High Temperature Mold Materials for Engineering Plastics

Molding engineering plastics like PEEK, LCP, and glass-filled nylon requires specialized mold materials that can withstand high processing temperatures. This guide covers material selection for demanding applications.

Why High Temperature Materials Matter

Engineering plastics process at 300-400 degrees Celsius, compared to 200-250 degrees for commodity plastics. Standard P20 steel softens and wears rapidly at these temperatures. For high-temp applications, H13 and S136 tool steels are the minimum requirement.

Recommended Materials by Application

Plastic Material	Mold Temp (C)	Recommended Steel	Surface Treatment
PEEK	150-180	H13 / S136	Nitriding
LCP	80-120	H13 / D2	PVD Coating
Nylon 66 + GF	80-120	718H / H13	Nitriding
PC/ABS	70-100	718H / NAK80	None needed

Cooling System Considerations

High-temperature molds require carefully designed cooling systems to manage thermal expansion and maintain consistent part quality. Conformal cooling channels are particularly beneficial for engineering plastic molds. Taize Mould has extensive experience with high-temperature mold design and manufacturing.