Method for finishing matching surfaces in forming tool components

A tool-forming method comprising the steps of:

• providing a core and cavity having core and cavity parting planes extending respectively therethrough;
• removing portions of the core and cavity distal from the respective core and cavity parting planes;
• stress relieving the core and cavity;
• and
• refining the core and cavity to define respective core and cavity shutoff bands that are substantially equal with the respective core and cavity parting planes.

A method for forming a tool for creating a formed component, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a core and a cavity made entirely of steel with mating core and cavity parting planes that extend respectively therethrough;
• removing portions of the core and cavity that are distal from the core and cavity parting planes;
• heating the core and cavity to a temperature of from 550 degrees Celsius to 660 degrees Celsius;
• cooling the core and cavity at a slow rate to temper the core and cavity to achieve a consistent hardness through the steel of the core and the cavity;
• and
• refining exposed steel surfaces of the respective core and cavity, wherein the steel of the core and the steel of the cavity are removed to expose the core and cavity parting planes.