Download - Uddeholm

PRE-MACHINED TOOL STEEL
In tool manufacture, material cost represents only a small fraction (approx.
10%) of the total cost of the tool. Machining represents a considerably
larger portion. It has been calculated that rough machining prior to heat
treatment accounts for about 20% of the total cost. Some of the rough
machining is less qualified and should not have to be done by skilled
toolmakers.
Uddeholm has therefore invested in considerable resources for further
processing of the tool steel. In order to give the customer a steel which is
less expensive overall, we grind the tool steel in long runs to a standardised
tool size and to a surface finish on which the toolmaker can layout directly.
The pre-machined bar is delivered wrapped in protective paper in easy-tohandle
1-metre lengths.
From “black” to pre-machined—the advantages are many
Advantages for the toolmaker:
• Time saving
• Less consumption of material
• Surface defects, flaws and cracks and decarburization eliminated
• Own personnel can be used for more qualified jobs
• Simpler handling
• Cleaner handling (the chips stay at Uddeholm)
• Lower set-up costs
• Less tool wear
• Lower stock-keeping costs
All in all, this means better overall economy for the customer, i.e. greater
and faster production at a lower cost.
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