
Whether using Uddeholm or BÖHLER grades, a high-quality holder material should deliver a stable and durable base for the tool steel inserts, cavities, and cores. Essential properties include:
- Good machinability for ease of tool manufacturing
- Dimensional stability under thermal and mechanical loads
- Sufficient toughness to resist cracking and chipping
- Moderate wear resistance for long-lasting performance
- Weldability for tool modifications or repairs
- Cost-efficiency without sacrificing strength
Available in large plate sizes, blocks, and pre-machined formats, optimized for mold bases, die holders, backing plates, and adapters.