Swiss Steel Group's New E 40 K Hot-Work Tool Steels for Die Casting

Special steels Optimised hot-work tool steels for die casting moulds

2024-12-07 Source: Swiss Steel 2 min Reading Time

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The Swiss Steel Group is introducing new hot-work tool steels (E 40 K) that have been specially developed for high-performance die casting moulds. These materials not only offer improved resistance to thermally induced cracking, but also significant cost advantages due to longer tool life and reduced maintenance intervals.

E 40 K offers longer service life, improved surface quality and reduced operating costs for die casting moulds.(Source: Swiss Steel Group) — E 40 K offers longer service life, improved surface quality and reduced operating costs for die casting moulds.
(Source: Swiss Steel Group)

In the die casting process, metals are cast into moulds under high pressure. This process causes extreme stresses due to cyclical temperature changes, which often lead to thermal stresses and surface cracks. These cracks not only affect the quality of the manufactured components, but also reduce the service life of the moulds, resulting in expensive tool changes and production downtime.

In the automotive industry in particular, where complex and large-format die-cast parts are required, the demands on materials are increasing to ensure reliable and efficient production.

The new E 40 K hot-work tool steels from the Swiss Steel Group are characterised by a carefully balanced combination of high-temperature strength and toughness. These properties minimise the formation of cracks and significantly slow their propagation.

According to scientific tests the new steels (E 40 K) have a significantly higher yield strength and tensile strength than conventional materials such as 2343, 2344 or 2367 at temperatures between 550°C and 650°C materials such as 2343, 2344 or 2367. This makes these alloys particularly suitable for high-temperature applications in which high strength and wear resistance are crucial.

In simulated temperature change tests, the E 40 K was subjected to intensive testing. The samples were heated to 650°C and then quenched in water to replicate real production conditions.

After 8,000 cycles, the new steels showed a crack depth that was 10 mm shallower on average than conventional materials. Microscopic analyses confirmed the slower crack propagation, which underscores the technical superiority of the new materials.

With its optimised hot-work tool steels, the Swiss Steel Group offers a solution that extends the service life of die casting moulds and maintains surface quality while also reducing operating costs. These properties help to increase the efficiency of industrial manufacturing by reducing maintenance intervals. This product is also available in Green Steel quality. .

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