3. Conclusion

Machining conditions for tool steels have evolved considerably over the last decade, with the introduction of high-speed machining in particular, and the use of appropriate software for programming cutting conditions. EDM machining is still widely used for high-hardness steel grades, which are difficult to machine by conventional means. The direct production of tools by additive manufacturing and laser melting has developed considerably in recent years, enabling the production of complex tool shapes with optimized cooling circuits, which has led to significant productivity gains in the plastics industry. The latter industry has also seen the emergence of laser graining, which is much more efficient than conventional chemical graining when it comes to surface patterns.

The various toughness characterization techniques, with the contribution of fracture mechanics,...