How Often Should Injection Molds Be Replaced?
There is no fixed standard for the replacement cycle of injection molds, as it is influenced by a variety of factors, such as:
Mold Material: High-quality mold materials can extend the service life of the mold.
Product Complexity: Molds for complex products wear out faster.
Production Volume: The higher the production volume, the faster the mold wears out.
Maintenance Level: Regular maintenance can extend the mold life.
Product Quality Requirements: High-precision products have higher requirements for mold accuracy, and the replacement cycle may be shorter.
Processing Conditions: Harsh processing conditions, such as excessively high or low temperatures, can also accelerate mold wear.
Generally, the service life of a mold can reach tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of injection cycles. However, when the following situations occur, it is necessary to consider replacing the mold:
Severe Mold Wear: Severe wear of the cavity, core, and other parts affects the dimensional accuracy of the product.
Mold Cracks or Deformation: Cracks or deformation of the mold will lead to a decline in product quality and may even cause safety hazards.
Damage to the Mold Cooling System: Damage to the cooling system can cause product deformation and affect product quality.
Excessive Repair Costs: If the repair cost of the mold is too high and exceeds the cost of a new mold, it is necessary to consider replacement.
To extend the service life of the mold, the following measures are recommended:
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect the mold and identify and address problems promptly.
Use High-Quality Mold Materials: Select wear-resistant, high-temperature-resistant, and thermally conductive mold materials.
Optimize Processing Process: Adjust processing parameters to reduce mold wear.
Strengthen Cooling System Maintenance: Keep the cooling system unobstructed and improve cooling efficiency.
Establish Mold Records: Record the usage of the mold for analysis and prediction.
