Choosing the Right Steel for Injection Mold Longevity

The choice of mold steel determines not only tool durability but also surface finish, corrosion resistance, and cycle consistency. At Dongxinda, we carefully select mold materials to suit each customer’s production goals and plastic resin types.

Common Tool Steels We Use:

• P20: Pre-hardened, easy to machine—ideal for medium-volume projects

• H13: Excellent heat resistance—perfect for high-cycle molds or abrasive plastics

• S136 / 420 Stainless: Rust-resistant—suitable for humid environments or medical-grade molds

• 1.2344 / SKD61: High wear resistance, popular in automotive and electronics sectors

We also apply hardness treatments and coatings where needed to further enhance mold life.

FAQs:

• Which steel is best for transparent parts?
  S136 or other polished stainless steel grades are ideal.

• Does harder steel always mean better mold life?
  Not always. Balance between hardness, machinability, and cycle time is key.

• Can you advise on steel selection during quoting?
  Yes, we always provide material suggestions based on your part design and resin.