Abstract: A heat pipe structure includes a base block including a rear surface part thermally connectable to a heat generating body and a heat pipe fixed to a front surface part of the base block and including a heat receiving tubular portion disposed along an in-plane direction of the base block. The base block has a longitudinal direction and a width direction and includes a recessed part in which the heat receiving tubular portion is housed and a pair of wall parts projecting along an outer circumferential surface of the heat receiving tubular portion from width direction both sides of the recessed part, and a container of the heat pipe is caulked and fixed by the recessed part and the pair of wall parts and includes a projecting shape part projecting in a direction opposite to a direction of the caulking between distal end portions of the pair of wall parts.

Abstract: A press forming apparatus that produces a character line in a design surface of an outer panel by press forming includes an upper die and a lower die. The upper die has a die surface that is configured to form a design surface of an outer panel. The lower die has a die surface corresponding to the die surface of the upper die. The die surface of the lower die has, in a formation area of the character line, a curved convex portion that protrudes beyond an offset line of the die surface of the upper die and curved concave portions continuous with the curved convex portion. Each of the curved concave portions is on a corresponding one of both sides of the convex portion and is recessed beyond the offset line.

Abstract: A tool for removing dents includes a rigid member having first upper handle and a second lower handle extending in a generally opposite direction and interconnect by way of a first lateral rigid bar portion, a second rigid upper bar portion connects to the first lateral bar portion and extends generally in a common direction to the first upper handle thus forming a U shape between the first upper handle, the first lateral rigid bar portion and the second rigid upper bar portion, and a rigid nose head extending from an end of the second rigid bar portion inward generally in a direction toward the first upper handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming metal parts in a progressive forming machine wherein one of the opposed tools on a ram and die breast is spring biased to operatively close the tools before the ram reaches front dead center thereby allowing material of the blank to extrude sideways through an aperture formed by both of the opposed tools in the final forward movement of the ram.

Abstract: A device and a method of using the device for construction of baffles that may be used in suppressors or solvent traps for firearms out of metal cups sold as engine block freeze plugs. The device has a bottom die, a top die and an alignment cylinder. The metal cup is transformed into a baffle by placing the metal cup on the bottom die, placing the bottom die inside the alignment cylinder, placing the top die inside the alignment cylinder, and applying compressive forces to the bottom die and top die. A hole may be drilled in the center of the baffle by placing a drill bit into a top die center hole completely penetrating through the top die and coaxial thereto, and drilling through the baffle, the drill bit passing into a bottom die center hole penetrating at least partially into the bottom die and coaxial thereto.

Abstract: A tool for forming a shaped product has a support body that is fabricated from a first material, such as for instance cast iron. The first material defines a first portion of a forming surface of the tool and has a feature supported thereon. The feature has a layer of a second material that is supported on the first material of the support body, a layer of a third material that is supported on the layer of the second material and a layer of a fourth material that is supported on the layer of the third material. The layer of the fourth material, such as for instance a tool steel alloy, defines a second portion of the forming surface of the tool. During use the first portion of the forming surface and the second portion of the forming surface cooperate to form a desired shape of the shaped product.

Abstract: A forging die device is provided with an upper die 10 and a lower die 20. At least one die 10 (20) of the upper die 10 and the lower die 20 has a die holder 12 (22) which surrounds the outer periphery of the die 10 (20) and holds the die 10 (20). The die holder 12 (22) is configured to bear the radial tensile stress (tensile force) received by the die 10 (20) during forging. By this means, the die 10 (20) can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A hemming tool for forming a hem securing an outer panel to an inner panel. The hemming tool includes a hemming die that has a first portion of a forming surface with a first coefficient of friction and a second portion that has a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first portion. A flange on the outer panel is initially engaged by the first surface to begin forming the hem flange toward the inner panel. The flange is engaged by the second hemming surface to continue forming the flange toward the inner panel. A method of hemming a sheet metal assembly including an inner and an outer panel is also disclosed that utilizes the hemming die that has a forming surface with a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first portion to reduce flange creep and roll-in during a hemming operation.

Abstract: A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion.

