The world is becoming smaller, both logistically and economically. Globalisation increases the competitive pressure on mould and die makers, but also offers the chance to profit from orders in fast-growing markets. At the same time the innovation wheel is turning at an increasingly faster speed, which requires adaptability and flexibility from companies. The high cost and time pressure forces companies to constantly improve their efficiency. A high degree of standardisation along the entire process chain offers an excellent opportunity to drastically reduce costs and project lead times.
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In the product life cycle of a die, it is important to take a holistic view of the costs. Right from the beginning of a project, possible savings should be considered. The use of standard parts has a positive effect on the overall costs. Helpful questions are for example: are there die components which can be standardised? If so, what possibilities are there to fall back on internally standardised parts or die concepts? Could these be bought from an external standard parts manufacturer? There are lots of potential savings to be made here, and thus clear competitive advantages can be gained.
The design phase is crucial
The costs of a die can be greatly influenced during the development phase, whereas during serial production at the end of the product life cycle they can barely be reduced. The designer decides on the positioning of the parts, the machining sequence in the die as well as the layout of the individual machining stations and the feed. In this phase, the production parameters with which the die will later work in the stamping workshop are set. Furthermore, the designer decides if the die set can be made from in-stock standard plates or if customised special plates must be used. The more standard parts used, the higher the percentage of fixed calculable costs.
Quickly to the goal with digital wizards
By using standard parts, savings can be made in all areas. This begins with a fast and reliable pre-calculation by means of the Meusburger wizards. With these tools, all necessary components for a project can be quickly and easily put together and saved for later. CAD data of complete die sets can be exported from the Meusburger portal with just a few clicks and imported to all common CAD systems. This gives the designer more time to concentrate on the actual ‘critical points’ of a die.
Success thanks to 40,000 items
Meusburger offers over 40,000 items in die making, which are specially tailored to customer requirements. The low-deformation material itself has a big influence on the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the dies: thanks to the high-grade steel, which is heat-treated for stress relief, and to the exact form and location tolerances, subsequent costs can be reduced. Important functions in the die are also performed by components such as active parts. Buying these from external suppliers, rather than producing them in-house, offers significant additional savings and therefore long-term competitive advantages. The best time for putting this into practice is quite simply now!
7CrSiMnMoV tool steel, often referred to as CH-1 steel, is a standout low-alloy cold work die steel that’s earned its reputation in the industry for its exceptional qualities. What makes it special? It’s particularly well-suited for flame hardening, offering excellent hardenability, a broad quenching temperature range, and a low tendency to overheat. This means it remains stable during heat treatment with minimal deformation—a significant advantage for manufacturers seeking reliability and precision.
This mix is what gives the steel its strength, toughness, and wear resistance, making it perfect for heavy-duty applications.
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This steel is a real workhorse, finding its way into a wide range of tools and dies. Here’s where it shines:
It’s also a go-to for large dies, like those used for automotive outer panels and cold-bending dies. In fact, it outperforms other steels, such as GCr15 and Cr12MoV, in terms of tool lifespan for piercing and blanking tasks. Plus, it’s handy as inserts in big stamping dies, where localized hardening simplifies production.
To achieve the best results with 7CrSiMnMoV steel, heat treatment is crucial. Here’s how it’s done:
Start by heating the steel billets to -°C, then finish at 800-850°C, and let them cool slowly. A preheat to 800-900°C ensures everything heats evenly, setting the stage for a solid result.
This is where the steel gets tough. Heat it to 860-920°C and cool it fast—oil or air works. Oil quenching at 860°C can achieve a hardness of 62 HRC, while air cooling reaches 59 HRC. Even in an 80mm sample, you’ll still achieve 60 HRC at 30mm depth, showcasing its impressive hardenability.
After quenching, temper at 160-200°C to fine-tune the balance between hardness and toughness, achieving a hardness of 58-62 HRC. For smaller parts, self-tempering may be the solution.
Flame hardening is a game-changer here—preheat the mold to 180-200°C, then heat it to 900-°C and air cool. It’s perfect for boosting die lifespan, especially in automotive uses. Another option? Vanadium diffusion treatment in a borax bath, creating a 10-15 μm layer with a hardness of - HV for top-notch wear resistance.
Here’s a quick look at what makes this steel tick:
These stats help predict how it’ll handle heat and stress on the job.
When it comes to cold work dies and tools, 7CrSiMnMoV steel is a standout choice. Its blend of high hardness, great wear resistance, and solid toughness—plus that flame-hardening edge—makes it a favorite for everything from automotive dies to precision cutting tools. With the right heat treatment, this steel delivers performance and durability that manufacturers can count on.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 718h steel. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.