When you are with a company that makes and sells plastic moulds for injection moulding, you need to be very careful in selecting the quality of the steel of the moulding components. Mainly, because it greatly affects the quality of the mould itself, its service life, and the quality of the product that will be injection moulded. As you choose the right steel for your plastic moulds, you need to keep several major considerations or factors in mind.

It Should Have the Right Hardness

First and foremost, the plastic mould steel you choose should have the right level of hardness. This ensures that it can withstand the high pressures and forces encountered during the moulding process without getting deformed or misshapen. Hard steel keeps its shape well, so plastic parts that are made from it will be accurate and consistent.

It Should Have The Right Level of Toughness

The mould experiences a variety of forces during the moulding process, including pressure from the molten plastic material being injected into the mould, as well as impacts or stresses caused by the movement or manipulation of the mould. Toughness helps to protect the mould from these forces, which can extend the mould's lifespan and reduce the need for repairs or maintenance.

Plastic Mould Steel That Will Not Wear You Down

As you are producing plastic products, the repeated contact between the mould and the plastic will cause some wear over time. You will be able to extend the lifespan of your mould if you go for steel that has a high level of wear resistance. This means you will not need to replace the mould as often which will help you save on costs and have better efficiency.

Should Be Resistant to Corrosion

You may have experienced instances when there are certain plastics and additives used which tend to be corrosive to the mould and causing them to break down prematurely. To help protect your mould from such damage, you need to opt for a grade of plastic mould steel that has good corrosion resistance.

Consider The Plastic Resin You Will Be Using

The type of plastic resin that will be used in the moulding process is also an important factor to consider. Different plastics have different properties, and some plastics are more demanding on the mould than others. For example, high-temperature plastics or plastics with abrasive additives will require a plastic mould steel with higher hardness and wear resistance.

Ease To Work With

Aside from all those listed above, it's also important to consider how easy it is to shape and work with the plastic mould steel you choose which is termed as “machinability.” When steel has good machinability, it means you can easily work with it to create the mould you want. This not only speeds up the process but also helps you to reduce expenses or costs.

Cost Is Important Too

 Different grades of plastic mould steel come with different price tags, so finding the right balance between the plastic mould steel your require and your budget is important.

If you're having trouble selecting the best type of steel for your project or product, it's a good idea to seek advice from an expert mould designer or a supplier specializing in plastic mould steel. They can guide you and help you find a cost-effective option that fits your business’ specific needs.