Injection Molding
The Importance of Injection Molding
Injection molding is the most widely used method for producing plastic parts—from everyday consumer goods to precision-engineered automotive and electronic components. Its growing use in the automotive sector helps manufacturers:
- Reduce vehicle weight, lowering fuel demand and emissions
- Accelerate design innovation and part integration
- Decrease assembly time
- Improve functionality with high-performance polymers
Why Mold Steel Selection Matters
Injection molds are complex and expensive tools. Choosing the right tool steel affects:
- Tool life and reliability
- Cycle time and part quality
- Surface finish and corrosion resistance
- Maintenance frequency and total cost of ownership
What Makes an Excellent Mold Steel?
Whether from Uddeholm or BÖHLER, top-tier mold steels must meet demanding criteria:
Wear resistance under abrasive or fiber-filled plastics
Corrosion resistance when processing aggressive plastics like PVC
High toughness and fracture resistance for reliable performance
Hardness at elevated temperatures (up to ~400°C)
Excellent polishability for optical and high-gloss parts
Thermal conductivity to optimize cooling time
Available in large dimensions and custom formats