EuroWire March 2018

Technology News

Edelstahlwerke’s focus on hot work tool steel

Tool life is considerably increased due to the delay in the formation of heat cracking. It is this feature that makes the special steel optimal for the production of demanding die cast components. Thermodur 2343 EFS Superclean is also part of the Deutsche Edelstahlwerke portfolio and has an established place as a universal solution for die casting applications due to its well-balanced property profile. The hot work tool steel is refined in an electro-slag remelting process and has both structural homogeneity and excellent cleanliness, leading to longer tool life. Classic areas of application include die casting moulds for processing light metals, extrusion tools and die inserts for the forging industry. Deutsche Edelstahlwerke – Germany Website : www.dew-stahl.com

HOT work tool steel for specific applications was the focus of Deutsche Edelstahlwerke at the Euroguss trade fair. The spotlight was on the material development Thermodur E 40 K Superclean. This special alloy was developed specifically for the die casting industry to extend the life of dies: by combining high toughness and temperature stability, Thermodur E 40 K Superclean is optimally able to withstand heat cracking. Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, a company of the Schmolz + Bickenbach Group, is competent in the development of materials for specific applications. The company meets the requirements for the development of durable and efficient special steel solutions. Thermodur E 40 K Superclean is a material engineered for high temperature stability and at the same time high toughness, of proprietary coating chemistries, has introduced InterCoat®ChemGuard – a new type of corrosion protection for galvanised steel. InterCoat ChemGuard uses a new type of coating technology that utilises covalent bonds. It enhances the effectiveness of zinc and improves corrosion protection on galvanised steel. The standard practice to protect metal from corrosion for approximately the last 70 years has been to coat it with zinc. Heavier zinc coatings have normally been applied to provide longer protection. InterCoat ChemGuard reacts with the zinc to form a permanent covalent bond on the surface of the metal. The product is applied over a light layer of zinc, which reacts with the zinc to dramatically improve its corrosion protection properties. The bond, which is formed at the molecular level, cannot be washed or worn off. This is different and more effective than the typical barrier coating. The process allows bending, stamping, post-painting and even shearing, while providing self-healing characteristics that help protect newly exposed zinc Chemcoaters, manufacturer a coil coater and

making it optimal for the manufacture of die casting moulds. The hot work tool steel meets the strictest requirements in regard to cycling temperature loads, and is capable of withstanding thermal stresses. ▲ ▲ Special steel for the manufacture of sophisticated die casting components

InterCoatChemGuard – a new type of corrosion protection

▲ ▲ The results after neutral salt spray testing after 144 hours on HDG G40 Bare, left; and 2,520 hours on HDG G40 with InterCoat ChemGuard, right

it reduces the need for zinc coatings heavier than G30 in many applications on the market. The product also eliminates the need for temporary corrosion protection coatings, often used in shipping and materials storage, including hexavalent chrome, a known carcinogen, making it more environmentally friendly for all building, architectural, transportation and consumer appliance applications. It is applicable to many industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, electrical conduit, wall studs, furniture, fixtures, appliances, outdoor and highway railing, agricultural, lawn and garden, and other products using galvanised steel.

that naturally occurs during secondary processing. InterCoat ChemGuard is claimed to be a major development for any user looking to extend the corrosion resistance of galvanised steel. The product is RoHS-compliant; it continues to protect during stamping, roll forming and shearing, and is weldable. With a low coefficient of friction, it actually enhances these processes. InterCoat ChemGuard is designed to be applied on the galvanised line or, for custom formulas, by the original coil coater and developer of the compound. cost savings because it allows for lighter zinc to form the bond. It is not necessary to apply heavy zinc; InterCoat ChemGuard offers

Chemcoaters Inc – USA Website : www.lowerzinc.com

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March 2018