Common Mold Materials for Home Appliance Injection Molding

1. P20 (1.2311) – The Most Popular Choice for Home Appliance Plastic Injection Mold

Applications:

• TV frames, washing machine panels, small home appliance housings (ABS, PP, PS materials)

• Medium production runs (100,000 – 500,000 cycles)

Advantages:

• Pre-hardened (HRC 30-35): No additional heat treatment required, reducing lead time.

• Good machinability & polishability: Suitable for standard gloss or matte finishes.

• Cost-effective: Ideal for budget-conscious projects.

Typical Uses:

• Rice cooker bodies

• Vacuum cleaner housings

• Microwave oven panels

2. 718 (1.2738) – Enhanced Durability for Larger Molds

Applications:

• Large home appliance parts (refrigerator liners, washing machine tubs)

• High-volume production (500,000+ cycles)

Advantages:

• Higher hardness & wear resistance than P20, extending mold life.

• Better dimensional stability for complex geometries.

Typical Uses:

• Refrigerator door liners

• Air conditioner housing components

3. NAK80 – Superior Polishability for High-Gloss Finishes

Applications:

• Premium home appliances (smart speakers, high-end TV bezels)

• Transparent or glossy parts (coffee machine lids)

Advantages:

• Mirror-like polishability (no additional plating needed).

• Good wear resistance for extended production runs.

Typical Uses:

• LED TV front panels

• Transparent blender jars

4. S136 (1.2083) – Corrosion Resistance for Demanding Plastics Injection Mold

Applications:

• Transparent parts (water dispenser tanks)

• Corrosive plastics (PVC, flame-retardant ABS)

Advantages:

• Excellent rust resistance, ideal for humid environments.

• High polishability for optical clarity.

Typical Uses:

• Humidifier water tanks

• Dishwasher components

5. Beryllium Copper – Fast Cooling for Thin-Wall Parts

Applications:

• Thin-wall components (fan blades, small connectors)

• Areas requiring rapid heat dissipation

Advantages:

• 3-5x better thermal conductivity than steel, reducing cycle time.

Typical Uses:

• Electric fan blades

• Hair dryer nozzles

Industry Trends

• P20 remains dominant (60%+ market share) due to its balance of cost and performance.

• NAK80 and S136 are growing in demand for high-end appliances with aesthetic requirements.

• Sustainable materials (e.g., corrosion-resistant steels) are becoming more popular due to stricter environmental regulations.

Conclusion

For most home appliance injection molds, P20 is the go-to material for cost efficiency, while NAK80 and S136 are preferred for high-end applications. The right choice depends on production volume, plastic type, and surface finish requirements.

Would you like a more detailed recommendation for a specific appliance part? Let us know in the comments!