Tool Steel Offers Various Benefits for Metal Injection Molding

Sandvik Osprey Ltd’s HWTS 50 lean hot work tool steel powder was designed for enhanced printability for metal injection molding (MIM) as well as laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) and for hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The material’s tempering and thermal fatigue resistance as well as thermal conductivity are improved compared with conventional H-class hot work tool steels. The company says that these advanced properties effectively address many common challenges in hot-work applications within general engineering.

Osprey HWTS 50 improves the processability in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), lowering the susceptibility of cold cracking compared with conventional H-class hot work tool steels. Typical applications include high-pressure injection molds, die casting dies and hot forming tools.

The chemical composition is tailored for improved hot hardness at temperatures exceeding 1112°F/600°C. It is characterized by lower carbon content compared to those of medium carbon hot work tool steels and modifications to the carbide forming elements. This is said to ensure a comparable or even enhanced tempering resistance despite lower carbon wt.%.

Depending on the tempering temperature, a hardness range of 40 to 50 HRC in combination with excellent tensile and impact properties can be achieved, ensuring the longevity and durability of molds and dies under high-stress conditions.

The tool steel is well suited for injection molds, hot gripper dies and related components, plastic molding and mold repair (rebuilding die casting molds via direct energy deposition (DED).