In product manufacturing, the die and mold are two vital tools that shape and produce a metal or plastic part. They are used in the injection molding process to mold resin or in casting, where molten metal is injected into the dies and solidified to form a finished product. A die is a tool that can be used to cut, pierce or bend a metal part. The type of die that is used depends on the job at hand.
The many common types of dies include cutting, forming, and compound dies. For example, a combination die can complete blanking and piercing operations in one stroke for high-volume production work. It also allows multiple parts to be shaped simultaneously for increased productivity. Another die that can be used for a variety of machining operations is a transfer die. It works like a single press for completing different tasks, such as punching and bending.
There are many different types of molds and dies, depending on the manufacturing technique and the material that is being used for the tool. Generally, they are crafted from hardened steel to meet the exact shape requirements of the part they are intended for. Some molds may also have special symbols such as a company name, product logo, date, or brand. These symbols help distinguish different batches of metal parts and can be added to the mold design during the casting process.
Other features that can be added to a mold include overflows and cooling channels. These are small spaces that provide a secondary source of molten metal and venting holes. These are important to ensure that the molten metal does not melt into other areas of the mold and create a defect or void in the final casting. These features can be incorporated during the initial mold design phase. Ultimately, they can boost the production efficiency and quality of the end product.
Most dies are fabricated out of tool steel, which is specially alloyed to have high strength, toughness, and wear resistance. This type of metal is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including cutting, forming, and forging. In addition, it is possible to use a wide range of other metals for dies. These include chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and tungsten.
All of these metals have different strengths, hardness, and properties. They are also able to withstand high pressures and temperatures. A mold is made by inserting molten metal into a die that contains the desired dimension and shape of the finished casting. During production, the die is inserted into a machine where the molten metal passes through the mold.
Once the molten metal has been inserted, the mold will then be closed and cranked into place by clamping it in the machine. Depending on the type of machine being used, this may take a few seconds or several minutes. The molten metal is then quickly cooled and solidified into the final product, called the casting. The dies can also contain additional spaces called overflow wells and venting holes that allow molten metal to escape the mold during the cooling process.
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