What are the main types of die casting molds?

Main Types of Die Casting Molds
1. Single-Cavity Molds: These molds have only one pouring cavity, suitable for single-piece or small-batch production.
Relatively simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and easy to change and maintain.
2. Multi-Cavity Molds: These molds have multiple identical or different cavities within the same mold, allowing for the production of multiple castings at once.
Improves production efficiency and reduces unit cost; commonly used for mass production of automotive parts, electronic casings, etc.
3. Hot Runner Molds vs. Cold Runner Molds:
Hot runner molds maintain the temperature of the molten metal in the gate and runners, reducing metal cooling loss and improving material utilization.
Cold runner molds use ambient temperature runners, resulting in a more robust structure, suitable for the production of high-pressure, thick-walled castings.
4. Split (Two-Part, Three-Part) Molds: Depending on the geometry of the casting and demolding requirements, the mold is divided into two or three halves to facilitate the formation of complex internal structures and smooth demolding.
Often used in conjunction with movable parts such as moving cores and sliders, it enables the machining of hollow or internally grooved parts.
How is a die casting mold made? 
Die Casting Mold Manufacturing Process:
1. Conceptual Design and Numerical Simulation: 3D modeling is performed using CAD (such as PRO/E) to determine key geometric parameters such as the cavity, gate, and cooling system.
CAE (flow analysis, thermal analysis) is used to predict metal filling behavior, optimize the gating layout and cooling circuit, and ensure casting quality.
2. Material Selection and Heat Treatment: High-hardness, high-temperature resistant tool steel is selected as the mold base material to resist high-pressure injection and thermal shock.
Normalizing, quenching, and tempering heat treatments are performed to achieve a mold hardness of HRC 50-55, improving wear resistance and service life.
3. Precision Machining: CNC machining centers, CNC EDM, and wire cutting equipment are used for roughing, finishing, and micro-machining of the mold.
Key components (such as gates, cooling holes, and moving cores) undergo high-precision machining, with tolerances controlled within ±0.05mm to ensure smooth metal flow.
4. Assembly, Inspection, and Trial Casting: The machined components are precisely assembled, and cooling pipes, guiding systems, and ejection mechanisms are installed.
Dimensional accuracy is verified using a coordinate measuring machine and optical inspection. Trial casting is then performed to check pouring integrity, cooling uniformity, and demolding smoothness, with fine adjustments made as necessary.