Mold steel
Premium Mold Steel for Industrial Applications
Mold steel is an essential material in manufacturing high-precision molds for plastic injection, die casting, and other industrial applications. Our top-grade mold steel offers exceptional durability, heat resistance, and dimensional stability to meet the most demanding production requirements.
Key Features of Our Mold Steel
- High hardness ranging from 48-52 HRC for extended tool life
- Excellent machinability for precise mold manufacturing
- Superior polishability (up to #12000 mirror finish)
- Outstanding thermal conductivity and heat resistance
- Uniform material structure without internal stresses
Technical Specifications
| Property | Standard Value | Premium Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | AISI P20 Modified | Custom Alloy |
| Hardness (HRC) | 30-32 | 48-52 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 1000-1200 | 1400-1600 |
| Impact Toughness (J/cm²) | 40-50 | 60-70 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 29.3 | 36.5 |
Mold Steel Applications
Our mold steel is widely used in various industries:
- Plastic injection molds for automotive components
- Die casting molds for aluminum and zinc alloys
- Blow molds for PET containers
- Precision stamping dies
- Rubber molds for industrial parts
Mold Steel FAQ Section
1. What is the difference between standard and premium mold steel?
Premium mold steel undergoes additional refining processes and contains carefully balanced alloying elements that significantly improve performance characteristics. While standard mold steel typically has hardness around 30-32 HRC, our premium grade reaches 48-52 HRC with better wear resistance and thermal stability. The premium version also features enhanced corrosion resistance and can withstand higher production cycles without deformation.
2. How should I store mold steel to prevent corrosion?
Mold steel should be stored in a dry environment with controlled humidity below 60%. For long-term storage, we recommend applying a thin layer of rust preventive oil and wrapping the material in VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) paper. Keep the steel away from direct contact with concrete floors and maintain stable temperature conditions. When storing pre-machined molds, use desiccant packs inside the storage containers.
3. What maintenance does mold steel require during operation?
Regular maintenance of mold steel includes periodic cleaning with specialized mold cleaners to remove residue, proper lubrication of moving parts, and inspection for wear or damage. We recommend thermal cycling analysis every 50,000 cycles for high-volume production. For optimal performance, implement a preventive maintenance schedule that includes: surface polishing (every 100,000 cycles), hardness testing (every 6 months), and dimensional verification (every 25,000 cycles).
Surface Treatment Options
Enhance your mold steel performance with these surface treatments:
| Treatment | Benefits | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Nitriding | Increases surface hardness to 70-72 HRC | High-wear applications |
| Chrome Plating | Improves corrosion resistance | Plastic molding |
| TiN Coating | Reduces friction coefficient | Precision components |
| Plasma Nitriding | Enhanced fatigue resistance | Die casting |
Why Choose Our Mold Steel?
- Consistent material quality with traceable certificates
- Custom sizes available with fast turnaround
- Technical support from metallurgy experts
- Competitive pricing with bulk order discounts
- Global logistics network for reliable delivery
For specialized applications requiring particular mold steel characteristics, our engineering team can develop custom alloys tailored to your specific production needs, including enhanced corrosion resistance, improved thermal properties, or special machining requirements.