First, determine the alloy material you intend to die-cast, the expected production volume, and the structural characteristics of the casting (such as whether it is large, complex, or thin-walled). For zinc, magnesium, and aluminum alloy die-casting, H13 is a reliable baseline choice.
If producing large batches of high-demand aluminum/magnesium alloy castings, or seeking longer mold life and lower overall costs, it is advisable to evaluate higher-performance steels like DIEVAR.
For die-casting high-temperature alloys such as copper alloys, it is recommended to assess 3Cr2W8V and focus on researching specialty hot-work tool steels specifically designed for high-temperature environments.
Production Volume: For large-scale production, priority should be given to high-performance steels to extend mold life and reduce unit costs.
Casting Structure and Size: Large, complex, thin-walled castings (such as electric vehicle structural components) require steels with better hardenability, high toughness, and thermal shock resistance.
Cost Balance: It is essential to comprehensively consider the initial cost of the mold steel, expected lifespan, maintenance cycles, and downtime losses. Sometimes, opting for a more expensive steel can actually lower the total cost, as significant improvements in lifetime and reductions in downtime offset the initial investment.