A Brief Discussion on the Application of Beryllium Copper in Plastic Molds

What is the reason for the increasing use of beryllium copper mold materials in plastic mold manufacturing nowadays? Follow Editor to learn about the application of beryllium copper in plastic molds and the reasons behind it.

1. Sufficient hardness and strength: After many tests, engineers can identify and master the optimal precipitation hardening conditions and working conditions for beryllium copper alloy, as well as the mass characteristics of beryllium copper (this is the prelude to the formal application of beryllium copper alloy in the market); The application of beryllium copper material in plastic molds requires multiple cycles of testing to ultimately determine the optimal physical properties and chemical composition that meet manufacturing and processing requirements; Theoretical and practical proof - Beryllium copper can achieve the required hardness, strength, high thermal conductivity for plastic mold manufacturing at HRC36-42, with the characteristics of easy and convenient machining, long mold service life, and saving development and production cycles.

2. Good thermal conductivity: The thermal conductivity of beryllium copper material is beneficial for controlling the temperature of plastic processing molds, making it easier to control the molding cycle, and ensuring the uniformity of mold wall temperature; If compared with steel molds, the forming cycle of beryllium copper is much smaller, and the average temperature of the mold can be reduced by about 20%. When the difference between the average tapping temperature and the average wall temperature of the mold is small (such as in situations where the mold parts are not easily cooled), using beryllium copper mold material can reduce the cooling time by 40%. And the mold wall temperature only decreased by 15%; The characteristics of the beryllium copper mold material mentioned above will bring several benefits to mold manufacturers using this material, including shortened molding cycles and increased productivity; Good uniformity of mold wall temperature improves the quality of pulled products; Simplified mold structure due to reduced cooling pipes; It can increase the temperature of the material, thereby reducing the wall thickness of the product and lowering the cost of the product.

3. Long service life of molds: The expected service life of molds is very important for manufacturers to budget the cost of molds and ensure production continuity. When the strength and hardness of beryllium copper meet the requirements, the insensitivity of beryllium copper to mold temperature stress can greatly improve the service life of molds. Before determining the use of beryllium copper mold materials, the yield strength, elastic modulus, thermal conductivity, and temperature expansion coefficient of beryllium copper should also be considered. The resistance of beryllium copper to thermal stress is much stronger than that of mold steel, and in this regard, the service life of beryllium copper is remarkable!

4. High thermal penetration rate: In addition to thermal conductivity, the thermal penetration rate of mold materials also has a significant impact on plastic products. In the use of beryllium bronze molds, overheating marks can be eliminated. If the thermal penetration rate is low, the contact temperature in the distal area of the mold wall will be higher, which will increase the temperature difference of the mold. In extreme cases, it can cause temperature changes in the area, extending from shrinkage marks on one end of the plastic product to overheated product marks on the other end. 5. Excellent surface quality: Beryllium copper is very suitable for surface finishing, can be directly electroplated, and has excellent adhesion performance. Beryllium copper is also easy to polish.