Material Selection Guide

Material TypeCore Properties (Quantified)Performance AdvantagesIdeal ApplicationsIndustry 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

Material: Tungsten carbide, ASP23, ASP30
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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