Description

C45 Plastic Mould Steel, C45 Steel Plates, Price, Suppliers, Delhi, Gurugram

Overview

C45 Plastic Mould Steel/ C45 Steel Plates is a medium carbon steel.

its commonly used in various industrial applications, including as a plastic mould steel and mould base steel.

It is equivalent to DIN 1.0503 and is known for its good machinability, moderate strength, and versatility.

While not specifically designed for high-end plastic moulds, C45 is often used for simpler moulds or components due to its cost-effectiveness and reliable mechanical properties.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of C45 steel typically includes the following elements (percentages by weight):

• Carbon (C): 0.42–0.50%

• Manganese (Mn): 0.50–0.80%

• Silicon (Si): 0.15–0.40%

• Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045%

• Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.045%

• Iron (Fe): Balance

Note: Exact compositions may vary slightly depending on the supplier or specific standard. Always refer to supplier data or standards for precise values.

Properties

• Strength: C45 offers good tensile strength and toughness, suitable for low to medium stress applications.

• Machinability: Its balanced carbon content ensures excellent machinability, making it ideal for producing mould components with simple geometries.

• Hardness: In its normalized or annealed state, C45 has moderate hardness. It can be heat-treated to achieve higher hardness for specific mould requirements.

• Wear Resistance: Moderate wear resistance, which can be improved through surface treatments like hardening or nitriding.

• Corrosion Resistance: Limited corrosion resistance; not suitable for highly corrosive environments unless coated or treated.

Applications in Plastic Moulding

C45 is used in plastic mould steel applications where high precision or complex moulds are not required. Common uses include:

• Mould bases and frames: For supporting more complex mould inserts made from higher-grade steels.

• Simple injection moulds: For low-volume production or less demanding plastic products.

• Mould components: Such as ejector pins, guide pins, or other non-critical parts.

• Prototyping: Cost-effective for creating prototype moulds before investing in premium steels like DIN 1.2311 or 1.2738.

Heat Treatment

To enhance its properties for plastic mould applications, C45 can undergo various heat treatments:

• Normalizing: Heated to 840–880°C and air-cooled to refine grain structure and improve uniformity.

• Hardening: Heated to 820–860°C, followed by quenching in water or oil to increase hardness.

• Tempering: Performed after hardening at 180–300°C to reduce brittleness while maintaining desired hardness.

Advantages

• Cost-effective compared to high-alloy mould steels.

• Good machinability and weldability.

• Adequate strength for non-critical mould components.

• Widely available and easy to source.

Limitations

• Limited corrosion resistance, requiring protective coatings in humid or corrosive environments.

• Not suitable for high-precision or high-wear moulds due to moderate hardness and wear resistance.

• Lower toughness compared to specialized plastic mould steels like DIN 1.2738 or 1.2316.

Comparison with Other Mould Steels

Compared to specialized plastic mould steels like DIN 1.2311, 1.2312, or 1.2738, C45 has lower alloy content and is less suited for high-performance moulds.

It lacks the enhanced wear resistance and polishability of steels like DIN 1.2316 or 1.2083, which are designed for corrosion resistance and high surface finish requirements.

Conclusion

C45 plastic mould steel is a reliable and economical choice for less demanding mould applications, offering a balance of strength, machinability, and affordability.

For high-volume production or complex moulds, higher-grade steels are recommended.

Always consult supplier specifications and consider the specific requirements of your moulding process when selecting C45.