Stretch mold is a type of mold used to process stretch formed components. It is an indispensable tool for manufacturing various metal parts. It is suitable for various fields, such as automobiles, machine manufacturing, household appliances, construction, etc. Stretch molds are an important industrial production equipment, and their manufacturing materials and quality directly affect the processing quality and production efficiency of products. In this article, we will explore the manufacturing materials for stretching molds.
1、 Factors in selecting materials for stretching molds
1. Shape and size of processed parts
Shape and size are the main factors determining the selection of stretching die materials, as the geometric shape and size of the processed parts vary, requiring the use of different materials to manufacture stretching dies. If the shape and surface of the processed parts require high precision or thin wall thickness, the material used requires higher requirements.
2. Materials for processing parts
The material of the processed parts also directly affects the material selection of the stretching mold. If the processed parts are hard, then the selected stretching mold material should have higher hardness and strength. On the contrary, if the processed parts are soft, softer materials are needed to manufacture stretching molds.
3. Processing technology and equipment
Processing technology and equipment can also affect the material of the stretching mold. For example, if more precise equipment and advanced processing techniques are used to manufacture molds, higher strength materials need to be used.
4. Operating environment
The usage environment includes factors such as temperature, humidity, chemical corrosion, and friction. If used for manufacturing parts in high-temperature environments, high heat resistant materials must be used. If you want to process corrosion-resistant parts, you need to use corrosion-resistant materials.
5. Cost and availability
Cost and availability are also important factors affecting the selection of stretching die materials. Some materials are expensive but have good results when used to process certain parts, while others are low-cost but can also be used to process parts.
2、 Types and characteristics of stretching mold materials
Different stretching mold materials have their own unique characteristics and application fields. Here are some common stretching mold materials:
1. Steel
Steel is a very common material for manufacturing stretching molds. It has high strength, high hardness, good wear resistance, and is easier to machine. Steel is divided into three categories: ordinary carbon steel, alloy steel, and special steel. In addition, there are stainless steel, plastic mold steel, wear-resistant steel, etc.
2. Aluminum alloy
The advantages of aluminum alloy are light weight, high strength, good corrosion resistance, and good thermal conductivity. Moreover, due to the better processing performance of aluminum alloys compared to steel, they are more popular when manufacturing parts with simple shapes. However, the use of aluminum alloys is often not wise when manufacturing complex and high-strength parts.
3. Copper
Copper is a high-value metal with good conductivity, thermal conductivity, and plasticity. Drawing molds made of copper are usually used to manufacture metal sheet parts. However, its manufacturing cost is higher than steel, so it is usually only used when high-precision and high-quality parts are needed.
4. Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-strength new material widely used in fields such as aerospace, shipbuilding, automobiles, and sports equipment. The stretching molds made of carbon fiber have the characteristics of high strength, high quality, and low weight.
5. Plastic
Plastic stretching molds are used to manufacture plastic parts. This type of mold is widely used due to its low cost and relatively simple processing. However, compared to metal molds, plastic molds have poor durability and stability. But for manufacturers producing small batches of plastic parts, using plastic molds is a more economical and applicable choice.
3、 Conclusion
This article provides an overview of different stretching die materials and their characteristics. The material selection mainly depends on factors such as the shape, size, material, and cost of the processed parts. However, when selecting stretch mold materials, processing technology and equipment should also be considered, and appropriate materials should be selected based on the application environment of the required parts. Reasonable stretching mold materials can improve the quality and production efficiency of processed parts, while also reducing manufacturing costs and extending the service life of the mold.
