The Preferred Materials for High-Quality Mold Base Construction

Mold base is an essential component in the process of injection molding. It provides a stable platform for the mold cavity and ensures the precision and durability of the final product. Selecting the right materials for mold base construction is vital to achieving high-quality furniture frames. In this article, we will explore the preferred materials that meet the requirements for top-notch furniture frame production.

1. Tool Steel

Tool steel is commonly used in mold base construction due to its excellent mechanical properties. With high hardness, good toughness, and wear resistance, tool steel ensures the durability and long lifespan of the furniture frame. The most commonly used tool steel types for mold base construction are P20, H13, and 420.

P20 is a versatile tool steel suitable for various mold applications. It exhibits good machining properties, excellent polishability, and remarkable resistance to wear and corrosion. The high tensile strength and toughness of P20 make it ideal for high-performance furniture frames.

H13 tool steel is known for its exceptional hot hardness and resistance to thermal fatigue. With superior heat resistance and excellent abrasion resistance, H13 ensures minimal deformation and prolongs the lifespan of the mold base under high-temperature conditions.

420 stainless steel is another popular choice for mold base construction. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and high hardness, making it suitable for environments where mold cavities are exposed to corrosive materials or high humidity.

2. Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloys provide an alternative option for mold base construction, offering several advantages over tool steel. They are lightweight, possess high thermal conductivity, and are easy to process. Aluminum alloys such as 6061 and 7075 are commonly used for furniture frame mold bases.

Aluminum 6061 is a versatile alloy with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. It has good machinability and weldability, making it a cost-effective option for medium-size furniture frames.

For heavy-duty furniture frames, aluminum 7075 is often chosen for its exceptional strength and fatigue resistance. With high tensile strength and hardness, 7075 is capable of withstanding heavy loads and impacts without compromising the stability and precision of the mold base.

3. Cast Iron

Cast iron, known for its excellent stability and vibration damping characteristics, is also used in mold base construction. It provides high rigidity, ensuring minimal distortion during the injection molding process, and offers improved surface finishes on the furniture frame.

Gray cast iron is commonly used for mold base construction due to its good machinability and thermal conductivity. It absorbs vibration and dissipates heat effectively, making it suitable for high-speed injection molding processes.

Ductile cast iron, also known as nodular cast iron, is another option for mold base construction. It offers higher tensile strength and impact resistance compared to gray cast iron, ensuring the stability and durability of the furniture frame during the injection molding process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice of materials for mold base construction significantly impacts the quality and performance of high-quality furniture frames. Tool steel, aluminum alloys, and cast iron are the preferred choices, each offering unique properties to meet specific requirements. Whether it is the durability of tool steel, the lightweight nature of aluminum alloys, or the stability of cast iron, selecting the right material is crucial for achieving exceptional furniture frame production.