Tooling Materials and Solutions for Thixoforming of Steel

The aim of this work is to evaluate the thermal and mechanical loadings applied to the
tools during steel thixoforming process in order to determine appropriate tool materials and
solutions. This evaluation was realized thanks to experimental trials and to the finite elements
simulations. The effect of these loadings on the tool’s failure modes are highlighted and compared
to the ones observed in classical forming processes. Beyond this, the failure modes of different tool
materials and solutions are presented. The tested materials are hot-working tool steels. Other
possibilities and tool coating or surface treatments are discussed as well.