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What to note when machining mold steel? Which tool for mold steel?

Notes and tool selection for machining mold steel (P20, 718, S136, NAK80, Cr12MoV, SKD11, DC53 etc.): Characteristics: 1) Wide hardness range - pre-hardened HRC30-45, hardened HRC50-62, annealed HB200-250; 2) Good wear resistance - chromium, molybdenum, vanadium alloying: abrasive, wears tools; 3) Work hardening - some grades harden visibly; 4) High tack - stainless-type mold steels (S136) stick and weld easily. Which tool: 1) Pre-hardened (HRC30-40) - cobalt HSS (HSS-E) + TiAlN: best value, good life; 2) Hardened (HRC45-55) - carbide + TiAlN or AlCrN, or CBN above HRC55; 3) Annealed/soft - standard HSS or cobalt HSS; 4) Stainless-type mold steel (S136, 4Cr13) - cobalt HSS + AlCrN: strong anti-welding. Parameters: 1) pre-hardened - 500-1000rpm, feed 0.06-0.12mm/rev; 2) hardened - 200-500rpm, feed 0.02-0.06mm/rev; 3) annealed - 800-1500rpm, feed 0.08-0.15mm/rev. Note: mold steel hardness varies greatly - confirm the hardness before choosing tool and parameters; never machine hardened steel with HSS (extremely fast wear).

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