Pre-hardened Mold Steel Offers Variety of Benefits for Moldmaking

Source | Courtesy of Omega Tool Corp.

Finkl Steel highlights its MD Xtra, a pre-hardened, mold steel designed for various applications and uses for moldmakers. 

One such benefit includes good thermal conductivity, which enhances heat extraction and reduces molding cycle times. This property is crucial for improving efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes.

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The steel's well-balanced chemistry ensures uniform hardness and microstructure across large cross-sections, minimizing hardness loss. This makes it well-suited for molds with deep impressions and large dimensions.

MD Xtra is characterized by its wear resistance, making it suitable for long-run molds and abrasive or filled plastic injection molds. This durability extends the lifespan of molds and reduces maintenance costs.

The low sulfur content in the steel enhances its polishability, ensuring a smooth surface finish. Additionally, its weldability enables easy repairs and modifications, contributing to lower downtime and increased operational efficiency.

MD Xtra's high impact strength prevents cracking, ensuring the integrity and longevity of molds. This property is particularly beneficial for molds used in high-stress applications.

Lastly, it is suitable for a wide range of applications, including molds for painted parts, grained or textured molds, chrome-plated parts, compression molds and dies for non-corrosive plastic extrusion. Its versatility makes it a valuable material for various manufacturing needs.