RIGOR Steel Detailed Information
RIGOR is a high-performance cold work tool steel developed by Böhler. It is designed for applications requiring high wear resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability. RIGOR is commonly used for cutting, stamping, forming, and other high-load tooling applications where superior performance is needed.
It is often compared to AISI A2 (DIN 1.2363) due to its balanced properties of wear resistance, toughness, and compressive strength.
Key Features
High Wear Resistance
- Suitable for stamping, blanking, and forming applications requiring long-lasting performance.
Excellent Toughness
- Provides higher impact resistance than D2, reducing the risk of chipping and cracking.
Good Machinability
- Easier to machine than D2 and other high-wear tool steels, reducing processing time.
High Compressive Strength
- Withstands high-pressure loads, making it ideal for heavy-duty punches and dies.
Good Dimensional Stability
- Minimal distortion after heat treatment, ensuring precision in finished parts.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 1.00 – 1.10 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.40 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20 – 0.60 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.80 – 5.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.00 – 1.40 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.10 – 0.30 |
- Chromium Content (~5%) → Provides good wear resistance and hardness.
- Molybdenum Addition → Enhances toughness and secondary hardening.
- Moderate Carbon Level → Ensures good machinability and toughness.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Hardness (Annealed) | ~230 HB |
| Hardness (After Heat Treatment) | 58–62 HRC |
| Wear Resistance | High |
| Toughness | Excellent (Better than D2) |
| Compressive Strength | High |
| Dimensional Stability | Very Good |
| Machinability | Better than D2 |
- Balanced wear resistance and toughness, making it suitable for impact and high-load applications.
- Better machinability than D2, reducing tooling costs and production time.
- Very good dimensional stability, ensuring precision and consistency in tooling applications.
RIGOR vs. Other Cold Work Tool Steels
| Property | RIGOR | D2 (1.2379) | A2 (1.2363) | O1 (1.2510) |
| Hardness (HRC) | 58-62 | 58-62 | 57-62 | 58-60 |
| Wear Resistance | High | Very High | Good | Moderate |
| Toughness | Excellent | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Machinability | Better than D2 | Difficult | Good | Excellent |
| Compressive Strength | High | High | High | Moderate |
| DimensionalStability | Very Good | Good | Very Good | Moderate |
| Applications | Stamping, Blanking, Forming | High-wear tooling | General-purpose tooling | Basic tool applications |
Why Choose RIGOR?
- Higher toughness than D2, reducing risk of chipping.
- Good wear resistance and high hardness, ensuring longer tool life.
- Better machinability than D2, reducing production time and cost.
Applications
RIGOR is widely used in cold work applications where a balance of wear resistance, toughness, and machinability is required.
PCutting & Stamping Tools
- Punches, dies, and blanking tools for high-load applications.
- Shear blades and trimming knives for metal cutting.
Forming & Bending Tools
- Press tools for forming and shaping sheet metal.
- Cold extrusion dies for precision forming.
Plastic & Rubber Molds
- Injection mold components requiring good wear resistance and impact strength.
Cold Forging & Rolling Dies
Tools subjected to high-pressure and impact forces.
Heat Treatment Process
Annealing
- Heat to 800–850°C, hold, then cool slowly in a furnace.
- Ensures softness for easy machining.
Hardening
- Preheat at 600–700°C, then heat to 950–1,000°C.
- Air, oil, or vacuum quenching recommended.
Tempering
- Temper at 180–550°C for desired hardness (58-62 HRC).
- Higher tempering temperatures improve toughness.
Alternative Materials
- D2 (1.2379) → Higher wear resistance but brittle.
- A2 (1.2363) → More shock-resistant but lower wear resistance.
- O1 (1.2510) → Easier to machine, but lower hardness and wear resistance.
- Vanadis 4 Extra (PM Steel) → Powder metallurgy alternative with higher toughness.
Conclusion
RIGOR is an excellent cold work tool steel with high wear resistance, toughness, and machinability. It is an ideal choice for cutting tools, dies, and forming applications where high-performance and durability are required.
Best for: High-load stamping tools, blanking dies, and forming applications.
Why Choose RIGOR? Better toughness than D2, excellent wear resistance, and good machinability.
