Applications of Porous Mold Steel
Porous mold steel is a type of mold steel with a unique micro-porous structure that allows gases to pass through while preventing molten plastic from leaking. It is widely used in injection molding processes where effective venting is required.
Applications of Porous Mold Steel
1. Solving Mold Venting Issues
During injection molding, trapped gases in the mold cavity can cause defects such as bubbles, burn marks, and incomplete filling. Porous mold steel enables the quick evacuation of gases through its micro-porous structure, improving product quality.
2. Thin-Walled Injection Molding
For thin-walled injection-molded parts, the fast filling speed of the melt increases the likelihood of gas entrapment. Porous mold steel effectively alleviates this problem, ensuring superior surface quality and dimensional accuracy of thin-walled products.
3. High Surface Quality Products
Products with high aesthetic requirements, such as automotive interior components, home appliance housings, and consumer electronics, benefit from porous mold steel. It eliminates gas-related defects such as flow marks and bubbles, ensuring smooth and flawless surfaces.
4. Complex Geometry Products
For products with intricate designs, such as deep grooves, sharp corners, or inserts, gas entrapment is more likely. Porous mold steel provides additional venting channels in these critical areas, improving the molding process.
5. Engineering Plastic Molding
When molding engineering plastics prone to releasing decomposition gases or volatiles (e.g., ABS, PC, POM, Nylon), porous mold steel reduces the risk of gas accumulation, enhancing product stability.
Considerations for Using Porous Mold Steel
1. Trade-Off with Mechanical Strength
The micro-porous structure of porous mold steel reduces its overall strength, making it unsuitable for high-stress mold components.
To address this, porous mold steel can be applied locally as inserts in critical venting areas.
2. Maintenance and Cleaning
The micro-pores can be blocked by molten plastic or other impurities, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain effective venting performance.
3. Processing Challenges
Porous mold steel is more difficult to machine compared to standard mold steel. Special attention is required to preserve the integrity and uniform distribution of the micro-pores during processing.
