Metal forming molds are indispensable key tools in the manufacturing industry, widely used in the forming and processing of metal sheets, metal volumes, and non - metallic materials. Through precise structural design, they efficiently transform raw materials into complex parts that meet industrial requirements. The diversity of molds is reflected in process types, material selection, and structural forms, adapting to the different requirements of various industries for product size, precision, batch quantity, etc.

 

I. Main Classification of Metal Forming Molds

1. Classification by Forming Materials

   - Metal Sheet Forming Molds: Represented by stamping dies, they can realize processes such as blanking, bending, and deep drawing. For example, blanking dies cut materials through the cooperation of punches and dies, while deep - drawing dies are used to process sheets into hollow parts.

   - Metal Volume Forming Molds: Including forging dies, extrusion dies, and die - casting dies. Forging dies cause plastic deformation of metals under high temperature and pressure; extrusion dies force metals through specific cavities to form continuous cross - sections; die - casting dies inject molten metals into cavities under high pressure, which are suitable for the production of complex thin - walled parts.

   - Non - metallic Forming Molds: Such as plastic injection molds and compression molds. Plastic injection molds cool and shape after filling the cavity with molten plastic, while rubber molds need to consider elastic deformation and demolding design.

 

2. Classification by Structural Form and Process Nature

   - Guiding Methods: Pillar - guided dies, guide - plate dies, and non - guided dies, which directly affect the precision and stability of the molds.

   - Mechanization Degree: Manually operated dies are suitable for small - batch production, while fully automatic dies meet the requirements of high - precision and large - batch production. For example, tank - type die - casting dies form thermosetting plastics, and their structures include hot - air chambers and cavity control devices.

 

II. Core Elements of Mold Design

1. Material Selection and Processing Technology

Mold materials need to balance strength, wear resistance, and high - temperature resistance. Steel and cemented carbide are commonly used in high - load scenarios, and technologies such as precision casting and electrical discharge machining ensure high surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the molds.

 

2. Temperature and Forming Parameter Control

Die - casting dies need to precisely control the temperature of the molten metal and the cooling rate of the mold to avoid shrinkage holes or hot - cracking defects; stamping dies need to optimize the stamping speed and pressure to ensure uniform sheet forming.

 

III. Industrial Application Fields of Molds

Mold technology covers core fields such as automobiles, electronics, household appliances, and aerospace. For example, automotive body panels rely on large - scale stamping dies; consumer electronics casings achieve high - gloss surfaces through injection molds; aerospace engine blades require precision forging dies to ensure structural strength.

 

IV. Development Trends and Technological Innovations

1. Intelligence and Digitalization

Introduce CAE simulation to optimize mold structural design and reduce the number of trial - mold runs; intelligent sensors monitor mold wear and temperature in real - time to improve production stability.

2. Precision Manufacturing Technology

Laser additive manufacturing realizes the integrated forming of complex mold cavities; nano - coating technology enhances the surface hardness and service life of molds.