Wire tools
Die blocks: the difference is in the brazing
In cold wire drawing, a die’s reliability often comes down to details that are not immediately visible at first glance, such as the choice of materials, and the way they are joined during assembly. Van Steel builds its collapsible die blocks around these two very factors.
Hardened steel and tungsten carbide: two materials for two complementary roles
Van Steel's collapsible die blocks combine a hardened steel body with a tungsten carbide core.
The steel body has a structural function: it withstands the mechanical stresses generated when the block is mounted within the die assembly and during operation in the drawing machine.
The tungsten carbide core, by contrast, is the part that actually comes into contact with the wire during the drawing process. Compared to steel, it offers superior surface hardness and wear resistance — precisely what is needed to keep the drawing hole within tolerance over time.
Together, the two materials strike a balance between toughness (steel) and hardness (tungsten carbide), delivering consistent reliability and long service life even in the most demanding applications.
Brazing: the critical step
The steel body and tungsten carbide core are joined by brazing, which as a process is far from straightforward. Because steel and tungsten carbide expand and contract at different rates, the joint develops internal stresses as it cools after brazing. Left unmanaged, those stresses can crack the tungsten carbide, the more brittle of the two materials and the one least able to handle tensile loads.
This is precisely where Van Steel channels its real added value: the company uses a specially developed alloy that absorbs the stresses generated during cooling, reducing the risk of cracking in the tungsten carbide.
The result is a more reliable component that maintains consistent performance and a longer service life, even under the toughest working conditions.
About Van Steel
Founded in Erba (Como) in 2015 by Cav. Albino Vanossi, Van Steel designs and manufactures tungsten carbide-core tools for cold metal-forming operations. Production covers every stage of the process, from core grinding through alloy steel casing assembly, hot mounting, and finishing. The company's work spans three key areas — consulting, research, and development — aimed at turning customer needs into tailor-made technical solutions. Today, Van Steel is led by a board of directors that includes the new generation of the Vanossi family.
