Choosing the right steel for die casting molds is critical to mold lifespan, качество частично, and production efficiency. Die casting molds face harsh conditions—high temperatures (up to 600°C for aluminum alloy casting), repeated thermal cycles, and mechanical wear—so the steel must balance Высокая сила, износостойкость, heat fatigue resistance, и Обрабатываемость. This article breaks down the best steel options for different scenarios, compares their key properties, and provides actionable selection tips to solve your mold material challenges.
1. Core Performance Requirements for Die Casting Mold Steel
Before exploring specific steel types, it’s essential to understand the non-negotiable performance metrics—these form the basis of your selection. Use the table below to clarify priorities based on casting material and production volume:
| Показатель производительности | Определение | Criticality for Different Scenarios |
| Heat Fatigue Resistance | Ability to withstand repeated heating/cooling without cracking | ★★★★★ (Aluminum/ magnesium alloy casting: 300–600°C thermal cycles) |
| Износостойкость | Resistance to surface abrasion from molten metal flow | ★★★★☆ (Масштабная продукция: >100,000 цикл) |
| Стойкость | Способность противостоять ударам и деформации под высоким давлением. | ★★★★☆ (Большие формы или толстостенные детали: высокое давление зажима) |
| Обрабатываемость | Простота обработки (фрезерование, бурение) и полировка | ★★★☆☆ (Сложные полости формы: требует чистовой обработки поверхности) |
| Коррозионная стойкость | Устойчивость к химическому воздействию расплавленного металла или охлаждающих жидкостей. | ★★★☆☆ (Литье из цинкового сплава: расплавленный цинк может разъедать сталь) |
2. Top Steel Types for Die Casting Molds: Сравнение & Варианты использования
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2.1 General-Purpose High-Performance Steels (Most Common Choices)
These steels balance all key properties and work for 80% of die casting applications (НАПРИМЕР., aluminum alloy molds, medium-volume production).
| Сталь типа | Ключевые характеристики | Преимущества | Идеальные варианты использования |
| H13 Steel | – Excellent high-temperature hardness (HRC 48–52 after heat treatment)- Stable chemical composition- Good impact resistance and processability | – Balances toughness and wear resistance- Suitable for complex-shaped molds- Low maintenance cost | Large molds (НАПРИМЕР., Автомобильные блоки двигателя), core components (Корры плесени, guide columns), aluminum alloy die casting (100,000–500,000 cycles) |
| H11 Steel | – High thermal strength (retains hardness at 600°C)- Strong hardness adjustability (HRC 45–50)- Easy to machine and repair | – Frequent maintenance-friendly (low rework difficulty)- Performs well in medium-temperature cycles | Large molds requiring regular maintenance (НАПРИМЕР., household appliance casings), zinc alloy die casting |
| 8407 Сталь | – Outstanding thermal stability (minimal distortion after heat treatment)- Good cutting performance- Устойчивость к износу (better than H13 for small features) | – Delivers consistent part quality over long runs- Suitable for precision molds | Small and medium-sized molds (НАПРИМЕР., electronic component housings), high-hardness requirements (HRC 50–54), aluminum/magnesium alloy casting |
Пример: H13 vs. 8407 for Aluminum Alloy Molds
For a 500,000-cycle aluminum wheel mold:
- H13 Steel: Более низкая авансовая стоимость, easier to machine complex spoke details, but may show minor wear after 400,000 цикл.
- 8407 Сталь: 15–20% longer lifespan (до 600,000 цикл), better surface finish retention, but 10–15% higher material cost.
2.2 Specialized Steels for Unique Requirements
These steels address extreme needs—such as high precision, long lifespan, or corrosion resistance—where general-purpose steels fall short.
| Сталь типа | Ключевые характеристики | Преимущества | Идеальные варианты использования |
| S136 Steel | – Отличная коррозионная стойкость (содержание хрома >13%)- Good high-temperature stability- Polishes to mirror-like surface finish (Раствор <0.02 мкм) | – Prevents zinc alloy corrosion- No surface rust from coolants | Small/medium molds with high surface finish requirements (НАПРИМЕР., cosmetic parts), zinc alloy die casting |
| NAK80 Steel | – Nickel-alloy tool steel- High resistance to high-temperature deformation- Superior cutting performance (no heat treatment needed for machining) | – Maintains dimensional stability in 400–500°C cycles- Reduces machining time by 20–30% | Высокие формы (НАПРИМЕР., Корпуса датчиков), parts requiring tight tolerances (<± 0,01 мм) |
| 718 Сталь | – Optimized microstructure via special annealing- Высокая твердость (HRC 48–52) и устойчивость к усталости- Good weldability for mold repairs | – Long lifespan for medium-volume production (200,000–300,000 cycles)- Low risk of cracking during repair | Small/medium precision parts (НАПРИМЕР., Рамки смартфонов), aluminum alloy die casting |
| 8418 Сталь | – Высокая чистота (low sulfur content)- Low silicon, high molybdenum ratio- Excellent erosion and crack resistance | – Withstands rapid cold-heat cycles (НАПРИМЕР., furniture handle electroplating molds)- No surface cracking after 300,000+ цикл | Molds requiring long-term durability, parts with frequent temperature fluctuations |
2.3 Premium Steels for Extreme Demands
For molds with ultra-high lifespan or product quality requirements (НАПРИМЕР., аэрокосмические части, 1,000,000+ цикл), these advanced steels are worth the investment:
- DIEVAR Steel: Refined via electroslag furnace (ЭСР) процесс, it has enhanced toughness and ductility. Inhibits crack propagation, making it ideal for large, high-pressure molds (НАПРИМЕР., heavy-duty automotive components).
