Meaning
Powder metallurgy tool steel provides high wear resistance through a vanadium-rich carbide structure. Bohler k390 uses this process to achieve extreme hardness levels that exceed those of standard high-speed steel grades during industrial cold-work operations. The alloy chemistry prevents edge deformation under heavy abrasive loads where conventional steels fail rapidly.
Metallurgical Composition
Chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt additions create the stable matrix necessary for maintaining geometry in long-run stamping dies. By balancing carbon content against large volumes of primary carbides, bohler k390 ensures the cutting edge resists rolling or chipping in high-pressure environments. Secondary hardening response occurs when the material undergoes repeated thermal cycles at peak operating temperatures.
Fabrication Constraints
Heat treatment requires precise temperature control in a vacuum furnace to avoid surface decarburization. Machining bohler k390 demands specialized abrasive tooling because the carbide distribution resists traditional turning and milling methods. Operators must account for low ductility during the grinding stage to prevent stress-induced cracks from forming near complex radii.
Performance Expectation
Industrial tooling users select this grade specifically for applications involving reinforced polymers or abrasive ceramics that destroy common steel edges within hours. Maximum service life depends on maintaining a consistent surface finish and lubrication protocol during the blanking or punching cycle. Heavy-duty applications confirm that the wear resistance of this specific alloy outperforms traditional high-carbon high-chromium tool steels by significant margins.
