Solution Technologies of Die Steels when Blanking & Forming AHSS Steels

Outline of Presentation

• Hitachi Introduction: Tool Steel: “How we make it”

• Issues facing tooling in AHSS applications & variables effecting Die Performance

• Suggestions to optimize tooling performance

• Tool Steel Options

•SLDi Tool Steel

•Tests

•Windsor Punch & Slide

•Exova Impact

• Conclusions

Introduction of Hitachi Metals

Hitachi Manufacturing Process

Sheet Metal (Part Material) Trends

Advanced grade die materials are needed for forming AHSS.

Most “Die Standards” have not kept up with trend

• Surface Coating advancements have greatly improved steel performances

Questions about the Stamping Die Application

• Part material

• Aluminum or Steel: What type & thickness?

• Press Size & Strokes per minute cycle

• Current Die Construction

• Castings? Inserts?

 • Tooling steels used

• What coating?

• Die Clearance

• Heat Treating Recipe

• Welding (In House? Outsource? Consumable used?)

• Failure observations

• What's been tried so far?

What is SLDi Tool Steel ?

•SLDi is a Non ESR conventionally melted Cold Work Tool Steel exclusively made by HITACHI in Japan using Yasugi’s proprietary methods of manufacturing.

• Translation: “We melt , forge & roll this grade totally unique to any other tool steel grade we make”