High Hardness and Wear Resistance:
To withstand the abrasive flow friction of the SMC compound, wear from fillers (such as calcium carbonate, glass fibers), and frequent impact from mold opening/closing. Ensures the mold maintains dimensional accuracy and surface finish over its long service life.
High Strength and Rigidity:
To withstand immense clamping pressure (typically 100-200 tons/square meter or higher) without deformation or crushing, guaranteeing part dimensional stability and mold longevity.
Excellent Dimensional Stability:
Minimal deformation during mold machining, heat treatment, and under operational temperature variations (typically mold temperatures of 140°C-160°C).
Superior Polishability:
Capable of being polished to a high mirror finish grade (A1/A2) to meet the surface smoothness requirements of SMC parts (especially Class A surfaces).
Good Thermal Conductivity:
Ensures uniform temperature distribution across the mold and efficient heat transfer to the SMC material or to the mold's internal cooling system.
Good Machinability and Heat Treatability:
Facilitates the machining of complex mold cavities and subsequent heat treatments (such as quenching, tempering) to achieve required properties.
Sufficient Toughness:
To resist impact loads and prevent chipping or cracking.
Corrosion Resistance (Optional but Important):
To resist attack from low-molecular-weight substances potentially present in SMC, mold release agent residues, or cooling water. Stainless steel or surface treatments (chrome plating, nickel plating, nitriding) can provide this.
