Comparison of Performance Characteristics between Cold Work Mold Steel and Hot Work Mold Steel
Cold Work Mold Steel:
High Hardness and Wear Resistance:
It must withstand high-stress friction under cold working conditions, with hardness typically 30%–50% higher than that of the workpiece material.
Adequate Toughness:
For molds subjected to significant impact loads (e.g., cold heading dies), high toughness is required to prevent brittle fracture.
Fatigue Resistance:
It must resist fatigue damage under alternating loads, avoiding the propagation of surface microcracks that could lead to failure.
Hot Work Mold Steel:
High-Temperature Strength and Toughness:
It must endure impact forces and thermal stresses at elevated temperatures to prevent cracking or plastic deformation.
Thermal Stability:
It retains mechanical properties at high temperatures, preventing softening or collapse.
Thermal Fatigue Resistance:
It resists thermal stress cracks caused by repeated heating and cooling cycles, thereby extending mold service life.
Thermal Conductivity:
Good thermal conductivity reduces mold surface temperature, minimizing the accumulation of thermal stresses.
