Making the decision of what material to use for your injection mold can be a difficult one. Aluminum molds and steel molds are two popular choices, but which is the right one for you? In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of both aluminum vs steel injection molds so that you can make an informed decision.
Aluminum molds are popular because they are less expensive than steel molds. Aluminum molds are a great choice for small batch production, while steel molds are better for high-volume production. Aluminum molds are also much lighter than steel molds, making them easier to handle. Steel molds, on the other hand, are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures.
If you want to learn more about the differences between aluminum vs steel injection molds plastic injection molding read this article and choose the right plastic injection molding for your business!
Aluminum vs steel injection molds: A comparison
What is aluminum plastic injection molding?
Aluminum plastic injection molding is a process where molten aluminum is injected into a mold to create parts. Aluminum has a very low melting point, so it can be easily molded into the desired shape. The aluminum is then cooled and the parts are ejected from the mold. This is a perfect alternative for steel injection molding because it assures a fast production of parts, stability, and high accuracy of the products. Aluminum is also much lighter than steel, making it easier to handle.
What is steel plastic injection molding?
Steel plastic injection molding is a process where molten steel is injected into a mold to create parts. Steel has a higher melting point than aluminum, so it takes longer to heat up and cool down. However, steel molds are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures. It is also known for its long durability and long life runs. Steel is a better choice for high-volume production.
What are their differences?
Aluminum molds are popular because they are less expensive than steel molds. Aluminum is also a lighter weight material, which can be important if you are shipping your molds to different locations. Aluminum molds also cool more quickly, which can be beneficial if you are working with materials that set quickly. However, aluminum molds are not as durable as steel molds and they are not suitable for high-volume production.
On the other hand, steel molds are more expensive than aluminum molds, but they are also more durable. Steel molds can withstand high volumes of production and they will last longer than aluminum molds. However, steel molds take longer to cool, which can be an issue if you are working with quick-setting materials.
Pros & cons of aluminum vs steel injection molds
Aluminum Molds
Pros of aluminum molds:
- Aluminum molds are less expensive than steel molds.
- It has a fast cycle time as it cools faster.
- Aluminum is also much lighter than steel, making it easier to handle.
- Aluminum molds have superior heat dissipation properties to ensure that the mold can achieve uniform cooling and heating times because of the superior heat dissipation capabilities.
- Design Flexibility, aluminum is a much more softer material than steel that can be easily modified.
Cons of aluminum molds:
- Aluminum molds are not as durable as steel molds.
- Aluminum molds are not suitable for high-volume production.
Steel Molds
Pros of Steel Molds:
- More durable and has a longer life span.
- Steel molds can withstand high volumes of production and they will last longer than aluminum molds.
- It is suitable for more detailed and unique features.
Cons of Steel Molds:
- Steel molds are heavier than aluminum molds and require more effort to handle.
- It is more expensive than aluminum molds.
- It can take longer to cool, which can be an issue if you are working with quick-setting materials.
- Difficult to modify.
In conclusion, it really depends on your needs as to what kind of mold you should choose. Aluminum molds are less expensive and have a fast cycle time, but they are not as durable. Steel molds are more expensive and take longer to cool, but they are more durable and can withstand high volumes of production. It really all comes down to what you need your mold to do. If you need a quick turnaround time and low cost, aluminum is the way to go. If you need a long lasting mold that can handle high volumes of production, steel is the better choice.
Find your right plastic injection molding with Go4Mould
With over 20 years of experience, Go4Mould has been in one of the top Injection Mould in China and continues to improve their injection molds in services, quality control, and ther factory equipment. Looking for the right plastic injection molding company can be overwhelming. There are so many variables to consider, such as cost, quality, turnaround time, and more. However, you can rest assured that Go4Mould is the right choice for you! Aluminum or Steel molds, we got you covered. Request for a quote now!
Aluminum vs steel injection molds-FAQS
Aluminum vs steel injection molds: Which is better?
It depends on your needs. Aluminum molds can significantly reduce your initial costs, reduce rejection rates, and allow you to start production sooner. Thanks to shorter tooling production times, you will also be able to begin production sooner thanks to a lower initial cost. Choosing steel for your products will provide you with increased durability, fewer worries about wear and tear, and a greater range of options for using steel in more advanced parts.
To sum up everything, With aluminum’s lower cost and lighter weight, it is a cost-effective tooling option for a variety of applications. These include heat transfer, machining times, and a lower risk of product defects due to its low weight and lighter weight. It is also recommended that aluminum be used for low-volume runs since the cost of making the molds is considerably lower than that of making steel.
Strongness and durability are two of the most well known characteristics of steel. It’s for this reason that it has always been so popular as a material for injection molding and for giving out high quality results. Its strength makes it a strong material that is able to withstand repeated use without suffering any ill effects as a result. With such a strong metal, it is less likely to warp over repeated use. This keeps the details in the metal throughout even the longest runs, ensuring that the details will not be lost.
No matter what your needs are, Go4Mould can provide you with the right plastic injection molding company for your project! Request a quote today.