Abstract: Penetrators and methods of manufacturing penetrators are disclosed. One method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) cold heading a piece of material to form a blank; (b) machining the blank to create the arrowhead geometry; and (c) roll forming the blank to create the base geometry. Another method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) machining a piece of material to create the arrowhead geometry; and (b) roll forming the piece of material to create the base geometry. Yet another method of manufacturing a penetrator from a blank includes the steps: (a) machining the blank to create a first surface feature of the penetrator; and (b) roll forming the blank to create a second surface feature of the penetrator.

Abstract: A knockout has a support surface and the support surface has: (i) a first knockout outer diameter capable of supporting the first inner diameter of a container side wall when the knockout is inserted into an opening of the metal container and when the metal container is being necked with a necking die; and (ii) a second knockout outer diameter capable of supporting the second inner diameter of the container side wall when the knockout is inserted into the opening of the metal container and when the metal container is being necked with the necking die, and wherein the first knockout outer diameter is larger than the second knockout outer diameter.

Abstract: A corrugator system for corrugating metallic foil tape. The corrugated metallic foil tape made by the system is suitable to be applied to contoured or three-dimensional surfaces, and is particularly suitable for use in sealing or joining components of heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units.

Abstract: Penetrators and methods of manufacturing penetrators are disclosed. One method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) cold heading a piece of material to form a blank; (b) machining the blank to create the arrowhead geometry; and (c) roll forming the blank to create the base geometry. Another method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) machining a piece of material to create the arrowhead geometry; and (b) roll forming the piece of material to create the base geometry. Yet another method of manufacturing a penetrator from a blank includes the steps: (a) machining the blank to create a first surface feature of the penetrator; and (b) roll forming the blank to create a second surface feature of the penetrator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of interchangeable crimp units for a crimping machine. According to the invention each crimp unit comprises an integrated sensor for measuring a crimping force or a crimping displacement during the crimping process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-layer tool piece coating. For example, the tool piece may be a mold or die used for forming ultra high strength steel sheet. The multi-layer mold coating may include a CrN or Ti(C)N junction layer, a first TiAlN/CrN nano multilayer, and a second TiAlCN/CrCN nano multilayer. The CrN or Ti(C)N junction layer may be coated on a base material of the tool piece (e.g., a mold) for forming the steel sheet. The first TiAlN/CrN nano multilayer may be coated on the CrN or Ti(C)N junction layer as an intermediate layer. The second TiAlCN/CrCN nano multilayer may be coated on the first TiAlN/CrN nano multilayer as an outermost surface functional layer, and may include carbon (C) of about 1 at. % to about 30 at. % for high temperature and low friction.

Abstract: A crimper die set for assembling a safety hose sleeve system includes an upper die comprising an upper curved compressive face, upper recess walls extending contiguous from the upper compressive face at an acute angel to the upper compressive face, each defining a portion of a cavity Thrust plate slots extend upward from ends of the upper recess walls. A lower die comprises a lower curved compressive face, lower recess walls extend contiguous from the lower compressive face at an acute angel to the lower compressive face and define another portion of each cavity. Lower thrust plate slots extend downward from an end of the lower recess walls, distal from the lower compressive face. Thrust plates extend from the lower thrust plate slot into the upper thrust plate slot, across the cavity at an acute angle to each of the recess walls, defining an outer abutment of the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to disc-shaped compensation shims for compensating for the shortening of a tool die or a tool stamp due to regrinding. The shim includes a coding indicating a thickness of the tooling shim, the tooling shim being configured for use with a tool die or tool stamp to compensate for shortening of the tool die or tool stamp resulting from regrinding. The invention also relates to tool arrangements having at least one such shim, and to machine tools having such tool arrangements.

Abstract: A method for making a metallic casing includes providing an apparatus comprising a first mold and a second mold, placing a preform into a rectangular depression of first mold, moving the first mold to the second mold so that each sharp edge is substantially coplanar with a corresponding cutting edge, moving the first mold to the second mold so that the cutting edges are beyond the corresponding sharp edges of the first mold to complete a partial cut procedure, and moving the first mold to the second mold so that the secondary-cutting edge moves beyond the corresponding sharp edge and completely cuts the excess off the side wall.

