Crack Formation and Lifespan Issues in High-Temperature Die-Casting Molds: Causes and Solutions
During the use of die-casting molds, temperature is one of the key factors affecting their lifespan. High-temperature operations and frequent thermal shocks lead to rapid mold wear, which shortens the mold’s life. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures causes thermal fatigue and cracks in the mold material, and significantly increases the risk of oxidation and corrosion. To maximize the lifespan of die-casting molds, it is essential for companies to focus on temperature control, select appropriate mold materials, and implement effective cooling and lubrication strategies. This ensures stability in die-casting production and product quality. Below is a detailed analysis of how temperature affects the lifespan of die-casting molds:
1. High-temperature operations: During the die-casting process, molds must withstand high-temperature environments. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures accelerates mold wear and degradation, significantly shortening its lifespan.
2. Thermal shock: Molten metal is rapidly injected into a cooled mold during die-casting, causing a sharp temperature change that generates thermal stress and shock, leading to rapid mold damage.
3. Thermal fatigue: Repeated heating and cooling cycles cause thermal fatigue in the mold material, resulting in surface cracks and flaking, which compromises the structural integrity of the mold.
4. Oxidation and corrosion: In high-temperature environments, mold materials are prone to oxidation reactions. The formation of oxide layers weakens the mold’s strength and wear resistance, accelerating its deterioration.
To extend the lifespan of die-casting molds, it is crucial to control the operating temperature, choose suitable mold materials, and adopt appropriate cooling and lubrication measures. Additionally, regular inspection and maintenance of molds are key to ensuring their long-term performance.
The following images and data, provided by GISSCO and Dr. Ho, illustrate crack formation in die-casting molds under high temperatures:
1. High-temperature mold crack photos: Two photos show the cracks that appeared in the molds after high-temperature operations, clearly demonstrating the damage caused to the mold material during the high-temperature die-casting process. The expansion of cracks is closely related to the degree of thermal fatigue in the mold material, especially under high-temperature conditions where the rate of crack formation increases significantly, further affecting the mold’s lifespan and reliability.
2. Hardness data of H-13 mold steel after 15,000 cycles: This data shows the hardness changes of H-13 mold steel at different distances and surface temperatures after 15,000 die-casting cycles. The data indicates that hardness gradually decreases in high-temperature environments, particularly in areas exposed to higher temperatures, where mold wear is more severe.
3. Total crack area after 15,000 cycles at different temperatures: This data illustrates the change in crack area on die-casting molds after 15,000 cycles at various temperatures. As the temperature increases, the total crack area on the mold surface grows larger, highlighting the critical role of temperature in accelerating mold wear.
These findings underscore the destructive impact of high temperatures on die-casting molds, providing valuable references for mold lifespan management, material selection, and temperature control strategies.
At Fulltech Casting, we specialize in providing high-quality precision die-casting parts. From mold design and manufacturing to production and inspection, all processes are completed in-house, ensuring strict quality control at every stage and efficient production. If you have any die-casting needs, please feel free to contact us. We are committed to providing professional solutions and services tailored to your requirements.