What Is Mold Steel

Mold steel is a category of tool steel specifically designed for the manufacture of molds and dies used in the production of plastics, metals, and other materials. Within this broad classification, JIS SKD11 cold worked mold steel stands out as a premier choice for applications requiring exceptional wear resistance and high compressive strength. This article explores the characteristics and applications of JIS SKD11 mold steel, with a focus on the offerings from Hongxin, a trusted provider of high-quality tool steels.

What Is Mold Steel?

Mold steel refers to a type of steel that possesses properties tailored for the demands of mold-making processes. These steels are engineered to withstand the rigors of high-pressure molding environments while maintaining their shape and integrity over prolonged periods of use. They are typically characterized by their hardness, wear resistance, and ability to be machined and polished to a fine finish.

Properties of JIS SKD11 Mold Steel

Hongxin's JIS SKD11 mold steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium steel that is known for its exceptional wear resistance and high compressive strength. The addition of chromium (up to 12%) provides excellent corrosion resistance, while molybdenum enhances the hardenability and grain refinement of the steel. Here are some key properties of JIS SKD11:

High Hardness: After heat treatment, JIS SKD11 can achieve a hardness of up to 63 HRC, making it suitable for applications requiring a tough, wear-resistant surface.

Good Toughness: Despite its high hardness, JIS SKD11 retains a degree of toughness that helps prevent cracking and chipping during use.

Corrosion Resistance: The high chromium content imparts good resistance to corrosion, which is beneficial for molds used with corrosive materials.

Polishability: The fine grain structure of JIS SKD11 enables a good polish, which is important for producing high-quality molded parts with smooth surfaces.

Applications of Hongxin JIS SKD11 Mold Steel

Given its superior properties, JIS SKD11 mold steel is widely used across various industries:

Plastic Injection Molds: For plastic injection molding applications, JIS SKD11 is used to create molds capable of producing thousands of parts before requiring maintenance or replacement.

Die Casting Molds: In die casting processes, the high wear resistance of JIS SKD11 ensures that molds can withstand the repeated high-pressure injection of molten metals.

Stamping Dies: For metal stamping operations, the hardness and toughness of JIS SKD11 make it an ideal choice for dies that need to withstand the forces involved in forming metal sheets.

Extrusion Dies: Extrusion processes benefit from the corrosion resistance of JIS SKD11, as it can handle the exposure to various materials without degrading rapidly.

Hongxin's Commitment to Quality

Hongxin is dedicated to providing top-tier JIS SKD11 mold steel that meets or exceeds industry standards. The company employs stringent quality control measures throughout the production process, from raw material selection to final inspection, ensuring that every batch of steel is consistent and reliable. By partnering with Hongxin, manufacturers gain access to a dependable source of JIS SKD11 that can be relied upon to perform consistently in demanding applications.

The choice of mold steel significantly impacts the performance and longevity of molds and dies. JIS SKD11, with its combination of high hardness, wear resistance, and polishability, stands as a preferred option for many applications. Through its commitment to quality and innovation, Hongxin continues to support industries worldwide with its JIS SKD11 mold steel, contributing to the production of high-quality molded parts and ensuring customer satisfaction.