Die Casting Tooling Grades
NADCA #207 At a Glance Acceptance Criteria for Die Casting Dies1
Premium Grade A (H13 Die Steel) The Premium grade level established for H13 die steel does not make reference to the steel making or the forging practice used by the steel manufacturer. Rather, the specification calls for defined levels of microcleanliness, banding/ segregation and for the certification of Charpy V-Notch (CVN) impact toughness to an 8 ft-lbs. average, with a 6 ft-lbs. single minimum value. Superior Grade B (H13 Die Steel) When considering the Superior grade level of H13 die steel, the steel making process needs to include the secondary refining offered by either Electro-Slag Remelting (ESR) or Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR). Additionally, the specification calls for increased levels of microcleanliness, a reduction in banding/segregation and for certification of impact toughness levels to a 10 ft-lbs. average, with 8 ft-lbs. single minimum value. The use of these additional refining processes, combined with the NADCA vacuum heat treatment procedure, are intended to improve die life when high volume production and/or critical performance are required. NADCA Grade C (Type 1.2367 & Modified) In applications where increased temper resistance is needed, to minimize the loss of hardness at elevated service temperatures there are hot work tool steels available to improve the die’s performance. These grades undergo either ESR or VAR refining, and are based on the composition of 1.2367 along with specific alloying modifications intended to improve die life. NADCA Grade D (Type H11/1.2343) When a higher toughness level is required for improved resistance to gross cracking, and temper resistance is less critical, the H11 type die steel may be considered. This grade has a minimum average Charpy V-Notch toughness requirement of 14 ft-lbs. These grades are also required to be remelted (ESR or VAR), which further adds to the overall uniformity of the product. NADCA Grade E (Type H11 Modified – Superior) This category of hot work tool steel contains those grades that are modified versions of the H11-type alloys. Specific processing through enhanced remelting (ESR or VAR) and control of the composition yields some of the toughest hot work tool steel grades available. As an example, the BOHLER W400 VMR achieves 20 ft-lbs., minimum average Charpy V-Notch toughness. NADCA Grade F (Type H11 Modified – Premium) This group pertains to modified versions of the H11-type alloys that are not required to undergo either the ESR or VAR processes. In this case, the capability requirement of the Charpy V-Notch toughness has been reduced to 14 ft-lbs. NADCA Grade G (Type 1.2367 Modified, reduced Chromium level) Based on the composition of a 1.2367 grade, however, with a reduced Chromium level. All Charpy V-Notch (CVN) values referred to are measured at a hardness level of 44-46 HRC. All grades with the exception of Grade A and Grade F shall undergo ESR or VAR processing. However, please note round geometries less than 3 inch diameter may not be available as a remelted quality.
1
Products
High Pressure Die Casting GRADE
NADCA # 207 Grade
Average Charpy V-Notch (ft-lbs)2
Description
Uddeholm Orvar® Superior
B
10
This grade is the benchmark for the die casting industry. Electro-Slag Remelting (ESR) in combination with special homogenization treatments, provide for uniform mechanical properties and a minimum average Charpy V-Notch (CVN) value of 10 ft-lbs.
BOHLER-UDDEHOLM H13 SUPERIOR
B
10
A Superior grade H13-type die steel. Available for thicknesses 18 inches or greater up to 22 inches.
Uddeholm Dievar®
C
14
The unique chemical composition, use of Electro-Slag Remelting (ESR) and additional homogenizing treatments result in a material with excellent toughness and very good hot strength. One of the main benefits is a significant improvement in the steel’s resistance to heat checking and gross cracking. The minimum average Charpy V-Notch (CVN) impact toughness is rated at 14 ft-lbs.
BOHLER W403 VMR®
C
10
A modified 1.2367 chemistry, along with the use of Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR)3, provide this grade with outstanding temper resistance and an extremely high-level of microcleanliness. The resulting mechanical properties are very uniform (isotropic) and the average Charpy V-Notch (CVN) values actually exceed those of an H13-type, Premium grade level.
BOHLER W400 VMR®
E
20
By means of Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR), along with a modification to the standard H11-type chemistry, this grade reaches a minimum average Charpy V-Notch (CVN) value of 20 ft-lbs. Within the 44-46 HRC hardness range, BOHLER W400 VMR is the toughest die steel that Böhler-Uddeholm produces.
N/A
N/A
An Electro-Slag Remelted (ESR) hot work tool steel with very good strength and the ability to maintain hardness levels at elevated temperatures. This grade has excellent heat transfer characteristics and is suitable for smaller, less complex dies or for sub-inserted regions (e.g., gate areas) that are prone to erosion and wear. The high temper resistance also makes this grade a good choice for casting copper-base alloys and components such as shot sleeves and core pins.
