Material Selection Guide
Material Type | Core Properties (Quantified) | Performance Advantages | Ideal Applications | Industry Certifications |
High-Speed Steel (ASP60) | – Hardness: 64-66 HRC – Red Hardness: 600°C – Wear Rate: 0.12 mm³/Nm | – 3.5X lifespan vs. H13 in high-temp apps – 40% lower abrasive wear | – Automotive punch dies – IC lead frame stamping – Hard metal blanking | ISO 4957:2018 AMS 6491 |
Powder Metallurgy Steel (DC53) | – Toughness: 32 MPa√m – Hardness: 60-62 HRC – Crack Resistance: ↑30% | – 80% less edge chipping – Withstands 25T+ impact loads | – Progressive dies – Heavy-gauge stamping – Shear blades | JIS G4404:2006 ASTM A681 |
Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) | – Biocompatibility: Grade 5 – Density: 4.43 g/cm³ – Yield Strength: 830 MPa | – 55% weight reduction – Zero ion release in sterile envs | – Medical implant molds – Aerospace fasteners – MRI components | ASTM F136-13 AMS 4928 |
Stainless Steel (SUS420J2) | – Corrosion Resistance: 1000h salt spray – Surface Finish: Ra≤0.1μm – HRC: 50-52 | – 18X better corrosion resistance – FDA-compliant surfaces | – Food packaging tools – Pharmaceutical molds – Chemical processing dies | FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 DIN 1.2083 |
High-Speed Steel (ASP60) – The Wear-Resistant Champion for Extreme Conditions
Key Features & Applications:
ASP60 is a cobalt-enriched high-speed steel produced via powder metallurgy, achieving 64-66 HRC hardness and 600°C red hardness. Its uniform carbide distribution (90% improvement over H13) makes it ideal for high-speed stamping (300+ strokes/minute), such as automotive lock components and precision SIM card slot punching. It withstands continuous impact from aluminum/stainless steel, with a typical lifespan of 2 million presses. However, its cost is 2X higher than standard tool steels, making it suitable for high-value parts.
Powder Metallurgy Steel (DC53) – The Heavy-Duty Crack-Resistant Expert
Key Features & Applications:
DC53 undergoes vacuum degassing to deliver 32 MPa√m toughness (30% higher than SKD11) while maintaining 60-62 HRC hardness. Its MC-type carbides effectively block crack propagation, perfect for thick-plate blanking (≥4mm) or stainless steel cutlery progressive dies. Real-world data shows an 80% reduction in edge chipping for EV battery case stamping. Avoid prolonged use above 550°C.
Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) – Lightweight Solution for Medical & Aerospace
Key Features & Applications:
As a biocompatible material (ASTM F136), Ti-6Al-4V prevents ion contamination in medical implant molds and reduces press inertia due to its 60% lower density vs. steel. In aerospace rivet cold heading, its 830MPa yield strength and 7W/mK low thermal conductivity prevent workpiece adhesion. Downsides: extreme cost (~6X SUS420J2) and unsuitability for >400°C environments.
Stainless Steel (SUS420J2) – The Ultimate Corrosion-Resistant Choice
Key Features & Applications:
Passivation-treated SUS420J2 resists pH1-14 corrosive media, while its Ra≤0.1μm mirror finish meets FDA food-contact requirements. Typical uses include chocolate molds (acid resistance) and PVC medical tube dies (chloride resistance). Lower hardness (50-52 HRC) necessitates DLC coatings to achieve 70% of standard tool steel wear resistance.
Hardness Categories

HRC 58–62 | Standard Grade
Material: SKD11, A2, HWS
Applications: General stamping, injection molds
Key Features: Stable hardness, high dimensional accuracy, long lifespan
Representative Products: Straight punches, ejector pins, guide posts

HRC 62–64 | Performance Grade
Material: HSS (M2, SKH51)
Applications: High-speed precision stamping
Key Features: Enhanced wear resistance, tight tolerances, excellent toughness Representative
Products: Pilot punches, shoulder punches, mold inserts

HRC 64–67 | Ultra-Hard Grade
Applications: Heavy-duty stamping, corrosive environments
Key Features: Maximum hardness, 5x wear life, low deformation Representative
Products: Carbide punches, die inserts, extrusion pins
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