Uddeholm Vanadis® 4 Extra SuperClean breaks the record
Team Uddeholm US have reached a new milestone with the integration of Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean into powder compacting applications for the automotive industry. The following case study shows an outstanding result in the transition from a AISI A11 PM steel to Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean. The outcome speaks for itself – 800% enhancement in tool life and more to give.
From AISI A11 to Uddeholm Vanadis® 4 Extra SuperClean
In this case, a compaction tool was constructed from a AISI A11 PM steel with a hardness between 62-64 HRC. While reliable for up to 10,000 strokes, this material has been prone to early cracking, which could potentially extend to 30-40K parts before necessitating a replacement, leading to unnecessary cost and worry for the customer. The transition to Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean, featuring a hardness spectrum of 54-56 HRC, has yielded an extraordinary enhancement in tool life, now exceeding 80,000 strokes. This robust performance is not only impressive but essential, as it drastically reduces downtime and increases the customer’s output. As an additional detail, it’s worth noting that the customer attributes the tool’s failure at 80,000 strokes to a machine malfunction, suggesting Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean had the potential for an even longer lifespan. By using Uddeholm Vanadis 4 Extra SuperClean the customer reports an absolute outstanding improvement leading to a smoother workflow, higher reliability, cost efficiency and a higher return on investment. It allows the customer to focus on the important core tasks without constant disruptions, bringing more value to all. This progress is a notable step forward in overcoming the high-volume production demands of the automotive industry, maintaining component quality while reducing the frequency of tool turnover. This case study not only marks a celebration of our dedication to ongoing enhancement but also highlights our technical expertise.
We say well done team Uddeholm US and keep up the good teamwork!
