Choosing The Right LKM Mold Steel for Your Injection Molding Or Die Casting Needs

1. Plastic Injection Mold Steels

(1) Pre-Hardened Steels (Ready-to-Use)

• LKM 738 / 738H

• Hardness: HRC 30-33 (pre-hardened)

• Features: Good machinability, polishability, and wear resistance.

• Applications: Large plastic molds (e.g., automotive parts, household appliances).

• LKM 718 / 718H

• Hardness: HRC 30-36 (718H offers higher hardness)

• Features: Excellent mirror polish, high purity, and good toughness.

• Applications: High-gloss surfaces (e.g., lenses, electronics).

• LKM 2311 / 2312

• Hardness: HRC 28-32

• Features: Good wear resistance, cost-effective for general-purpose molds.

• Applications: Gears, consumer products.

(2) Corrosion-Resistant & High-Polish Steels

• LKM S136 / S136H (Stainless Steel)

• Hardness: HRC 30-35

• Features: Superior corrosion resistance, mirror finish.

• Applications: Medical devices, transparent plastics (PC, PMMA).

• LKM 2083

• Features: Moderate polish, good for PVC and corrosive plastics.

2. Die Casting Mold Steels (Hot Work Steels)

• LKM 8407 (Similar to H13)

• Hardness: HRC 45-50 (after heat treatment)

• Features: High thermal fatigue resistance, toughness.

• Applications: Aluminum/zinc die-casting molds.

• LKM 2344 (Equivalent to AISI H13)

• Features: Excellent high-temperature strength.

3. Specialized Mold Steels

• LKM NAK80 (Age-Hardening Steel)

• Hardness: HRC 40+ (no heat treatment needed)

• Features: Ultra-high polish, ideal for textured molds.

• LKM 2510 (Economical P20 Alternative)

• Hardness: HRC 28-32

• Applications: Small to medium-sized molds.

How to Choose the Right LKM Steel?

✔ Need corrosion resistance? → S136, 2083
✔ High-gloss finish required? → 718H, NAK80
✔ Die casting or high-temp applications? → 8407, 2344
✔ Budget-friendly option? → 2311, 2510

LKM steels are typically supplied in pre-hardened conditions, reducing the risk of heat treatment distortion. For optimal performance, always consider mold lifespan, part requirements, and production costs.

Need further guidance? Consult LKM’s official material datasheets or reach out to their distributors for technical support.

Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mold steel can significantly impact your manufacturing efficiency and product quality. LKM’s range of high-performance steels ensures that whether you’re working on plastic injection molds or die-casting tools, there’s a perfect material match for your needs.