Experimental investigations on wear resistance characteristics of alternative die materials for stamping of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS)

Newer sheet alloys (such as Al, Mg, and advanced high-strength steels) are considered for automotive body panels and structural parts to achieve lightweight construction. However, in addition to issues with their limited formability and high springback, tribological conditions due to increased surface hardness and work hardening necessitate the use of alternative microstructurally improved die materials, coatings, and lubricants to minimize the wear-related die-life issues in stamping of advanced high-strength steel grades. This study aims to investigate and compare the wear performances of seven different, uncoated die materials (AISI D2, Vanadis 4, Vancron 40, K340 ISODUR, Caldie, Carmo, 0050A) using a newly developed wear testing device. DP600 AHSS (advanced high-strength steel) sheets were used in these tests. It was concluded that the tested die materials demonstrated higher wear resistance performance when compared to the conventional tool steel AISI D2 die material.