Abstract: A double-action clinching tool includes a support having an aperture formed therein and a surface configured to receive a first layer overlapping a second layer. A clinching punch is slidably positioned in the support aperture and configured to engage the second layer. A punch is positioned opposite to the clinching punch and is configured to form an aperture in the first layer prior to the clinching punch engaging the second layer. A retractable clinching die configured to contact the first layer and to shift such that an interior wall thereof is angularly offset from an initial position when contacted by a portion of the second layer extending through the aperture of the first layer.

Abstract: A metal pipe having at least one smooth portion and at least one grooved portion is obtained by progressive deformation of its wall in at least two consecutive phases. Each phase is carried out using a tool assembly including a grooved female die that accommodates the portion of pipe being deformed, and a grooved male punch that moves axially in order to give the pipe a cross section with an undulating profile, defining longitudinal ribs distributed around the pipe. The majority of the ribs each have a width in the circumferential direction that is less than the distance in the circumferential direction from one rib to the next. The pipe is subjected to a further deformation step in order to force the flanks of each rib into contact with each other using a tool assembly that includes radially movable sectors or a bushing that supports a plurality of radial rollers.

Abstract: A upper tool holder for a press brake includes a holder body; an upper tool clamper provided on the holder body and capable of swinging when replacing the upper tool; an auxiliary urging mechanism that functions as resistance when opening the upper tool clamper further in order to replace the upper tool, and functions so as to support a closing operation when closing the upper tool clamper from a further opened state; and a pusher provided in the auxiliary urging mechanism and urged in a closing direction of the upper tool clamper. According to the upper tool holder, unexpected drop-off of the upper tool can be prevented, so that safety can be improved.

Abstract: A die member is provided for a self-piercing riveting process, the die member comprising a die cavity having an axis and a plurality of sides positioned about the axis, wherein each side extends along a plane which includes a chord connecting two points along a circle centered on the axis.

Abstract: A punch and die set includes a die including two arms. The two arms and a bottom of the die define a die channel. A punch is sized to be received in the die channel. A rocker element is movably secured to the die. A reduced frictional element is movably secured to the rocker element. The rocker element is movably secured to the die so that the rocker element pivots relative to the die around a pivot point between a centerline of the die channel and at or inside a first of the arms.

Abstract: To provide a method for shaping an electric wire end and a mold for shaping electric wire end, capable of shaping a distal end with a rectangular shape in sectional view by smoothly pressing conductors of plural electric wires without causing a reduction in strength.

Abstract: A contact bending fixture includes a lower die slider, a positioning rod, a linear actuating mechanism, and an upper die slider. A lower die mounted on the lower die slider includes a die holder, a lower bending module, a contact holding stick, and a bearing roller. The lower bending module includes a smooth sustaining side surface facing the bearing roller for defining an insertion gap therebetween. An upper die mounted on the upper die slider opposes the lower die and includes a punch holder, a hold-down plate, an elastic component, and an upper bending module. The hold-down plate presses and holds down an end of an under-bending contact on the top surface of lower bending module with an opposite end of the contact suspending in the insertion gap. Therefore, the contact bending fixture is capable of bending a contact at a required angle in one step.

Abstract: A lead pin rectifying apparatus is provided, including a first member which includes a tapered upper face and a cylindrically-shaped side face; a cylindrically-shaped second member which has an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the first member, wherein the second member covers over the first member therewith while an electronic component having the lead pin is housed inside the second member; and a pressing member which presses the electronic component to the first member from the top side of the second member while housing the electronic component having the lead pin inside the second member to abut the lead pin against an upper face of the first member, wherein the second member is pressed to the first member after pressing the electronic component to the first member with the pressing member to rectify the shape of the lead pin of the electronic component.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for forming materials that may comprise a body having a channel and an insert. The channel may extend to a first opening in the body and a second opening in the body. The embodiments may also provide a mandrel disposed in the channel of the body and the insert of the body. The mandrel may have a shaft, a head on the shaft, and a compressible material disposed between the head and the insert of the body. The embodiments may also provide a collar. The collar may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the body. The embodiments may also provide a biasing system configured to guide the collar in a first direction to a first position and then to a second position and configured to apply force to the body in a second direction.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for making metallic casing, the apparatus includes a first mold and a second mold, the first mold is opposite and movable relative to the second mold, the first mold defines a rectangular depression opposite to the second mold. The rectangular depression forms a plurality of side surfaces interconnecting to each other. Each side surface has a sharp edge. The second mold includes a plurality of cutting edges corresponding to the sharp edges respectively, one of the cutting edges has a secondary-cutting edge.

