Overview
AISI H13 tool steel is a versatile material used in mould and die tools applications due to its excellent hot working property with good thermo-fatigue strength. Additive manufacturing of AISI H13 alloy leads to the most efficient tooling application with the possibility of complex designs with conformal cooling channels. AISI H13, being a hardenable alloy with carbide precipitates, is sensitive to the rapid solidification involved in the AM process. Hence, optimization of post-heat treatment has been carried out to achieve the desired microstructure and required hardness and toughness in AM AM-manufactured part. With developed knowledge on additive manufacturing of AISI H13 tool steel, a case study has been chosen with an industrial partner and test the additively manufactured tool in real-time conditions.
Key Features
- Reduction in die temperature achieved between the two shots: In the case study, the core pin recorded a 15 to 20 % reduction in the die temperature.
- Reduced and delayed soldering effect: The soldering behaviour of the corepin with a conformal cooling channel has improved. Surface porosity is reduced in size and number
- Reducing the number of rejections: Increase in production and reduced cost per part.
- Reduced Casting Cycle time: It has been confirmed that the cycle time has marginally reduced, which increases productivity.
- Tool Service life: Because of effective cooling, the service life of the core pin has also increased as compared to the core pin without a conformal cooling channel.
Potential Applications
- Pressure die casting tools
- High Temperature Extrusion tools
- Hot Forging tools
- Hot forming and Punching tools
Status
- Successfully completed testing of AM-built PDC tools with conformal channels on real-time conditions (Case study)
Intellectual Property Development Index (IPDI)
Level
1
2
3
4
5
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8
9
10
Description
Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles
Shortlisting possible applications
Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application
Coupon level testing in simulated conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Prototype testing in real-life conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial)
Initiate technology transfer
Support in stabilizing production
Status
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles | Shortlisting possible applications | Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application | Coupon level testing in simulated conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Prototype testing in real-life conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial) | Initiate technology transfer | Support in stabilizing production |
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