Key Takeaways
- Pain Point Solved: Costly rework or mold failure from wrong material choices (e.g., insufficient heat resistance for LED headlight molds).
- Core Value: Cut material testing costs by 30% and extend mold lifespan to 500,000+ cycles.
Step-by-Step Implementation
1. Break Down Your Part’s Critical Requirements
First, define non-negotiable specs based on the part’s function:
- High-Temperature Scenarios (e.g., engine-compartment parts): Require materials that withstand ≥150℃.
- Optical Scenarios (e.g., headlight lenses): Demand high polishability for uniform light transmission.
- Heya Support: Free part requirement assessments to balance "heat resistance, polishability, and cost" for your project.
2. Match Materials to Application Scenarios
Use this practical chart to avoid guesswork:
| Automotive Part Scenario | Recommended Material | Core Advantages | Heya Machining Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parts in humid environments (e.g., door sensors) | S136 Steel | Corrosion-resistant + mirror finish (Ra ≤0.005μm) | Humidity-proof cavity for sensor housings |
| High-volume PC parts (e.g., DRL light housings) | H13 Steel | Heat-resistant (up to 600℃) + wear-proof | 100,000-unit production core for DRLs |
3. Control Costs Without Sacrificing Precision
- Non-visible parts (e.g., internal brackets): Opt for standard mold steel—Heya still guarantees ±0.01mm machining accuracy.
- Visible parts (e.g., dashboard panels): Choose NAK80 pre-hardened steel to skip post-heat treatment, shortening lead time by 1 week.
4. Verify 3 Critical Supplier Qualifications
Don’t compromise on:
- Material traceability (ask for mill certificates).
- Machining capabilities (must have 5-axis CNC for complex cavities).
- Quality guarantees (e.g., material defect coverage).
- Heya Commitment: All cavity/core materials come with ISO 9001-certified reports for full traceability.
Call to Action (CTA)
Unsure about material selection? Download Heya’s Automotive Mold Material Selection Chart—our engineers will confirm the best option for your part.
Related Reads
- How to Extend Injection Molding Life with Mold Material Choices