Die steels are essential materials in manufacturing, categorized based on their uses and working conditions: cold work die steel, hot work die steel, and plastic die steel.
1. Cold Work Die Steel
Cold work die steel is utilized for manufacturing dies that function at room temperature. Common applications include:
- Cold stamping dies
- Cold drawing dies
- Cold heading dies
- Cold extrusion dies
These molds account for 30% to 40% of the total mold output value. Key materials used include:
- High-carbon hypereutectoid steel
- Ledeburite steel
- Carbon tool steel
- Low-alloy oil-quenched die steel
- High-speed steel
Chart: Common Cold Work Die Steels and Their Properties
| Steel Grade | Carbon Content (%) | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|
| D2 | 1.5 | High wear resistance |
| D3 | 2.0 | Excellent toughness |
| A2 | 1.0 | Good balance of wear resistance and toughness |
2. Hot Work Die Steel
Hot work die steel is designed for molds that form metals at high temperatures, including:
- Hot forging dies
- Hot extrusion dies
- Die casting dies
The carbon content typically ranges from 0.3% to 0.5%, enhanced by alloying elements like tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and vanadium for improved high-temperature performance. Specialized alloys may be used for extreme conditions.
Chart: Hot Work Die Steel Characteristics
| Steel Grade | Carbon Content (%) | Alloying Elements |
|---|---|---|
| H13 | 0.4 | Chromium, Molybdenum |
| H11 | 0.4 | Tungsten, Vanadium |
3. Plastic Mold Steel
With the rapid growth of the petrochemical industry, the demand for plastic mold steels has surged, now surpassing cold work molds in output value. Various types cater to specific performance requirements, such as:
- Carbon structural steel
- Carburized and pre-hardened mold steel
- Corrosion-resistant steel
Chart: Types of Plastic Mold Steels
| Type | Key Features | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| P20 | Pre-hardened, excellent polishability | Injection molds |
| S7 | Shock-resistant, good toughness | High-impact applications |
Conclusion
Understanding the classifications and properties of die steel is crucial for selecting the right material for specific applications. As the industry evolves, continuous advancements in die steel technology will drive improvements in performance and efficiency.
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