20th International Forgemasters Meeting - IFM 2017

Extrusion tools, such as containers and stems, are expensive components and it is important to use the most suitable materials to gain a long service life. However, it has to be pointed out, that not only the applied materials determine the life time of these tools, but also melting and forging techniques, as well as heat treatment have an essential impact. Since many years, Bohler Special Steel Open Die Forge is a supplier of forged high-quality components for the extrusion industry, e.g., mantels, liner, liner holder, stems, and accessories for containers. Our material knowledge covers all tool steel and high-speed steel applications, as well as special materials for power generation, aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and engineering with all possible interactions. This paper reports on experiences and research activities in the fabrication of forged components for containers and stems for the extrusion industry and covers material selection up to achieved mechanical properties and NDT results. Moreover, heating and Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling of stress distributions in the container during the extrusion process in order to optimize and predict the life time of these components is discussed. From the material side, the focus is set on the classical steels of the 5% chromium class, up to the high alloyed and sophisticated Maraging steels for stem application, mainly in indirect extrusion processes, with the highest compressive stresses required.