This chart presents the different steel classifications that are available for mold cavity and core applications. For each steel type the DME steel number and the AISI or SAE number are displayed.
Listed below is more information about these steel selections.
DME # 3 Steel
P-20 AISI 4130 (modified) type cavity steel is exceptionally clean. It is pre-heat treated to 277-331 Bhn (29-36 Rc). It provides high hardness, good machinability, and exceptional polishability for plastic and die cast molds.
DME #5 Steel
AISI H-13 thermal shock resistant, hot work die steel. Fully annealed (200 Bhn 13-20 Rc) for easy machining. Can be heat treated with a minimum of deformation. Used for die cast dies, also for plastic molds when exceptional hardness or polishability are required.
DME #6 Steel
T-420 type stainless steel supplied fully annealed to 200-400 Bhn (14-23 Rc) for easy machining. Used for injection, compression or transfer molds when plastic material requires a highly corrosion resistant cavity seal.
S7 Steel
Air hardening steel, comes in annealed condition, suggested hardness range from 52-56 Rc. It is suitable for compression and transfer molds which need high toughness.
D2 Steel
Air hardening steel, comes in annealed condition, suggested hardness range from 54-60 Rc. It has very good abrasion resistance. Used for compression and transfer molds where high abrasion is present.
A2 Steel
Air hardening steel comes in annealed condition, recommended hardness is 54-62 Rc. Used for compression, transfer, and injection molds. It has very high abrasion resistance and toughness.
O2 Steels
Oil hardening steel with a high carbon content, available in annealed condition, suggested hardness 63 Rc. Used for compression, transfer and injection molds.
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