The service life of a die-casting mold is not a fixed value; it varies greatly depending on the cast part material, the quality of the mold itself, and the conditions of use and maintenance. Typically, it is measured in “shots” (i.e., the number of times a mold can produce a qualified casting).
The following is a general reference for the service life range:
Zinc alloy die-casting molds: Have the longest service life, usually reaching 500,000 to over 1,000,000 shots, or even higher. This is because zinc alloy has a low melting point (approximately 400°C), resulting in minimal thermal shock to the mold.
Aluminum alloy die-casting molds: This is the most common type, with a relatively wide lifespan range, generally between 80,000 to 300,000 shots. For ordinary parts with low requirements, it might reach around 100,000 shots; for large, complex, high-demand automotive structural components, major repairs or scrapping may be necessary after just 80,000 to 150,000 shots.
Magnesium alloy die-casting molds: Their service life is similar to or slightly higher than aluminum alloy molds because magnesium alloy has good fluidity, allowing for slightly lower injection speeds. It is approximately 100,000 to 400,000 shots.
Copper alloy die-casting molds: Have the shortest service life, typically only several thousand to 20,000 shots. This is because copper alloy has an extremely high melting point (approximately 1000°C), causing severe thermal fatigue and corrosion to the mold steel.