Abstract: A forming system that includes a first die having a first die surface and a second die having a second die surface is provided. The first and the second die surfaces are configured to cooperate to form a die cavity therebetween so as to receive a workpiece therein. Coatings are formed on opposing portions of the first and second die surfaces. The coatings on the opposing portions of the first and the second die surfaces cooperate to be on opposite sides of the workpiece received in the die cavity. A ratio of Vanadium to Tungsten in the coatings is in the range between 0.31 and 0.45. In one embodiment, each of the coatings includes at least two layer configuration. In another embodiment, each of the coatings includes a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A method for forming a die is provided. The method includes heating a die structure such that a surface thereof is at least 450° C.; and machining, by a machining system, a predetermined surface profile on the surface of the die structure while the temperature of the surface is the at least 450° C. to form the die.

Abstract: A sheet metal blank is hot-stamped between first and second tool surfaces of first and second die tools, respectively, to form a hot-stamped product. That product is then heat treated between the first and second tool surfaces. An actively cooled portion of the tool surfaces quenches part of the hot-stamped product to form a hardened zone. An actively heated portion of the tool surfaces slows heat transfer from the hot-stamped product to the heated portion, which causes the hot-stamped product to have a soft zone. A matrix of insulating gaps is formed in the heated portion to further slow the rate of heat transfer from the hot-stamped product to the heated portion. The insulating gaps may facilitate the use of a lower-temperature heated portion, which may consequently save energy and result in the heated portion having greater wear resistance and longer life.