Understanding Mold Steel Selection for Injection Molds

The choice of steel for an injection mold directly affects tool life, part quality, and cost. Common mold steels include P20, H13, S136, NAK80, and 8407. P20 is pre-hardened and ideal for prototype and low-volume molds. H13 offers high toughness for high-cavity-pressure applications. S136 is stainless steel used for optical and medical molds. NAK80 is pre-hardened with excellent polishability, while 8407 provides superior wear resistance for glass-filled materials. Yinzan Technology recommends the optimal steel grade for each project based on material, volume, and surface finish requirements.