Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-05-27 Origin: Site
Nitriding hardens the mold surface, improving wear resistance.
Process: Heat treatment in ammonia gas (gas nitriding) or plasma environment (ion nitriding).
Benefits:
Surface hardness up to HV 900-1200
3-5x longer lifespan for molds handling abrasive materials (e.g., glass-filled plastics).
Applications: Automotive components, industrial parts.
A traditional yet effective method for corrosion and wear resistance.
Thickness: 0.01–0.03 mm
Advantages:
Reduces friction (40% lower coefficient)
Enhances release properties, minimizing sticking.
Limitations: Environmental concerns due to hexavalent chromium.
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coatings provide ultra-hard surfaces.
Common Types:
TiN (Titanium Nitride): Gold-colored, general-purpose.
TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride): High-temperature resistance.
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon): Ultra-low friction, ideal for medical-grade molds.
Performance: Extends mold life by 200–300% in high-wear applications.
Surface finish quality is critical for part aesthetics.
Mirror Polishing (VDI 0-12): For optical-grade parts (lenses, transparent covers).
EDM Texturing (VDI 15-35): Creates matte, leather, or custom patterns.
Laser Texturing: Precision microstructures for anti-slip or branding.
Electroless Nickel Plating: Improves corrosion resistance.
Nickel-PTFE Composite: Adds self-lubrication, reducing ejection force by 50%.
| Treatment | Best For | Mold Life Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Nitriding | High-wear materials | 3-5x longer |
| PVD (TiAlN) | High-temp plastics | 2-3x longer |
| Hard Chrome | Corrosive environments | 2x longer |
| DLC Coating | Medical/optical parts | 4x longer |
Smart Coatings: Embedded sensors for wear monitoring.
Eco-Friendly Processes: Trivalent chrome as a hexavalent chrome alternative.
Nanostructured Coatings: Further enhancing hardness and thermal stability.
Selecting the right surface treatment for your mold depends on material, production volume, and part requirements. Advanced coatings like PVD and DLC are revolutionizing mold performance, while traditional methods like nitriding remain cost-effective.
