Die Casting Mold Management and Maintenance Standards
1. Purpose
To strengthen die casting mold management, ensure normal mold maintenance, guarantee normal die casting production and product quality, extend mold service life, and reduce production costs.
2. Mold Storage Management
- Die casting molds must be neatly arranged in designated areas and positions
- Molds should be stored in a dry, clean environment to prevent rust and corrosion
- Each mold should have a clear identification label with mold number, product name, and status
- Heavy molds should be stored on appropriate racks or pallets
3. Mold Archive Management
- After mold qualification, establish a complete mold archive
- Archive contents: qualification date, manufacturer, usage records, repair records, maintenance records
- Maintain production records for each use including shot counts
- Document all production conditions and parameters
4. Daily Maintenance Procedures
- Clean mold surfaces after each production run
- Check ejector pins for proper operation
- Inspect cooling channels for blockages
- Apply mold release agent as specified
- Verify mold clamping and alignment
5. Periodic Maintenance
- Disassemble and thoroughly clean mold components at predetermined intervals
- Inspect all moving parts for wear (slides, cores, ejector system)
- Check for erosion and heat checking on cavity surfaces
- Verify cooling system efficiency and clean channels
- Replace worn components before they cause production issues
6. Common Mold Issues and Prevention
6.1 Heat Checking
- Caused by thermal fatigue from repeated heating and cooling cycles
- Prevention: Use proper mold preheating and maintain consistent cooling
- Regular mold stress relief heat treatment helps prevent cracking
6.2 Erosion and Washout
- Caused by high-velocity metal flow eroding mold surfaces
- Prevention: Use proper gating design and mold materials
- Apply protective coatings to high-erosion areas
6.3 Soldering
- Aluminum alloy sticking to steel mold surfaces
- Prevention: Maintain proper mold coating and operating temperature
- Use appropriate mold release agents
