What factors affect the service life of a die casting mold?

The service life of a die casting mold is influenced by a variety of factors, which can be grouped into the following categories:

1. Mold material and heat treatment

   • Selecting high‑temperature‑resistant, thermally‑fatigue‑resistant tool steels (e.g., H13, DH31‑EX) is the fundamental guarantee of longevity. Improper heat treatment can create residual stresses and increase brittleness, becoming a primary cause of early failure.
   • Surface‑strengthening processes such as nitriding, carburizing, or PVD/CVD coatings can markedly improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

2. Mold design and machining precision

   • Rational cavity geometry, appropriate radii, well‑designed cooling water channels, and proper venting can reduce stress concentration and thermal shock, thereby decreasing the risk of thermal cracks and fatigue.
   • Machining surface finish and dimensional accuracy directly affect heat transfer and fluid impact; rough surfaces or machining marks accelerate wear.

3. Process parameters (temperature, pressure, speed)

   • Higher molten‑metal pouring temperatures impose greater thermal shock on the mold, accelerating thermal fatigue and erosion.
   • High pressure and high speed injection generate larger impact loads, increasing compressive thermal stresses on the mold surface and promoting thermal cracking.
   • Proper control of cooling rate, gate speed, and holding time can lower temperature‑gradient stresses and extend mold life.

4. Surface treatment and coatings

   • Hard PVD, chrome plating, or other wear‑resistant coatings significantly reduce metal erosion and wear, especially under high‑temperature, high‑pressure conditions.
   • The integrity and thickness of the coating directly determine its protective effectiveness; coating delamination leads to rapid failure.

5. Maintenance and cleaning

   • During production, aluminum flash, sticking, and contaminants must be removed promptly to prevent secondary impact damage to sliders and cavities under high clamping forces.
   • Regular inspection, lubrication, cooling‑system upkeep, and timely replacement of worn components are essential to prevent cumulative damage.

6. Operating environment and procedural compliance

   • If machine parameters such as clamping force, gate speed, or cooling water temperature exceed the design limits, the mold may experience expansion forces greater than the clamping force, causing cracks or deformation.
   • The skill level of operators and strict adherence to process parameters also determine the ultimate service life of the mold.