【Extending Mold Life】Special Steel Consulting | Optimal Proposals from Steel Selection to Heat & Surface Treatment

STOREMATE CO., LTD. provides special steel consulting services in Thailand. We propose optimal processes tailored to your mold operating environments and specific challenges, covering everything from steel grade selection to heat treatment and surface treatment. We support your operations from both a material and processing perspective to extend mold life, counter wear, cracking, and erosion, and reduce maintenance costs.

Table of Contents

• Special Steel Consulting Scope
• Steel Selection for Extending Mold Life
• Technical Proposals by In-House Lab and Metallurgical Engineers
• Track Record / Case Studies
• FAQ

Special Steel Consulting Scope

The special steel consulting provided by STOREMATE is a comprehensive service designed to extend mold life by supporting the entire process from material selection to final inspection. Based on the mold application, operating environment, and recurring defects, we combine the appropriate steel grade, heat treatment, and surface treatment to propose the optimal overall specification. Our scope of services includes:

• Steel Selection: We select the optimal grade for your application from high-quality special steels, such as those manufactured by BGH (Germany) and Swiss Steel.
• Machining & Finishing: We handle machining processes, including milling and grinding, based on product specifications.
• Heat Treatment: In partnership with THAI INDUCTION SERVICES CO., LTD., which boasts 39 years of experience in heat treatment, we manage the heat treatment process tailored to your application.
• Surface Treatment: We propose surface treatments matched to your operating conditions, including Oerlikon PVD coatings and nitriding treatments.
• Final Inspection: We verify dimensional and quality compliance, supporting quality control across the entire mold manufacturing and maintenance process.

Steel Selection for Extending Mold Life

To extend mold life, it is crucial to select the right steel grade and treatment processes based on the operating environment and specific issues encountered. To address challenges like wear, cracking, and erosion, we evaluate combinations of steel composition, manufacturing methods, heat treatment conditions, and surface treatments to propose specifications best suited for your application.

Target Grades by Application

• For Cold Working: For applications such as cold forging, sheet metal stamping, and blanking, we propose BGH Cut One. This is a cold work tool steel designed to extend the tool life of punches and dies.
• For Hot Working & Die Casting: For applications where heat checks (thermal cracking) and molten metal erosion are major challenges, we propose BGH Tough One, BGH Diecast One, and BGH 2343 ESR.
• For Plastic Molds: For plastic molds requiring high corrosion resistance and polishability, we propose BGH Gloss One, BGH Mirror One, and BGH Plas One.

Technical Proposals by In-House Lab and Metallurgical Engineers

STOREMATE CO., LTD. does not just import and sell steel; we provide a consulting framework built on technical data.

Our facility features an in-house metallurgical testing lab equipped with hardness testers and metallurgical microscopes. Dedicated metallurgical engineers perform material structure observations and hardness measurements. This allows us to provide technical support for analyzing the root causes of mold failures and reviewing steel grades, heat treatments, and surface treatments.

Furthermore, as a board member company of the Thai Die Casting Association (TDCA), STOREMATE utilizes joint experimental data from major universities, such as Chulalongkorn University, to deliver logical, data-backed technical proposals.

Track Record / Case Studies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it possible to place a single lump-sum order that includes not just steel selection, but also heat treatment and surface treatment?
A: Yes, it is possible. We manage the entire process consistently—from importing raw materials to heat treatment with our partners, surface treatments like Oerlikon PVD coating, finishing, and final inspection.

Q: Is there objective evidence behind the proposed steel grades and heat treatment processes?
A: Yes. We have an in-house metallurgical testing lab equipped with hardness testers and metallurgical microscopes where dedicated engineers perform analyses. Additionally, as a board member company of the Thai Die Casting Association (TDCA), we propose logical processes based on joint experimental data with major institutions like Chulalongkorn University.

※ For more detailed information, please download the PDF file attached to this article or contact us via the inquiry form at the bottom of the page.