Rapid machining of hardened AISI H13 and D2 moulds, dies and press tools

Tools and dies for the forging, die casting and plastics moulding industries are commonly made from AISI H13, heat treated to 48–52 HRC, while the press tool sector predominantly uses AISI D2 at a significantly higher hardness of 60–62 HRC. Over the last 10 years, the introduction of high speed end milling has enabled the direct manufacture of prismatic components in the hardened state. The paper briefly outlines such techniques and details …