The quality, durability, and finish of plastic furniture are largely determined by the raw materials used in the mould-making process. Selecting the right materials for moulds ensures dimensional accuracy, resistance to wear, and longevity during mass production. Below is an overview of the key raw materials commonly used in manufacturing plastic furniture moulds.
1. Tool Steels
Tool steels form the primary material for mould construction due to their exceptional hardness, toughness, and resistance to deformation under high temperatures and pressure.
P20 Steel
Widely used for injection moulds and large furniture moulds such as chairs and tables.
Offers excellent machinability, polishability, and moderate wear resistance.
Suitable for medium production volumes.
H13 Steel
Known for its high-temperature strength and resistance to thermal fatigue.
Ideal for moulds exposed to frequent heating and cooling cycles.
Ensures longer tool life, making it suitable for high-volume production.
2311 and 2312 (Pre-Hardened Steels)
Used for mould bases and components where moderate hardness and good machinability are needed.
2312 contains sulfur for improved machinability.
2. Stainless Steels
For moulds requiring corrosion resistance—especially those using corrosive plastics like PVC or operated in humid environments—stainless steels are preferred.
420 Stainless Steel
Provides good corrosion resistance and polishability.
Often used for mould cavities and cores where a high surface finish is required.
440C Stainless Steel
Offers greater hardness and wear resistance than 420 but is more difficult to machine.
Ideal for long-run, high-precision moulds.
3. Aluminium Alloys
Aluminium moulds are used primarily for prototyping or low-volume production due to their light weight and excellent heat conductivity.
6061 and 7075 Aluminium Alloys
Allow faster cooling cycles and reduced production time.
Easier to machine and modify.
Not suitable for high-pressure, long-term production as they wear out faster than steel.
4. Beryllium-Copper Alloys
Beryllium-copper is often used in combination with steel inserts in moulds to improve thermal performance.
Key Features:
Exceptional thermal conductivity for uniform cooling.
High strength and resistance to corrosion.
Commonly used in areas of the mould prone to heat buildup or where fast cooling is critical.
5. Other Supporting Materials
Copper Inserts: Improve heat transfer in specific mould zones.
Nickel Plating: Applied on mould surfaces to prevent corrosion and improve surface finish.
Hard Chrome Plating: Enhances wear resistance and reduces friction.
6. Selection Criteria
Choosing the appropriate raw material depends on several factors:
Type of plastic used (e.g., PP, ABS, HDPE)
Production volume and cycle time
Desired surface finish and tolerance
Thermal and mechanical stress conditions
Cost and maintenance requirements
Conclusion
Selecting the right raw material for plastic furniture moulds is a balance between performance, durability, and cost. Tool steels like P20 and H13 remain industry standards for large-scale furniture production, while aluminium and beryllium-copper alloys serve as effective materials for faster prototyping and improved cooling efficiency. The right material choice ensures consistent product quality, extended mould life, and optimal manufacturing efficiency.
