Tungsten Steel and No. 45 Steel Vacuum Brazing for Tools & Dies Industry

High-Performance Material Pairing for Precision Tooling
In the tools and dies industry, tungsten steel and No. 45 steel are widely used together to produce high-performance cutting and forming tools. Tungsten steel offers extreme hardness, wear resistance, and edge stability, making it ideal for cutting edges, punches, and die surfaces that experience heavy abrasion. No. 45 steel, a medium-carbon steel, provides excellent toughness, shock resistance, and machinability, allowing it to act as a strong and economical tool body. This combination creates tools that deliver long service life, dimensional accuracy, and consistent performance- key requirements for India’s automotive, sheet-metal, forging, and stamping die manufacturers.

Vacuum Brazing Process for Tungsten Steel to No. 45 Steel

For tools and dies, perfect joint integrity is critical. Before vacuum brazing, the tungsten steel insert and No. 45 steel holder are thoroughly cleaned using degreasing and surface preparation to remove oil, oxides, and contaminants. A high-quality nickel- or copper-based brazing alloy is then applied at the joint. Inside the vacuum furnace, the assembly is heated to approximately 900-1100°C under a high vacuum of 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁵ mbar. This oxygen-free environment ensures excellent wetting and diffusion of the filler metal, producing a strong, clean, and uniform bond. Vacuum brazing prevents oxidation, eliminates flux residues, and maintains tight tolerances-essential for precision tools and dies.

Normantherm Vacuum Furnace Solutions for Toolmakers in India
Normantherm manufactures advanced vacuum furnaces designed specifically for brazing applications in the tools and dies industry. With precise temperature control, stable vacuum systems, and programmable process cycles, Normantherm furnaces enable Indian tool manufacturers to achieve repeatable, high-quality brazed joints between tungsten steel and No. 45 steel. This allows tooling companies to produce longer-lasting punches, dies, and inserts with superior performance, helping them stay competitive in India’s demanding manufacturing market.

Editor: Sahera Khatun
Copyright: Normantherm Vacuum Furnace