Abstract: A hot forming die that includes a first die and a second die. The first die has a first die structure that is formed of a tool steel. The first die structure has a first die surface and a plurality of first cooling apertures. The first die surface has a complex shape. The first cooling apertures are spaced apart from the die surface by a first predetermined distance. The second die has a second die surface. The first and second die surfaces cooperate to form a die cavity. Related methods for forming a hot forming die and for hot forming a workpiece are also provided.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and related method includes a cylindrical base that mounts to a die member using a multi-piece, interlocking flange. The flanges have outer fastener holes and inner arcuate walls that matingly engage a complimentary profile on the outer surface of the base to axially interconnect the same. The flanges also have male and female end connectors which snap lock together around the base in an assembled condition. Mounting screws pass through the fastener holes in the flanges and are anchored in the die member to securely retain the guided keeper assembly in place. A retainer ring is mounted in an associated groove in the base over the heads of the screws to prevent unintentional unfastening of the screws from the die member.

Abstract: A gas spring mount and related method for metal forming dies includes a one-piece, split clamping ring having a generally ovate plan shape with two spaced apart axes of symmetry. A generally circular clamping portion extends around the first axis, and is shaped to receive a gas spring body therein. A hook-shaped end extends around the second axis, and is shaped to receive a tapered head mounting member therein. A resilient free end is located operably between the clamping portion and the hook-shaped end portion, whereby tightening of the mounting member shifts the hook-shaped end outwardly and the free end inwardly to constrictingly pull the clamping ring securely against the gas spring body, and contemporaneously attach the assembly to an associated die member.

Abstract: A tool head device for crimping rings and clamps includes a clamp head member which is formed by connecting a left clamp head with a right clamp head via two covers, a clamp head shaft and two cover pins. Each of the left clamp head and the right clamp head has a clamp jaw at a top end thereof. Each of the left clamp head and the right clamp head has a concaved inner sidewall at an end portion thereof, the two concaved inner sidewalls form an insert cavity, an insert component is provided within the insert cavity. An end of the left clamp head is connected with that of the right clamp head by connecting pins and connecting boards. It can be used to crimp rings and clamps. It has the simple structure, facilitates operating and carrying, reducing the cost, and improves the efficiency of installing.

Abstract: A ball joint 10 includes a first member 12 having a ball section 14 and a second member 15 having a socket 16. Ball section 14 is accommodated and supported inside socket 16. A pair of dies 20, 30 sandwich a wall 18 surrounding an opening 17 of the socket 16, and are configured to approach each other gradually, utilizing small repetitive vibrations that include an approaching and separating action, thereby intermittently pressing the wall in an inward radial direction. During each interval of the intermittent pressing action, a supporting and rotating device 40 rotates socket 16 (second member 15) in small increments about a central axis C2 of socket 16. Consequently, dies 20 and 30 successively press against a multitude of points on the circumference of the outer surface of wall 18 of the socket, thereby bending wall 18 inward so as to reduce the diameter thereof.

Abstract: In the invention, a joining means having a ram tool, a countertool and a holder with an opening to accommodate the ram tool or the countertool, is described. The two tools are arranged coaxial with each other at different ends of a C-bracket. The invention is distinguished in that the holder comprises at least one plane contact surface arranged on the outer surface of the holder, resting in contact with at least one plane face of the corresponding end of the C-bracket and detachably fastened thereto. Between the contact surface and the face, at least one interlay is arranged, determining the information and/or the distance of the contact surface from the face.

Abstract: Penetrators and methods of manufacturing penetrators are disclosed. One method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) cold heading a piece of material to form a blank; (b) machining the blank to create the arrowhead geometry; and (c) roll forming the blank to create the base geometry. Another method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) machining a piece of material to create the arrowhead geometry; and (b) roll forming the piece of material to create the base geometry. Yet another method of manufacturing a penetrator from a blank includes the steps: (a) machining the blank to create a first surface feature of the penetrator; and (b) roll forming the blank to create a second surface feature of the penetrator.

