Plastic mold steel is a specialized type of steel used in the manufacturing of molds for plastic products. As an essential material in the mold industry, plastic mold steel plays a crucial role in producing high-quality, diverse, and high-value-added industrial products. Its development is pivotal in the evolution of the plastic molding industry, which has seen rapid growth over the last half-century alongside advancements in petrochemical processes. This steel’s unique properties and superior metallurgical quality make it indispensable for modern manufacturing.
High Wear Resistance:ย The high hardness and uniform carbide distribution in plastic mold steels ensure exceptional wear resistance. This is crucial as molds for plastic products often undergo extensive use and need to maintain precise dimensions and surface quality over long periods.
Toughness and Strength:ย The balance between hardness and toughness in plastic mold steels is essential to withstand the high-pressure injection processes without cracking or deforming. Advanced alloying techniques ensure that the steel can endure these stresses while maintaining its integrity.
Corrosion Resistance:ย Many plastic products involve corrosive materials or environments. Stainless steel grades and other corrosion-resistant alloys are frequently used to prevent rust and degradation, ensuring longer mold life and consistent product quality.
Machinability:ย Pre-hardened plastic mold steels are designed for ease of machining, reducing production times and costs. This feature is particularly beneficial for complex mold designs requiring precision machining and finishing.
Heat Treatment Stability:ย Plastic mold steels are often supplied in a pre-hardened state to avoid deformation during heat treatment. This stability ensures that the final mold dimensions remain accurate, reducing the need for post-treatment adjustments.
Choosing the right plastic mold steel involves considering various factors:
Type and Quality of Plastic Products:ย The selection depends on the plastic product’s type and required quality.
Production Volume:ย Smaller production volumes may use quenched and tempered steels or carbon steels, while medium to large volumes benefit from pre-hardened steels like P20, 5NiSCa, and PMS.
Size and Precision:ย Large, high-precision molds require pre-hardened steel to prevent heat treatment deformation.
Complexity of Plastic Parts:ย Molds for complex parts should use materials that are easy to machine and have low heat treatment deformation and good wear resistance.
Automotive Industry:ย Plastic mold steels are used to create high-precision components such as dashboards, bumpers, and interior panels. The material’s durability and wear resistance are vital for producing large volumes of parts with consistent quality.
Electronics Industry:ย In the electronics sector, plastic mold steels are essential for manufacturing housings, connectors, and other components that require high dimensional accuracy and smooth finishes.
Medical Industry:ย Medical devices and equipment, including syringes, catheters, and diagnostic tools, are often made using plastic mold steels. These steels’ biocompatibility and resistance to sterilization processes ensure safety and durability.
Packaging Industry:ย The production of plastic bottles, containers, and other packaging materials relies heavily on plastic mold steels. Their ability to withstand repetitive molding cycles without losing shape or precision is critical for maintaining production efficiency.
Consumer Goods: From household items to toys, plastic mold steels are used to produce a wide range of consumer products. The material’s versatility and reliability make it ideal for creating durable and high-quality goods.
Plastic Mold Steel | ||||||||||||
NO. | Grade | Chemical Composition (Mass Fraction) /% | ||||||||||
C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | W | Mo | V | Al | Others | ||
โค | ||||||||||||
1 | 3Cr2Mo | 0.28~ 0.40 |
0.20~ 0.80 |
0.60~ 1.00 |
0.030 | 0.030 | 1.40~ 2.00 |
0.30~ 0.55 |
Ni: 0.85~ 1.15 |
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2 | 3Cr2MnNiMo | 0.32~ 0.40 |
0.20~ 0.40 |
1.10~ 1.50 |
0.030 | 0.030 | 1.70~ 2.00 |
0.25~ 0.40 |
Plasticย Mold Steel | |||||
NO. | GB | ISO | ASTM | JIS | DIN |
1 | 3Cr2Mo | ISO 4957: 2020 | P20 | SKD61 (H13) | 1.2311 (P20) |
2 | 3Cr2MnNiMo | 718 | 1.2738 (P20+Ni) |