Steel Solutions for Toolmaking

In plastic processing, various tools are used to process, shape, cut, melt, and manipulate plastics.

• Injection molding tools are utilized to mold plastics into complex shapes via the injection molding process. They comprise two mold halves that are joined to create a cavity, into which the molten material is injected. Injection molding tools must be precisely manufactured to ensure accurate shaping and high surface quality of the final product.
• Extrusion tools are used in plastic extrusion to form plastics into various and sometimes complex profiles. During the extrusion process, the plastic is plastified and fed through a screw to the die, and pressed into the desired shape in a continuous process. The product is then uniformly cooled and solidifies.
• Demolding tools are employed to remove the finished plastic part from the mold after it has cooled and solidified. They can be in the form of grippers, ejector pins, or other devices that facilitate smooth demolding of the part.  

The precise selection of tools depends on the type of plastic processing, the specific requirements of the product, and the plastic material used. Each tool requires precise manufacturing to ensure accurate shaping, high surface quality, and good processing quality.

Die casting is a method for producing metal parts in which molten metal is injected into a mold under pressure. There are two main variants of die casting: high-pressure die casting and low-pressure die casting. Each process has its own characteristics and applications.

In high-pressure die casting, the metal is injected into the mold at very high pressure, typically using a hydraulic injection unit. The high pressure allows for the metal to be quickly and precisely injected into the cavity of the mold, reproducing complex geometries and fine details. High-pressure die casting is well-suited for manufacturing parts with high demands on surface quality, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical strength. It is commonly used for mass production of parts in the automotive industry, electronics, and other sectors.

In low-pressure die casting, the metal is injected into the mold at a lower pressure. This process is often used for manufacturing large, complex parts or parts with thin walls. Low-pressure die casting allows for a slower and more controlled injection of the metal, leading to lower stresses and better filling of the mold. It is well-suited for producing parts where uniform material distribution and a low risk of air inclusions are important. Low-pressure die casting is frequently used in the automotive or aerospace industries, for structural components, and other applications where high strength and reliability are required.

Speed Your Way to the Right Steel with the Materials Guide

Swiss Steel Group Materials Guide assists you in finding the right steel solution for your unique requirement. You get a quick overview of the diverse applications our various steel grades offer for key industries.

Mandrel bars are used in the production of seamless tubes. They serve to shape and stabilize the inner diameter of the tube during the rolling process. Mandrel bars are typically made of high-strength tool steel, which exhibits high wear resistance and durability. The steel must withstand the extreme stresses and temperatures that occur during the rolling process. They must be manufactured with high precision to ensure that the inner profile of the tube meets the desired specifications. This requires tight tolerance control and precise surface finishing to ensure smooth and uniform shaping of the tube.

Swiss Steel Group supplies mandrel bars made of universally applicable hot-work steels and special steels, which are adapted to the various tube rolling processes and tailored to individual stress requirements, in the following configurations:

• Finished, machined, and chrome-plated according to customer drawing
• Finished, machined, and scaled according to customer drawing
• Pre-machined, i.e., tempered and peeled

Cold rolling is used in the cold forming of low and high alloy steels as well as non-ferrous metals and must meet specific requirements. The use of special metallurgical processes such as Electro-Slag Remelting (ESR) or Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) ensures the requirements for surface quality, purity, and isotropy of the material. Depending on the intended use of the roll, the appropriate material selection is important, affecting the hardness, hardenability, toughness, compressive strength, and through-hardening of the roll.

Sheet metal processing includes various methods for forming, cutting, and working sheet metal to manufacture components or parts. This involves the use of tools for shearing, punching, bending, embossing, and deep drawing.

Machining and processing are widespread methods for manufacturing tools from metals and plastics. These processes include cutting, punching, drilling, milling, and grinding workpieces using specialized tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinding machines. Machining processes enable precise shaping and surface finishing of tool parts.