FOD Hot-work tool steels are used for forming ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their alloys at higher temperatures. In addition to the fact that the tool is continually at a high temperature, the contact zone of the tool is subjected to a changing thermal load by the working process. This complex duty demands that the tool possesses:

• good tempering resistance
• high strength at elevated temperatures
• high hot wear resistance
• good hot ductility and
• high level of resistance to thermal shock

Since these characteristics cannot all be maximised to the same extent in a single grade, the steel must be selected according to the most important criteria. Appropriate heat treatment, operational strength, preheating and a design that takes into account the stress to which the tool will be subjected are essential to ensure that the tool will have the required service life.

Typical applications for hot work tool steels are: pressure dies casting, hot extrusion, open die forging, and plastic processing.