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.