How to choose mold steel material?

We have been in mold industry for 20 years, and about half of our molds are made for foreign customers. Some of our customers know much about mold and molding, so they would like to specify the mold material. But some of them do not know anything about it. Usually, we would suggest mold material for them as per the parts material, part constructure and estimated quantity in the future. Most of them, they appreciate our suggestions, and would accept it. But a few of them, they do not like it, and insist to use another material. Maybe they think we just want to make the price lower or higher to make more profit. But acctually, not at all.

If the parts material is not transparent, the mold material can be softer and cheaper.

If the part structure is not complicated, and no sliders or angle lifters should be applied, the mold material can also be softer and cheaper.

If the estimated quantity is very small, the mold material can be softer and cheaper.

But none of the above 3 points can be separated. They should all be considered together to choose the most suitable mold material. With the most suitable mold material, you can not only get what you want to make from the production, but also save a lot of cost, not for the manufacturer, but for yourself. Otherwise, you would not only ruin the mold, but also waste all of your money. For example, if the part material is rubber, and simple design, P20 or even 45# steel or Aluminum is OK. Oppositely, if the part material should be PMMA/Acrylic transparent, the mold should be mirror polished, S136H or better mold material should be used, or the parts will be scratched and look ugly.

In a word, when you are not sure about what mold material should be used, do not specify it, and just ask recommendation from the manufacturer.

Author: Vicky Liu --- Sales Manager of Respon Moulding Co., Ltd.