Tool steel purchase cost is only part of tooling cost. Machining, heat treatment, maintenance and downtime also matter. Start by describing the tool, the material being processed and its working conditions.
Match the application family
Uddeholm separates cold-work, hot-work and plastic-moulding applications. For cold-work tools it identifies mechanisms including wear, galling, chipping and cracking. Selection should address the actual failure or production requirement rather than a familiar grade name alone.
Prepare a practical stock specification
Provide the tool type, workpiece material, drawing, approved grade and standard, blank dimensions and allowance, quantity, delivery condition and inspection requirements. State polishing, repair welding or surface-treatment needs early. Follow the relevant manufacturer guidance for processing; one hardness value or heat-treatment schedule cannot describe every tool steel. Retain batch identification and certificates before machining.
Contact BVM Steel or 0904 631 626 with drawings and requirements. Reference: Uddeholm — Applications. BVM editorial, 15 October 2026. Cover: BVM illustration. In-article image: BVM catalog; images do not certify a specific batch or stock availability.
