How Material Selection Affects Mold Price and Lifespan
This article is part of Mold World's ongoing series to help international buyers navigate the Chinese mold manufacturing industry. Whether you're sourcing your first mold or looking to optimize your existing supply chain, understanding local practices is essential for successful partnerships.
Material selection is one of the most consequential decisions in mold making. The right steel can extend mold life by 2-3x, while the wrong choice leads to premature wear or corrosion. Chinese factories offer a wide range of steel grades from domestic and international suppliers.
The most commonly used injection mold steel in China is P20, pre-hardened to 30-32 HRC, offering excellent machinability. For higher-volume production (500,000+ parts) or better surface finish, 718H is preferred for its uniform hardness distribution.
Always request the steel mill certificate. Reputable factories source certified steel and can provide documentation. The small premium for certified steel (10-15%) is negligible compared to the cost of mold failure from substandard material.
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— Mold World Editorial Team
