What Materials are Used for Lifters in Injection Molds?
The selection of materials for lifters in injection molds significantly impacts the mold's lifespan, product quality, and production efficiency. Generally, lifter materials should possess the following characteristics:
High Hardness and Wear Resistance: Capable of withstanding frictional forces and impact during the injection molding, ensuring the lifter maintains optimal performance over extended periods.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Able to resist corrosion from plastic melts, coolants, and other chemical substances, prolonging its service life.
High Toughness: Able to withstand impacts without fracturing, enhancing mold reliability.
Good Thermal Conductivity: Facilitates rapid cooling of plastic products, improving production efficiency.
Common Materials for Lifters
Based on varying application requirements, commonly used lifter materials include:
Tool Steel: Such as SKH51 and SKD11. Offers high hardness and wear resistance, suitable for general-purpose plastic injection molding.
High-Speed Steel: Such as W6Mo5Cr4V2. Exhibits excellent wear resistance, toughness, and red hardness, suitable for high-strength plastic injection molding.
Nitrided Steel: Achieves enhanced surface hardness and wear resistance through nitriding treatment and is suitable for molds with stringent requirements.
Copper Alloy: Such as beryllium copper. It offers good thermal conductivity and wear resistance, suitable for molds with demanding surface quality requirements.
The selection of lifter materials is a comprehensive process requiring consideration of specific product attributes, mold structure, and production conditions. Choosing the right lifter material not only enhances product quality and extends mold lifespan but also reduces production costs.