Abstract: A method of predicting sheet formability at a microscale level includes the steps of providing a grid pattern on a test sheet, bulging the test sheet to a hemispherical shape until a crack is initiated on the surface of the test sheet, detecting the initiation of the crack, acquiring two images of the surface adjacent to the crack and calculating surface strains on the test sheet.

Abstract: A tool for use in a powder metal process is disclosed. The tool includes an upper tool and a lower tool. The upper and lower tools may include multiple members for each tool. The lower tool having a predetermined cross sectional profile that continuously expands outward from or near a center point of the lower tool. The lower tool is also secured within a press for the powder metal process via a fastening mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a steel plate-shaped component which can increase the yield and the working efficiency. When a steel plate-shaped component (1) such as a pole parking is manufactured, a steel disk-shaped initial material (10) is vertically placed in a cavity (41) of a dice (40) of a cold forging die so that the thickness direction of the initial material (10) is perpendicular to a pressing direction. The initial material (10) is pressed through cold forging against the peripheral side portion (11) by a punch (42) while the initial thickness of the initial material (10) is maintained substantially as it is, whereby an approximate component (20) approximating the plate-shaped component (1) is obtained. Subsequently, a margin portion (25) of the approximate component (20) is removed, whereby a half-finished product (30) is obtained.

Abstract: A miniaturized metal joint body and an apparatus for manufacturing the metal joint body to be improved about strength are provided. By cutting three overlapped metal sheets along a first cutting line and a pair of second cutting lines extending so as to intersect the first cutting line at each end of the first cutting line and pressing areas surrounded with the first cutting line and the pair of second cutting lines and each of a pair of bending lines connecting both ends of the pair of second cutting lines, each of the pairs of projecting members is formed so as to project in a pressing direction of arrow Z.

Abstract: A hot bulge forming die apparatus forms a preheated tubular material 10a into a tubular material 10d. The hot bulge forming die apparatus includes a lower die 21B having a cavity surface 211B and an upper die 31B having a cavity surface 311B. An elongated hole 215 is formed in a circumferential edge portion 215 of the lower die 21B so as to extend outwards, and a projection 315 is formed on a circumferential edge portion 314 of the upper die 31B so as to fit in the elongated hole 215. When the dies are clamped together, the projection 315 formed on the circumferential edge portion 314 of the upper die 31B fits in the elongated hole 215 formed in the circumferential edge portion 214 of the lower die 21B.

Abstract: A stamping tool for forming a stamped metal panel used as part of a pillar of a motor vehicle is provided. The stamped metal panel is arcuate and has a u-shaped cross-section, the arcuate panel including a transitional portion so as to avoid a die lock condition. The tool includes an upper die, and a lower die, and transitional portion surfaces. The transitional portion surfaces tapers as the transitional portion surface extends from the ends of respective upper and lower dies to a first point. The transitional portion is substantially tangential with at least the first wall surfaces of the dies to facilitate removal of the panel from between upper and lower dies of a stamping tool.

Abstract: The axle straightening press has a female jaw and a male jaw each with a rectangular shape, a mating surface, and a transverse half channel. The dowels of the male jaw fit into holes in the female jaw upon a diagonal line on the mating surface. Preferably, the press has two identical jaws, inverted, and closed upon each other. Each jaw has a generally rectangular shape with a mating surface, a dowel, a transverse half channel, and a hole. The half channel is less than one tenth the thickness of said jaw and has flared ends for shaping the head of an axle into a cone. A Cub Scout places an axle in the channel between the jaws and strikes the press with a hammer. Removing the axle from the press, the Cub Scout places a wheel on the axle, and installs the axle upon a model car.

