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High Hardness and Wear Resistance-Best Steel for Forging Dies

Forging dies require steel with high hardness, good toughness, and strong wear and corrosion resistance, and they are often processed with CNC Machining Services for precision and durability. The following types of steel are commonly used:

Carbide Wear Plates1. Matrix Steel

Matrix steel is a special tool steel. Its chemical makeup is similar to the base of high-speed steel.

  • After heat treatment, a matrix structure is formed.

  • High strength and good toughness are provided.

  • It is used for tools that need both hardness and impact resistance.

2. PM23 Powder High-Speed Steel

PM23 is a type of powder metallurgy (PM) steel.

  • Hardness: HRC64–66

  • Steel purity is high, so cracking is reduced.

  • Strong wear resistance and toughness are achieved.

  • Commonly used in fine stamping dies.

  • However, the price is higher.

3. SKH-9 and DC53 Steel

When die life matters:

  • SKH-9 high-speed steel can be selected.

    • Hardness: HRC62–64

    • High tungsten content improves wear resistance.

  • If cost is a concern:

    • DC53 steel is an option.

    • Hardness: HRC60–63

    • Better wear and corner resistance than Cr12MoV.

4. Tungsten Steel (Hard Alloy)

Tungsten steel is known for its extreme hardness and high wear resistance.

  • It stays hard even at 500°C.

  • At 1000°C, it still keeps high hardness.

  • Also offers strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

5. CPM-20CV Steel

CPM-20CV is a powder tool steel.

  • Excellent wear and edge retention

  • High corrosion resistance due to chromium

  • Useful ratings:

    • Edge Retention: 8

    • Corrosion Resistance: 6

    • Grindability: 5

    • Popularity: 4

Clad PlateSteel That Is Both Hard and Wear Resistant

Several die steels offer both hardness and wear resistance. Below are commonly used options:

1. Cr12MoV Steel Plate

Cr12MoV is used in cold work dies.

  • High hardness and wear resistance

  • Good for cutting tools and stamping dies

  • Suitable for hard material processing

2. Cr12MoV Steel

This steel is widely used in cold dies.

  • Excellent wear resistance

  • Maintains cutting performance at high temperatures

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel contains chromium and nickel.

  • Offers corrosion and wear resistance

  • Keeps surface finish and mold quality

  • Also has high hardness, which increases die life

4. Cr12 Steel

Cr12 is a cold work die steel with:

  • High carbon and chromium levels

  • Very high hardness after heat treatment

  • Used for bending dies, punching dies, and cutting tools

5. P20 and S136 Steel

  • P20 Steel (2311 Steel):

    • Pre-hardened

    • Good processing and wear performance

    • Used for mid-size plastic mold parts

  • S136 Steel (4Cr13MoV):

    • High-grade stainless

    • Offers good corrosion resistance

    • Ideal for precision molds

Summary Table

Steel Type Hardness (HRC) Strength Wear Resistance Corrosion Resistance Use Case
Matrix Steel Medium-High High Moderate Moderate High-impact tools
PM23 64–66 High Very High Moderate Precision stamping dies
SKH-9 62–64 High High Low Long-life cutting tools
DC53 60–63 High High Moderate General dies
Tungsten Steel ~70+ Very High Very High High High-temp, high-wear dies
CPM-20CV High High Very High Very High Wear and corrosion-prone dies
Cr12MoV 60–62 High High Moderate Cold dies, cutters
Stainless Steel ~55–60 Medium High Very High Corrosive environments
Cr12 ~60+ High High Low Punch and shear tools
P20 ~30–35 Medium Moderate Low Plastic molds
S136 ~50–56 Medium High Very High Precision plastic molds