There is no easy way to choose the right type of plastic mould steel for specific applications, so you have to consider several factors. This includes the nature of the material for moulding, the production volume, and the surface finish that you are looking for. However, conventionally, engineers prefer some particular plastic mould steel for particular applications. Go through below discussion to understand the idea:
P-20 Pre-hardened Steel
This is an ideal choice for lower to medium-volume production. Thanks to its excellent strength and thermal stability, this variety offers more machinability than other types of mould steels. It also offers more polishability and poses a lesser chance of mould cracking. Ideally, steel is a good choice for moulds:
- Of small and medium size.
- That needs a high level of thermal stability.
- For moulding materials like PVC, ABS, and PC, low to medium temperatures are needed.
- For materials like flexible plastic that require moderate hardness for production.
- For packaging components, medical devices and other consumer goods.
H-13 Steel
This variety is ideal for high-volume productions. It has outstanding tensile strength. It also has the resistance power to thermal fatigue and wear resistance. This high-performance, versatile tool steel works for various demanding applications that involve plastic injection moulds. This includes:
- Larger and more intricate moulds.
- Moulds that require moulding materials like nylon and polycarbonate require high temperatures.
- Moulds that involve moulding materials like glass fill plastic need high hardness.
- Moulds that need moulding materials like fibre-reinforced plastic need resistance to abrasion.
- Die casting moulds, especially for metals like aluminium, copper and zinc.
- Formation of extrusion dies and forging dies.
- Applications that require high temperature, that is, up to 538°C/ 1000°F.
- Applications that need corrosion resistance.
S-7 Pre-hardened Tool Steel
This is another high-performance material that plastic mould steel suppliers often recommend for applications that need maximum toughness, wear resistance and thermal stability. Some of its ideal applications include:
- Components for the defence and aerospace industry.
- Components for precision machinery
- Dies and moulds of high precision.
- Manufacturing parts that need tight tolerance and resistance to metal softening even during high heat applications.
4140 Alloy Steel
A cost-effective and versatile option that offers excellent toughness, as well as superior tensile strength, which makes it ideal for applications that need balanced properties. Its moderate hardness and fair strength-to-weight ratio make it ideal for applications like:
- Components for the aerospace industry for landing gear, engine mounts, and similar structural parts.
- Construction equipment like gears, hydraulic cylinders, and shafts.
- Components for the automotive industry include engine blocks, axle shafts, transmission components and crankshafts.
- Parts for heavy machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers and cranes.
- Components for the oil and gas industry include tubing, drill pipes, and casing.
- Mould and die industry, such as ejector pins and core pins.
D2 Alloy Steel
It is a good choice for those applications that need to undergo a high degree of tear and wear during the production phase. It is also helpful for applications that need to retain hardness even at a relatively high range of temperatures yet with low toughness.
420 Stainless Steel
Popular plastic mould steel suppliers like TGKSSL recommend this steel type for applications that need maximal corrosion resistance, especially when they are hardened. This metal type also imparts excellent polishability.
Copper Alloy Steel
It is a good choice for moulds that require quick heat transfer as well as a precise, high-quality finish on the surface finishes. It is useful for intricate core designs.
Considerations to make
While choosing plastic mould steel, you would need to consider factors like preferred surface finish, production volume, maintenance cost, and application. When you consider these most important factors when selecting the ideal plastic mould steel, you can stay assured of the most efficient production and reduce maintenance costs while producing the best quality parts.