Muottiteräkset

Muottiteräkset, also known as tool steels for molds, are a specialized category of steels designed for the demanding environment of mold making. These steels are characterized by their excellent hardness, wear resistance, toughness, and often good corrosion resistance. The specific properties required for a mold steel depend heavily on the intended application, such as injection molding, die casting, or extrusion.

Common types of muottiteräkset include P20 steel, widely used for plastic injection molds due to its good machinability and polishability. Other variations like H13 are employed for higher temperature applications such as die casting, offering superior heat resistance and strength. Stainless mold steels, such as S136, provide excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for molding clear or corrosive plastics and for environments where frequent cleaning is necessary.

The manufacturing process for muottiteräkset involves precise heat treatments, including hardening and tempering, to achieve the desired microstructure and mechanical properties. Alloying elements like chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and nickel are added to enhance specific characteristics. The selection of the correct mold steel is crucial for mold longevity, product quality, and efficient production cycles.