International Mold Steel Inc.

Hardness, machinability and strength are the bottom line as materials manufacturers and suppliers continue to reduce moldmakers’ leadtimes without sacrificing quality or cost.

Reducing mold build costs with different steels and coatings may give North American shops more business from electronics OEMs.

International Mold Steel (Florence, KY) has developed a forum for its Porcerax tool steel so moldmakers can meet online to discuss moldmaking venting issues and solutions.

International Mold Steel, world leader in specialty mold and die steels, celebrates the10th year anniversary of Porcerax II.

DH2F is the best machining pre-hardened H13-type steel available.

NAK55 is a precipitation, or age-hardened mold, steel with a through hardness of approximately 40 HRc.

NAK80 is a precipitation or age-hardened mold steel with a uniform through hardness of 40 HRc.

Patented NAK-HH is a precipitation, or age hardened mold steel with a through hardness of approximately 45/48 HRC.

Porcerax II is a sintered, porous metal with porosityin the range of 20 to 30% by volume.

Ready to use, these “self venting” inserts are designed to be inserted in problem venting areas.

Premium H-13 is a chromium-based, hard work die and plastic mold steel designed for increased production rates and longer tool life.

PX5 is a 30 HRc, P20-type, pre-hardened steel that can be used for all plastic molding.

Strength, hardness and machinability are the common buzzwords that come into play when examining the new materials on the market.

When buying P20 steels, moldmakers should be aware of the variations and key issues that affect delivery, cost and leadtimes.

To be competitive, domestic mold builders need to consider that steel selection-although the smallest portion of the overall mold manufacturing cost-can be a vital component in competing against cheap offshore tooling.

Fallout from the recent imposition of tariffs on steel imports may raise domestic steel prices and further drive business out of the country.

Knowing where to cut costs in this economy might determine if your company sinks or swims.

Using NAK 55 standard mold bases allows moldmakers to focus on crucial core and cavity work.