8. Use of other metals

8.1 Optimizing thermal conductivity

If the thermal conductivity of steel is insufficient, one solution is to use a highly conductive copper-based alloy.

Indeed, the thermal conductivity of copper-based alloys ranges from 100 to 300 W.m ^-1 .K ^-1 , while that of hot-work tool steel is of the order of 10 to 20 W.m ^-1 .K ^-1 .

The mechanical properties of pure copper, a very good thermal conductor, are insufficient to ensure the dimensional stability and longevity of an injection mold. In fact, the hardness of pure copper lies between 50 and 100 HV30, whereas...