Application Focus
Press Tools & Dies
Preventing galling, rapid edge wear, and corrosion from coolants by enhancing surface integrity for longer production runs between regrinds.
The Challenge and Solutions
Press tools are subjected to high contact pressures and sliding friction during every stroke. Common issues include "galling" (where sheet metal sticks to the punch or die), rapid edge wear, and corrosion from coolants.
Shital Plasma Nitriding enhances the tool's surface integrity, ensuring consistent quality and significantly longer production runs between regrinds.
How We Solve Press Tool Challenges
| Problem Faced | Mechanism of Plasma Nitriding Solution |
|---|---|
| Scratch Mark | Creates a super-hard, low-friction surface that prevents the cold welding (galling) of sheet metal to the tool, eliminating the primary cause of surface scratches on parts. |
| Wear & Tear | Significantly increases surface hardness to resist abrasive wear from high-tensile steel sheets and coated materials, extending the time between tool maintenance. |
| Elasticity | By maintaining a controlled diffusion layer, we preserve the substrate's mechanical properties, ensuring the tool retains its elastic response without becoming excessively brittle. |
| Corrosion of Dies | Forms a chemically stable surface barrier that protects the tool steel from oxidation and chemical attack caused by stamping lubricants and environmental humidity. |
Material Specifications for Press Tools
Press tools utilize materials ranging from cold-work tool steels to high-speed steels. The specifications below are designed to optimize the surface performance for stamping, blanking, and forming operations.
| Material / Grade | Application Area | Target Surface Hardness | Recommended Case Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2 (1.2379) | Cutting & Blanking Dies | 1000 – 1200 HV | 0.05 – 0.15 mm |
| D3 (1.2080) | High-Wear Forming Tools | 1000 – 1200 HV | 0.05 – 0.15 mm |
| Cr12MoV (SKD11) | Piercing Punches & Dies | 1000 – 1200 HV | 0.05 – 0.20 mm |
| A2 (1.2363) | General Purpose Press Tools | 900 – 1100 HV | 0.10 – 0.20 mm |
Note: For press tools, especially those used for blanking, a very thin, dense nitride layer is often preferred to maintain edge sharpness. Our plasma nitriding process allows for precise control over the compound layer to ensure maximum wear resistance without compromising the cutting edge's structural integrity.