we do molds same size as you
-we use 4140 for prototype molds
-p-20 for normal molds
-when molding inserts are inserted into core shoes, we make the core shoes 4140 and inserts p-20.
I worked at a shop where they used stainless from time to time, but that was mostly because the customer requested it, or because they ware lens molds. They used p-20 supreme on the big size molds for facias and bumpers.
We mostly do molds for airbag covers, backcovers (behind steering wheel).....
The only time we harden anything is when we are woried abou it bending. Eg; slides with long noses, narrow high standing cores (for somekind of bushings)....
On the last one we had to hareden anything was on a mold for the ford shift knob. It had slides coring out from tob and the bottom of the knob...we hardend the slides and molding inserts to 54-56 RC and that was it. |