BOHLER W360 ISOBLOC®
2 3
Charpy V-Notch (CVN) values shown are measured at a hardness level of 44-46 HRC. Böhler Edelstahl’s tradename for Vacuum Arc Remelting is VMR.
Other Die Casting Applications and Components GRADE
DESCRIPTION
BOHLER-UDDEHOLM H13
A non-remelted quality, suitable for low pressure Aluminum and Zinc Die Casting.
VILLARES VEX®
A unique new grade with very good hot wear resistance. Due to its nitridability, it is a good choice for shot sleeve applications. Not typically used for high pressure die casting dies.
Uddeholm Caldie®
High toughness ESR quality grade, achieving hardness of 58-62 HRC. Used for Trim Dies and Zinc Die Casting dies.
Steel for Die Casting Applications Conventional Steels
INCREASING TOUGHNESS
BOHLER W400 VMR®
Remelted Grades ESR/PESR Uddeholm Dievar®
H11 ESR
Remelted Grades VAR
BOHLER W403 VMR® BOHLER UDDEHOLM H13 SUPERIOR / Uddeholm Orvar® Superior BOHLER W360 ISOBLOC®
BOHLER UDDEHOLM H13
VILLARES VEX®
AISI H13
INCREASING TEMPER RESISTANCE
Properties Comparison PRODUCTS Uddeholm Orvar® Superior BOHLER-UDDEHOLM H13 SUPERIOR Uddeholm Dievar® BOHLER W403 VMR® BOHLER W400 VMR® BOHLER W360 ISOBLOC® BOHLER-UDDEHOLM H13 VILLARES VEX®
Heat Checking
Gross Cracking
Hot Wear
Plastic Deformation
Nitridability
Heat Treatment Alliance In an effort to offer superior service to our customers, Böhler-Uddeholm has created an alliance with several worldclass heat treaters. This is an additional step that we have taken to ensure that the best heat treatment practices are utilized. The goal is to optimize the characteristics of our products and thereby, the performance of your tooling. Through this partnership we deliver: • Enhanced customer service • Joint technical support & problem solving • An unmatched commitment to quality
www.bucanada.ca/thermal_processing.htm BOHLER-UDDEHOLM’s heat treatment facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada offers one of the most complete ranges of vacuum thermal processing services for die casting applications in North America. The facility has a full line of vacuum heat treatment equipment to suit all customer requirements with individual furnaces capable of handling up to 8000 lbs. Additionally, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating services are also offered. This combination of services sets the company apart from other special steel and heat treatment providers.
www.century-sun.com
www.fpmht.com
Surface Treatment eifeler Coatings Technology provides state-of-the-art, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coatings for a variety of applications including Die Casting. eifeler’s patented, two-stage process includes an initial hardening of the surface via Plasma/Ion Nitriding, followed by the application of a mono-layered PVD coating. Referred to as Duplex-TIGRAL®, this treatment creates a hard, wear resistant barrier that reduces or eliminates the effects of soldering, erosion and wear of the tool steel surface. Duplex-TIGRAL may be applied to a variety of tool steel substrates, including: Uddeholm Orvar® Superior, Uddeholm Dievar®, BÖHLER W403 VMR®, BÖHLER W400 VMR®, BÖHLER W360 ISOBLOC® and other H11 and H13 hot work grades. www.eifeler.us
www.paulo.com
www.thermtech.net
DIE CASTING TOOLING GRADES
Bohler-Uddeholm Corporation 2505 Millennium Drive, Elgin, IL 60124
[email protected] www.bucorp.com
(800) 638-2520
Bohler-Uddeholm Limited 2595 Meadowvale Blvd., Mississauga, ON Canada L5N 7Y3
[email protected] www.bucanada.ca (800) 665-8335
This information is based on our present state of knowledge and is intended to provide general notes on our products and their uses. It should not therefore be construed as a warranty of specific properties of the products described or a warranty for fitness for a particular purpose. Rev. August 4, 2016.
MATERIALIZING VISIONS
Aceros Böhler Uddeholm, S.A. de C.V. Calle Ocho No 2 Letra “C” Fraccionamiento Industrial Alce Blanco Naucalpan de Juárez, Estado de México, CP 53370
[email protected] www.bu-mexico.com +52 (55) 91720242
© 2016, Bohler-Uddeholm Corporation
