7. Use of other metals

7.1 Optimizing thermal conductivity

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

In fact, 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 in the order of 10 to 20 W.m- ¹ .K- ¹ .

The mechanical properties of pure copper, a very good thermal conductor (400 W.m- ¹ .K- ¹ ), are insufficient to ensure the dimensional stability and...