In-depth Analysis: Commonly Used Materials for Molds

The selection of materials directly affects the performance, lifespan and economic benefits of molds. Have you ever had such a question: Will there be a big difference between purchasing imported mold materials from China and those from your own country? Today, I will solve this doubt in two parts so that you won’t fall into a trap before making a purchase.

一、Main Materials of Injection Molds

Commonly used pre-hardened steels for plastic molds (such as P20/3Cr2Mo, 718, 2311, etc.), among which P20/3Cr2Mo, with a factory hardness of HRC30-36, can be directly processed, eliminating the need for heat treatment and reducing the risk of deformation, occupying approximately 60% of the market share. High-gloss products are made of mirror-finish steel (such as S136/4Cr13, 2083, S-STAR, etc.), which is highly pure and corrosion-resistant. Precision gears and the like are made of age-hardening steel (such as NAK80/10Ni3MnCuAl, DIN1.2738), which has good wear resistance.

二、Main Materials of Stamping Dies

The mainstream stamping dies are Cr12MoV, D2 (American standard), SKD11 (Japanese standard), and super hard alloys YG15 and YG20 are used for special working conditions. Material selection requires comprehensive consideration: Domestic P20 is 40% cheaper than imported 718, but the cost of 3D printing mold steel is still 3 to 5 times higher. Medical molds need FDA certification, and export products must comply with RoHS standards. At present, three major trends are prominent: domestic materials such as H13 are accelerating the replacement of imported 2344, the demand for high-performance materials is increasing by 15% annually, and the proportion of environmentally friendly materials is rising by 30%.