Advancements of New Materials in Die Casting Mold Fabrication

Advancements of New Materials in Die Casting Mold Fabrication

In the mold base industry, the advancements of new materials have revolutionized the process of die casting mold fabrication. The development of these materials has brought about significant improvements in terms of mold quality, durability, and performance. In this article, we will explore the various advancements in new materials that have contributed to the evolution of the mold base industry.

High-Strength Steel Alloys

One of the key advancements in die casting mold fabrication is the use of high-strength steel alloys. These alloys possess exceptional strength and hardness, making them ideal for withstanding the high pressures and temperatures involved in the die casting process. Additionally, high-strength steel alloys offer improved resistance to wear and corrosion, ensuring the longevity of the mold base.

Tool Steel

Tool steel is another class of materials that has made significant advancements in the mold base industry. Tool steel possesses excellent toughness, heat resistance, and wear resistance, which are crucial properties for a mold base. The use of tool steel in mold fabrication ensures that the mold base can endure the repeated cycles of heating and cooling without experiencing deformation or fatigue failure.

Surface Coatings

In recent years, advancements in surface coatings have also played a vital role in mold base fabrication. Various types of coatings, such as TiN (Titanium Nitride), TiCN (Titanium Carbonitride), and DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), have been developed to enhance the surface hardness, lubricity, and wear resistance of the mold base. These coatings extend the lifespan of the mold base and reduce the need for frequent maintenance and repair.

Copper Alloys

Copper alloys, particularly beryllium copper, have gained prominence in the mold base industry due to their excellent thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. The use of copper alloys in mold fabrication helps in the efficient removal of heat from the die casting process, thereby reducing cycle times. The enhanced thermal conductivity also helps in ensuring uniform heat distribution throughout the mold base, resulting in consistent casting quality.

Thermally Conductive Plastics

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of thermally conductive plastics in mold base fabrication. These plastics offer excellent thermal conductivity while providing the advantages of lower weight and ease of machining compared to traditional metal mold bases. The use of thermally conductive plastics allows for enhanced cooling efficiency, leading to shorter cycle times and improved productivity in the die casting process.

Conclusion

The advancements of new materials in die casting mold fabrication have brought about significant improvements in the mold base industry. High-strength steel alloys, tool steel, surface coatings, copper alloys, and thermally conductive plastics have revolutionized the way mold bases are designed and manufactured. These materials offer superior strength, durability, heat resistance, and conductivity, resulting in higher quality mold bases and improved die casting processes. With further research and development, it is expected that the mold base industry will continue to benefit from the advancements of new materials in the future.