August 2024 Volume 6

MATERIALS

CASE STUDY: UDDEHOLM SKOLVAR TOOL STEEL By Sebastian Sivertsen

I n hot forging, the selection of tool steel is crucial for achieving optimal performance and productivity. The extreme conditions of hot forging require innovative materials that offer precision, efficiency, and durability. Uddeholm Skolvar, the latest forging grade from Uddeholm, is designed to meet these demands with its excep tional properties: high wear resistance, high temper back resistance, high hot strength, high homogeneity through electro slag remelting, and weldability. This article presents a comparative study of Uddeholm Skolvar, focusing on materials temper back resistance, wear resistance, and hot strength. The results reveal that Uddeholm Skolvar maintains its hardness and performance under high temperatures better than the other materials. It exhibits superior wear resistance due to its vanadium hard phase carbides and demonstrates the highest hot yield strength, making it less prone to plastic deformation during the forging process. These findings highlight Uddeholm Skolvar as a strategic, high

performance solution for the forging industry, offering increased efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced reliability in high-demand applications. Introduction In hot forging, the selection of tool steel is critical to achieving optimal performance and productivity. The demands for precision, efficiency, and durability necessitate innovative materials that can withstand extreme conditions. Uddeholm Skolvar is the latest devel oped forging grade from Uddeholm, and it stands out as a premium choice for high demand forging applications with its five main prop erties: • High wear resistance • High temper back resistance • High hot strength • High homogeneity through electro slag remelting • Weldability

Figure 1: Uddeholm’s product portfolio for forging, Uddeholm Skolvar with high hot wear resistance.

FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2024 38