- DAC55 Steel: Similar to H13 but with higher chromium content, it offers 25% better heat fatigue resistance. Perfect for aluminum alloy casting with frequent thermal shocks.
- 1.8433 Сталь: A European-grade hot-work tool steel with excellent wear resistance and processability. Used in precision molds for medical device parts.
3. Other Optional Materials: Плюс & Минусы
If budget or production scale limits your choice, consider these alternatives—but be aware of their trade-offs:
| Тип материала | Ключевые характеристики | Плюс | Минусы | Идеальные варианты использования |
| Сплава Сталь | Высокая сила, good hardness (HRC 45–50) | – Suitable for high-demand parts (auto components)- Better mechanical properties than carbon steel | – Difficult to machine (requires specialized tools)- Высокая стоимость (2–3x more than H13) | Высокое качество, high-output production (100,000+ цикл) |
| Высокоскоростная сталь (HSS) | Good cutting performance, low material cost | – Доступный (1/3 the cost of H13)- Easy to machine for simple molds | – Short lifespan (≤50,000 cycles)- Easy wear and deformation at high temperatures | Small/medium batches (≤10,000 parts), ordinary precision requirements |
| Литая сталь | Отличные механические свойства, бюджетный | – Дешевый (1/4 the cost of H13)- Suitable for large molds (НАПРИМЕР., industrial machine housings) | – Long processing cycle (3–4x longer than H13)- Низкая точность (допуски >± 0,1 мм) | Большой, low-precision die castings (НАПРИМЕР., heavy equipment frames) |
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Select Die Casting Mold Steel
Follow this linear, actionable process to choose the right steel for your project—no more guesswork:
Шаг 1: Define Core Requirements
Начните с ответа 3 critical questions:
- What metal are you casting? (Aluminum = prioritize heat fatigue; zinc = prioritize corrosion resistance)
- What’s the production volume? (High volume >500,000 cycles = choose 8418/DIEVAR; низкий объем <10,000 = HSS/cast steel)
- What’s the mold complexity? (Complex cavities = prioritize processability; НАПРИМЕР., H13/NAK80)
Шаг 2: Balance Performance and Cost
Use the “cost-performance ratio” rule:
- Для 80% of standard applications (алюминий, 100,000–300,000 cycles), H13 Steel is the best value—it meets all requirements without premium costs.
- For precision or corrosion needs, upgrade to S136 (цинк) или NAK80 (high-precision aluminum)—the extra cost is offset by reduced rework and longer lifespan.
Шаг 3: Verify Processability
Ensure the steel can be machined to your mold’s design:
- Complex cavities with fine details: Avoid hard-to-machine alloys (НАПРИМЕР., DAC55) unless necessary—opt for NAK80 or H13.
- Large molds requiring welding repairs: Выбирать 718 Сталь (Отличная сварка) to avoid cracking during maintenance.
Перспектива Yigu Technology
В Yigu Technology, we believe die casting mold steel selection is about aligning material properties with real-world production needs. Для большинства клиентов (Автомобиль, потребительская электроника), Мы рекомендуем H13 Steel as the starting point—it balances cost, производительность, and processability for aluminum alloy molds. Для высоких частей (НАПРИМЕР., 5G device housings), we upgrade to NAK80 to ensure dimensional stability in 400–500°C cycles. For zinc alloy clients, S136 Steel is non-negotiable to prevent corrosion. We also factor in production volume: for runs >500,000 цикл, we suggest 8418 Сталь—its crack resistance cuts mold replacement costs by 30%. В конечном счете, the goal isn’t just choosing “good steel”—it’s choosing steel that maximizes mold lifespan and minimizes total production cost.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
- Can I use H13 Steel for zinc alloy die casting?
H13 Steel works for low-volume zinc casting (<50,000 цикл) but is not ideal for long runs. Molten zinc can corrode H13 over time, leading to surface defects. For zinc alloy molds, S136 Steel (with high chromium content) is better—it resists corrosion and maintains surface finish.
- How much longer does DIEVAR Steel last compared to H13?
DIEVAR Steel, refined via ESR, has 30–40% longer lifespan than H13 in high-temperature aluminum casting. Например, an H13 mold may last 300,000 цикл, while DIEVAR can reach 400,000–450,000 cycles—ideal for high-volume production where mold replacement is costly.
- Is high-speed steel (HSS) a viable option for small-batch die casting?
Да, HSS is suitable for small batches (<10,000 части) with ordinary precision. It’s cheap and easy to machine, making it cost-effective for prototypes or low-volume runs. Однако, avoid HSS for high-temperature casting (aluminum/magnesium)—it wears quickly, leading to inconsistent part quality after 5,000–10,000 cycles.