Research and development of shaped moulds from hardenable steels for casting zinc alloys in the application of modern technologies of additive production, heat treatment, surface treatment and numerical simulations

The aim of the project is research and development of shaped moulds from hardenable steels H11 and T300 for casting zinc alloys using a combination of modern technology of additive production, heat treatment, surface treatment and numerical simulations, including verifications in operating conditions. Another aim of the project is use of a more economically efficient and more environmentally suitable cobalt-free version of steel (T300) which is at the moment not used for additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing will enable quicker production of shaped inserts of the moulds, design of more sophisticated cooling systems and possibility of significantly increased lifespan of the moulds. New findings will enable to design and to operationally verify a unique concept of shaped moulds.