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Tools for Forging and Shaping
The tools used in hot and cold forging and shaping processes must be tough and resistant to fatigue. For this reason, they are clear candidates for improving their performance if they are subjected to the CRYOBEST® multi-stage cryogenic process .
Hot and cold forging tools are an example of the treatment’s potential in this type of application. Although hot forging stamps are usually nitrided, cases exist in which the multi-stage cryogenic treatment can make nitriding unnecessary in order to achieve a similar performance. The advantage lies in the fact that, whilst the Cryobest® process is only applied once, the nitriding needs to be performed every time the mould is refurbished. Nevertheless, as shown in the example of the engine valve forging dies, the greatest advantage is usually achieved when both these processes are applied simultaneously.
The most commonly-used materials for this type of work, depending on the application, are usually cold work steel, hot work steel, conventional high speed steel and, more and more often, powder-metallurgy steel. Cast iron and , bronzes are also used, and in those situations in which toughness is not a critical factor, hard metal can be used. All these materials respond positively to the CRYOBEST® process and, although each case is different, numerous examples corroborate this. As we have already mentioned, the fact that the treatment affects all of the material is a notable advantage, as it enables the damaged or worn tools due to the use to be refurbished when required. On the other hand, it does not limit the possible use of surface treatments or PVD coatings as they are compatible processes.
> Examples of Applications
