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1 September 2017 | Tool Steels

Game Plan for Mold and Die Maintenance

Maximize the Durability of Your Molds and Dies with Proper Maintenance

Forming and transforming metallic and plastic materials involve complex processes such as liquid metallurgy, forging, rolling, and stamping. These techniques require the use of specialized tools such as:

  • Molds
  • Dies
  • Punches
  • Dies

These tools are often costly due to their complexity and the precision required to meet service conditions (pressure, temperature, wear). Premature wear can quickly affect the quality of produced parts, increasing production costs and reducing profitability.

Causes of Mold and Die Wear
The wear of molds and dies can result from several factors:

  • Contact pressures and mechanical impacts during handling
  • Thermal fatigue due to exposure to high temperatures
  • Repeated mechanical shocks during use
  • Dissolution by liquid metal in molds
  • Corrosion and abrasion related to the work environment

Repair and Refurbishment Solutions

Welding repair extends the life of your tools while reducing production costs. Hardfacing through welding offers an effective alternative to:

  • Restore lost tolerances through machining
  • Repair cracks caused by fatigue
  • Rebuild worn areas to enhance strength

Key Factors to Consider in Welding Repair

Effective repair begins with a good understanding of the metallurgy of the material to be repaired and its thermal treatment history. It is essential to define a suitable procedure based on:

  1. Type of base metal
    • Grades: 4130, P20, H13, A2, D2, copper alloys, aluminum, etc.
    • Initial and required final hardness
  2. Workpiece preparation
    • Deep cleaning to remove contaminants
    • Defect removal by gouging, grinding, deburring
  3. Welding process selection
    • SMAW (manual arc), GTAW (TIG), Micro-TIG for thin sections
    • Process adaptation based on the size and shape of the workpiece
  4. Filler metal
    • Choice of metal based on hardness, strength, and compatibility
    • Control of dilution rate for suitable microstructure
  5. Thermal preparation
    • Preheating and temperature control between passes
    • Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) to stabilize microstructure
  6. Additional operational factors
    • Access to repair area
    • Nature of defect: cracks, cavities, wear
    • Finishing: polishing, machinability, color match

Why Choose Sodel for Your Mold and Die Repairs?

At Sodel, we understand the challenges associated with mold and die repairs. We offer a comprehensive range of filler metals and welding processes tailored to each situation. Our metallurgical experts are available to guide you in choosing the optimal product to:

  • Extend the lifespan of your equipment
  • Reduce maintenance costs
  • Improve productivity in your production chain

Contact Us Today!

Need personalized advice? Our specialists are ready to assist you with the repair and maintenance of your molds and dies. Contact us now for a free evaluation!


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