Plastics Molding & Manufacturing/Moulds for plastic materials
Mould Materials
[edit | edit source]The mold itself contains many different kind of steels to form a mould. Here are the near completed list of the mold used.
The following section describes some of the more common materials and the role they play in the making of molds.
- 1020 carbon steel.
The composition of carbon in this steel ranging from 0.12% to 2%. This type of steel increased hardness with increased carbon content but ductility is reduced. This steel is used for ejector plates and ejector retainer plates
- 1030 carbon steel.
The composition of carbon in this steel ranging from 0.27% to 0.34%. This type of steel is used for mold bases, ejector housings, and clamp plates.
- 1040 carbon steel.
This type of steel can be hardened by heat treatment / quenching / tempering to achieved the tensile strength. This type of steel is commonly used for support pillars
- 4130 alloy steel.
This is a alloy steel with chromium and molybdendum as strengthening agent. This type of steel is used primarily for cavity and core retainer plates, support plates, and clamping plates
- 6145 alloy steel.
This is a alloy steel known for toughness and high strength. This type of steel is primary use for this type of steel is for sprue bushings
- 420 stainless steel.
Used in applications requiring exceptional chemical resistance (such as molding PVC resins), this steel is usually supplied in an annealed condition Its primary use is as a steel for cores and cavities.
- P-20 tool steel.
This steel have chromium and nickels to enhasnce hardness and toughness. This provides moderately high hardness, good machinability, and exceptional polishability. It is used primarily for cavities and cores, as well as stripper plates.
- S-7 tool steel.
Shock resistant with good wear resistance This steel is used for interlocks and latches
- O-1 tool steel.
This is a general purpose, oil-hardening steel used for small inserts and cores
- A-2 alloy tool steel.
This steel has good dimensional stability and abrasion resistance, and is used for hobs and slides and is hardened