Abstract: A terminal crimping apparatus includes an anvil for supporting a metal terminal including a base plate portion for placing an electric wire thereon and a pair of crimping piece portions extending upwardly respectively from opposite side edges of the base plate portion and a crimper which includes a press-deforming portion having a generally arch-shape formed of two arc-shaped surfaces which are opposed to the anvil. The anvil and the crimper cooperate to press the crimping piece portions for crimping the crimping piece portions to the electric wire placed on the metal terminal. The shape of the crimper satisfies a formula, Index a=c·cos ?, where c represents a length of the arc-shaped surface of the crimper, and ? represents an angle formed by a tangential line to the arc-shaped surface at a central portion of the crimper and a vertical line.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus includes an anvil for supporting a metal terminal including a base plate portion for mounting an electric wire thereon and a pair of crimping piece portions extending upwardly respectively from opposite side edges of the base plate portion and a crimper which includes a groove portion being opposed to a supporting portion of the anvil. An inner surface of the groove portion of the anvil and a terminal support face of the supporting portion of the crimper cooperate to press the crimping piece portions for crimping the crimping piece portions to the electric wire mounted on the metal terminal. A width of the groove portion of the crimper is not more than 1.0 mm. The terminal support surface of the anvil is formed into a concavely curved surface in which a depth of the concavely curved surface is not smaller than 0.06 mm and is not larger than 0.17 mm in a cross-section of the anvil perpendicular to an axis direction of the electric wire.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments provide a die set comprising a knockout punch and a necking die for necking-in a metal container preform. In an axial direction from front to back of the die, the die has an inwardly tapering in-feed surface, a forming radius, a generally cylindrical land having a die bore diameter, a discharge surface and a relief surface having a diameter larger than the die bore diameter. The land has an axial length of less than 0.1 inch. It is believed that such a length limits the number of metal contacts with the land (rebounds between the knockout punch and the land) to one or two as a metal container preform is necked in the die in conjunction with a knockout punch having a punch diameter that provides a gap between the knockout punch and the land. While the gap may be larger than the topwall thickness of the metal of the preform within the gap, it may alternatively be the same as, or smaller than, the thickness (by up to 10%), to effect re-resizing of the container wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a die set comprising an annular necking die and a knockout punch for necking-in a metal container, and a method of necking. In the method, in at least one necking-in step, the metal container is both reduced in diameter and the container wall is redrawn to minimize circumferential irregularities of wall thickness and/or circumferential rippling of the container wall caused by the reduction of diameter. The die of the die set is provided with a redraw surface to achieve this redrawing effect.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-mode hammering machine that operates in a rigid mode, a flexible power hammer mode and a machine press mode to contour, shape and form sheet metal products. In all three modes, a ram is linearly stroked toward and away from a fixed die by a common ram drive assembly that includes a lever drive assembly and a reciprocating lever. The lever drive assembly moves in a rigid non-flexing manner. The reciprocating lever includes a rigid mode and a flexible mode. A conversion pin is used to engage one and simultaneously disengage the other. The lever drive assembly includes a control link that interfaces with a stroke adjustment mechanism. The gap adjustment mechanism is located at the fulcrum of the reciprocating lever. Both stroke length and gap are adjusted independently during the operation while the ram is cycling.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a progressive crimping method. The method includes assembling a compression connector for crimping, the compression connector including a first section and a second section; crimping the compression connector to a first crimp depth; crimping the first section of the compression connector to a second crimp depth; and crimping the second section of the compression connector to the second crimp depth.

Abstract: A method to manufacture a steel die having a Physical Vapor Deposition wear resistant coating on a profile surface and a steel die formed thereby is disclosed. The steel die is subjected to quenching and tempering to achieve a Rockwell hardness in the range of about 40-45 Rc and then subjected to machining to form a profile surface. The surface is then subjected to Physical Vapor Deposition of a wear resistant coating that may be multiple layers of CrN, AlCrN, TiCrN, TiN, TiCN or TiAlN, and preferably is alternating layers of TiN—TiCN—TiN. The coating is applied at a sufficient thickness to impart wear resistance to the steel die. The steel dies are useful in sheet metal stamping operations.

Abstract: A ferrous metal tool is provided for the forming of light metal sheet workpieces at elevated temperatures, with the forming surface of the tool prepared to minimize friction and adhesion when engaged in deformation of the hot sheet metal. The forming surface of a steel tool is nitrocarburized to form a compound layer and diffusion layer on the surface. The compound layer initially comprises an outer gamma-phase material and an underlying epsilon phase material. Gamma-phase material is removed to expose underlying epsilon phase material, and low friction particles are embedded in the modified nitrocarburized compound layer of the forming tool.