Due to the outstanding physical and mechanical properties, PLANSEE materials such as DENSIMET (Tungsten Alloys) und Molybdenum (or TZM) are likely to be used as an erosion resistant insert for casting dies. Complete casting tools, inserts, pins and ancillary components made from PLANSEE materials, result quickly in an economic benefit, as the life span of such components is significantly longer than that of ordinary tool steel.

• When using dies and cores made from PLANSEE materials it becomes possible to achieve excellent casting surfaces for a long time in service. As a result the cost for subsequent surface finishing is greatly reduced.
• As thermal fatigue results in cracking of the die surface, it generally limits the life of a die. Due to the low thermal expansion coefficient (1/3 of steel) and high strength and good ductility PLANSEE materials provide an excellent cracking resistance.
• Cores and die inserts made from PLANSEE materials are also used to prevent soldering, an affixation of molten metal to the die causing difficulties in ejecting the part and necessitating downtime for cleaning the die components.
• As Tungsten and Molybdenum are not soluble in molten aluminium, cores and die inserts made from these materials do not show erosion problems as with normal tool steel. Erosion is simply a washing out of the die surface and always occurs in areas where the velocity of the molten metal is greatest.
• Cores and die inserts made from Tungsten- or Molybdenum alloys, located at heavy sections of a casting, are used to provide an extra cooling effect. As a consequence shrinkage porosity is reduced or eliminated (thermal conductivity is 3-5 times higher than steel). Therefore a  much finer and stronger microstructure in the casting can be achieved.
• No additional heat treatment is necessary to improve the hardness of the die insert.