Tool Steel Evolution...Why DC53 is Rapidly Replacing D-2 & High Speed Steels in Cold Work Applications

Mid-America Commerce & Industry, Feb 01, 2006

For years D2 has been the steel of choice for cold work stamping dies. The old rule has always been as wear resistance increases toughness decreases. DC53 has revolutionized tool steels by offering the same wear resistance as D2 with toughness equal to A2; it also offers dramatic improvement in fatigue strength when compared to D2. Failure lure of dies in many cases is the result of inferior fatigue strength rather than toughness or wear resistance. Increased fatigue strength reduces chipping, cracking and wear. D2 achieves its wear properties by large carbide distribution throughout the steel, while hard carbides allow for wear resistance they also reduce fatigue strength and make it difficult to machine and grind. Conversely DC53 is manufactured with a fine grain structure which increases fatigue strength and typically grinds 30 to 40% better than D2. DC53 also has greater resistance to weld cracking than D2.

DC53 has become the standard cold work tool steel for all the major automotive companies in Japan and it is quickly becoming the standard for major OEM's in the United States.

High speed or powder metals for years were the next step when better tool life was required. Most users found that better tool life was attained when "upgrading" to powder metal. This is a very expensive option due to higher material cost, difficulty machining and grinding and inability to weld repair. This option has led to high speed and powder metals being "oversold" in many applications. DC53 has been documented to last as long or Ionger in many applications in place of high speed or powder metal.

DC53 is manufactured under tight quality control by Daido Steel Company. Daido is represented by International Mold steel in Florence KY. Alro Steel is the exclusive stocking distributor in the Midwest. Alro Steel currently stocks rounds from I" diameter to 20" diameter and plate from 1/2" thick to 10" thick. Ask your Alro Steel representative for more information or go to www.alro.com.