What influence the performance and lifetime of die casting moulds-Part 1

As one of the three factors of die casting process-die casting material, die casting mould and die casting machine, die casting mould is especially important which determines the quality of die casting parts. But do you know what factors influence the performance and lifetime of die casting moulds?

Die casting is characterized by high production efficiency, short production process, high finish and strength of casting, low machining allowance and saving of metal materials.

Generally speaking, the factors that influence the performance and service life of die casting include mould material, mould design and manufacture, surface treatment technology and specific usage of die.

Mould material：

The performance and service life of die casting mould are closely related to the material of die. Good die casting mould manufacturing materials generally have the following characteristics: good cutting and forging properties; High wear resistance and corrosion resistance; High strength, high red hardness, high temperature oxidation resistance, impact toughness and tempering stability at high temperature; Good thermal conductivity and fatigue resistance of aluminum alloy die casting products; Small thermal expansion coefficient; Small heat treatment deformation and good hardenability. 

The selection of die casting mould should not only depend on the temperature of cast metal and the type of cast metal, but also consider the impact and wear of all parts of die casting mould. The higher the temperature is, the higher the thermal fatigue and temperature performance of the material should be. The badly worn parts should have higher hardness. The working conditions of die casting molds are becoming increasingly harsh, and the requirements for the metallurgical quality, performance and life of die casting materials are constantly improved, especially the requirements for the purity and isotropy of materials are higher. Some high alloy, high quality and optimized mould materials are constantly emerging, which in turn promote the development of die casting industry. 

And for the other three factors please continue to read next article: What influence the performance and lifetime of die casting moulds-Part 2.