Materials
Tipco manufactures precision components using a wide range of materials. Tipco’s standard punches and die buttons are generally manufactured using M2 high-speed steel. There are many benefits to using M2 steel, including the materials ability to withstand higher temperatures without losing its hardness. Furthermore, Tipco manufactures precision components (i.e. custom punch retainers) using a broad range of tool steels – including A2, D2, H13, O1, and S7. In addition, Tipco manufactures precision components using a wide range of other materials – including aluminum, brass, and copper.
Material Performance
Tipco manufactures components using a wide range of materials, including – but not limited to the following:
- High-speed steel (M2, M4)
- Tool steel (A2, D2, H13, O1, S7)
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- PH 4140
There are clear benefits to using certain materials for manufacturing specific tooling. For example, Tipco commonly uses M4 steel to manufacture certain style punches (i.e. Ultimate punches). There are certain advantages to using M4 high-speed steel, such as: improved wear resistance; high toughness; high hardness, and, improved heat resistance. A few of the key benefits of using tool steel include the materials balance between hardness and toughness, resistance to fatigue, and cost effectiveness. Some of the key benefits of selecting the optimal material for a particular tool include the following:
- Improved performance
- Extended tool life
- Reduced downtime
- Reduced maintenance costs
Proper material selection is crucial to ensuring optimal tool performance. Tipco has a long-standing relationship with material suppliers to ensure competitive lead times.
Heat Treatment
Heat treat is an integral part of our manufacturing process. As a result, Tipco has its own in-house heat treat facility, which means that Tipco has full transparency and accountability regarding the heat treat of its manufactured components. Tipco’s in-house heat treat facility includes the following:
- Three (3) vacuum furnaces.
- Four (4) air furnaces.
Tipco’s vacuum and air furnaces have table sizes up to 48″ (w) x 32″ (l). Tipco’s vacuum and air furnaces can accommodate parts up to 1,500 lbs. In addition, Tipco’s heat treat facility includes a wide range of testing equipment. Tipco’s heat treat facility can handle a wide range of materials, including – but not limited to – the following materials: M2; M4; A2; S390; Vanadis 4E; D2; and, O1. While Tipco’s heat treat department handles all of the company’s heat treat requirements, our heat treat department also works with customers for only heat treating services.
Material Selection
Punch tooling is an essential (albeit fragile) part of the die assembly; however, it is also the component that is most likely to fail. Structural soundness is impacted by material and construction details. Therefore, material selection is an invaluable part of tool performance. That being said, tool steel selection is largely dependent on individual preference and application requirements. Selecting the correct material is crucial to enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and improving the overall quality of components.
