
Plastic molding requires unique properties from the tool material. With the outstanding knowledge provided by our tool steel experts at BÖHLER and Uddeholm we are able to support you facing the challenges accross the entirety of the plastic molding value chain. Every tool has its own specific requirements – especially when it comes to the highly differentiated processing of plastics. Depending on requirements, various classic tool steels and remelted or powder metallurgically produced high-performance materials are used. Our brands offer the plastics industry a range of tool steels, proven and tested in practice and customised for the respective application. These guarantee high tool life, maximum precision during processing and perfect quality of the plastic surfaces.
BÖHLER and Uddeholm plastic mold steels are used for tools and tool parts in numerous plastics processing methods, e.g. injection molding and extrusion. Above all, we are the market leader in the most versatile, stainless material programme for the plastics processing industry.
Our materials meet the special requirements for mold materials in plastics processing, including, but not limited to:
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BÖHLER M310 ISOPLAST is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel which, through electroslag remelting and optimization of the chemical composition, has a good homogeneity and a balanced hardness-toughness-corrosion resistance ratio.
Read MoreBÖHLER M333 ISOPLAST is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic plastic mold steel with excellent polishability and toughness for products with highest surface requirements. BÖHLER M333 ISOPLAST is also approved for food and beverage contact.
Read MoreBÖHLER M340 ISOPLAST corresponds to a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel with improved wear resistance. This is ideal for the application area of glass fiber reinforced plastics. In addition, the BÖHLER M340 ISOPLAST is approved for food and beverage contact.
Read MoreBÖHLER M368 MICROCLEAN is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel produced by powder metallurgy. Due to the alloy concept and the production route, the steel has a high wear resistance, high corrosion resistance and high toughness. In addition, BÖHLER M368 MICROCLEAN is approved for food and beverage contact.
Read MoreBÖHLER 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.
Read MoreBÖHLER M398 MICROCLEAN is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel produced by powder metallurgy. Due to its alloy design, this steel has good corrosion resistance and higher wear resistance compared to BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN.
Read MoreBÖHLER N685 is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel with a high carbon content and molybdenum and vanadium additives.
Read MoreBÖHLER N690 is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel with a high carbon content and the addition of cobalt, molybdenum and vanadium. BÖHLER N690 is also approved for food and beverage contact.
Read MoreBÖHLER N695 is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel with a high carbon content and added molybdenum.
Read MoreUddeholm 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 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 mold maintenance costs: The surface of cavity impressions retain their original finish over extended running periods Molds 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 mold life, ensuring consistent cycle times Safe mold use because of good toughness also in big dimensions
Read MoreUddeholm Stavax ESR is a premium stainless mold 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. Mold maintenance requirement is reduced by assuring that core and cavity surfaces retain their original finish over extended operating periods. When compared with non stainless mold 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 mold 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, therefore cooling efficiency is constant throughout the mold life, ensuring consistent cycle times Long life mold 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 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 molding, food processing and engineering designs.
Read MoreThis group of steels is specifically intended for use as corrosion-resistant tool steel in plastics processing.
Pre-tempered steels are steels that are already quenched and tempered by the steel supplier, usually with hardnesses of 30 to 40 HRC, and are then delivered to tool production in this condition. By omitting the heat treatment in the course of tool production, the economic efficiency can be significantly improved. With the delivery hardness in the range of approx. 30 to approx. 40 HRC, there is a good compromise between machinability and wear resistance or compressive strength (edge stability), which is sufficient for many applications in plastics processing.
Steels in this product group are usually selected martensitic stainless steels with approx. 13 to 17 % Cr , alloyed with Mo and Ni and a C content of approx. 0.30 to 0.40%.
In the production of these steels, special consideration is given to the needs of plastics processing with regard to polishability and corrosion resistance in terms of purity, homogeneity and analytical balance.
In special cases, the microstructure is specifically optimised by a special analytical balance, and sulphur is added in small proportions (0.10 to approx. 0.20%) to improve machinability. However, due to the addition of sulphur, losses in corrosion resistance and polishability have to be taken into account.
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BÖHLER M303 is a corrosion-resistant, martensitic chromium steel with very good toughness, corrosion resistance, good wear resistance and improved machinability and polishability. Compared to 1.2316, BÖHLER M303 has better homogeneity and is approved for food and beverage contact.
Read MoreBÖHLER M303 ISOPLAST corresponds to a remelted BÖHLER M303 . The variation in the production route enables greater toughness and polishability thanks to higher purity and improved homogeneity. Also available as product variant BÖHLER M303HH ISOPLAST (high-hard variant).
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 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 RoyAlloy is a high-performance stainless mold 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 molds 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.
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BÖHLER M238 is a prehardened, non-corrosion-resistant plastic mould steel with good machinability. The addition of Ni guarantees uniform strength across the entire cross-section, even with large dimensions (up to 600 mm).
Read MoreBÖHLER M261 is a precipitation-hardenable steel for plastic molds that exhibits very good machinability in the as-delivered condition – solution-annealed and aged. Compared to 1.2312, BÖHLER M261 has a higher resistance to pressure and wear. By eliminating the need for additional heat treatment, the throughput time can also be significantly reduced.
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 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 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 molding processes that wear hard on the mold like long run production, molding of reinforced plastics and compression molding 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 molds. 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 (EBM) technology. 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
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