Cast Plate
Duramold 5 and Aluminum Max 5 are both cast aluminum plates made up of 5083 aluminum alloy. Known for their exceptional dimensional stability and rapid machinability, these plates are widely used for various molding applications. Duramold 5 is a patented product of Vista Metals Corp. whereas Max 5 is a premium product manufactured by PCP Aluminum. Both are preferred by OEMs over steel because they’re easier to cut and because the rapid cooling of aluminum results in reduced cycle times and improved cost savings. Because of their relatively light weight, these cast aluminum plates also offer another big advantage: faster machining. As aluminum dissipates heat at an even rate, it allows for exceptional dimensional stability of these cast aluminum plates. Mold plate is becoming more and more common in chamber manufacturing.
Below, we compare Duramold 5 vs. Aluminum Max 5, their suitability for specific molding applications, and how to secure a consistent and reliable supply of such cast aluminum plates for your production operations.
Comparing Duramold 5 vs. Aluminum Max 5
Plastic material flows for longer distances with less injection pressure in aluminum injection molds when compared to those made of steel. While cast aluminum plates such as Duramold 5 and Aluminum Max 5 exhibit great dimensional stability, machinability, and minimal residual stress, they are not engineered for high strength. That’s why they are more commonly used for straight injection and low-pressure injection molds.
Before comparing Duramold 5 vs. Aluminum Max 5, let’s take a look at some of their common features. Both have low levels of internal porosity, with Duramold 5 having an equiaxial fine grain structure. The cast aluminum plates have a density of .096 lb/in3 and a hardness of 70 HB. The molding plates display length and width tolerances of (+.250”/-0), a tensile strength of 41 ksi, and yield strength of 18 ksi. The surface and edges of both cast aluminum blocks are precision sawed, providing additional cost savings, as surface machining is not required.
Although both Duramold 5 and Aluminum Max 5 have similar properties, the following are some of the key points that highlight their suitability for specific molding and other industrial applications.
| Duramold 5 | Aluminum Max 5 | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | Up to 94” | Up to 102” |
| Length | Up to 170” long (gauges 2” – 30”) Up to 100” long (gauges 31” – 38”) | Up to 354” |
| Thickness | Up to 38” | Up to 42.5” |
| Properties | ||
| Elongation | 12-15% | 16% |
| Thermal conductivity | 81 Btu/ft x h x °F | 69.3 Btu/ft x h x °F |
| Electrical conductivity | 29% IACS | 27% IACS |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion (68-212 °F) | 13.1 x 10-6 | 13.2 x 10-6 |
| Weldability | Excellent | Very good |
| Machinability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Superior in both inland and marine atmospheres | Excellent in inland atmosphere; good in marine atmosphere |
| Anodizing | Accepts anodized, nickel, and other coatings | Excellent for hard anodizing; not suitable for decorative anodizing |
| Polishing Ability | Suitable for many polished surface applications | Very good polishing ability |
The unique properties and features of Duramold 5 and Aluminum Max 5 are utilized in a range of molding applications across multiple industries. Duramold 5 is used for manufacturing rubber molds, blow molds, plastic molds, semiconductor and solar manufacturing components, aerospace and robotic components, printing and packaging machinery, and assembly and vacuum tables. Max 5 cast aluminum mold blocks are frequently used for manufacturing tools and jigs, templates, rubber and plastic molds, equipment and prototypes, robotic components, and vacuum chambers. Aluminum Max 5 is also used in the semiconductor industry for chambers.
Whether you’re a machinist, fabricator, hobbyist, or a small-scale manufacturer, cast aluminum plates such as Duramold 5 and Aluminum Max 5 hold immense potential for your production applications. For that reason, you need a reliable and verified aluminum supplier to get you what you need.
Top-Grade Aluminum for Every Purpose and Industry | ||
New Aluminum Plate 6061 | New Aluminum Rectangular Bar | All Aluminum Shapes |
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| Customizable thickness: Measure in inches. You can get various options for all industry applications. Can be cut to specific shapes and sizes: Excellent weldability to cater to unique project needs. Corrosion resistance: Grades like 6061-T651 are perfect for marine hardware applications that require superior rust resistance. | Environmental resilience: Due to its heat treatable nature, 6061 aluminum does well in extreme conditions. Wide selection of sizes and dimensions: Choose your sizes based on tensile strength, width, and weight. Good machinability: It’s lightweight and high strength makes it flexible for a number of applications. | Reliable supply: Consistent, certified aluminum stock you can trust. High-quality material: Superior-grade aluminum for precision needs. Custom cuts: Accurate cuts down to thousandths of an inch. |
Partnering with Industrial Metal Service for Your Cast Aluminum Requirements
At Industrial Metal Service, we carry an extensive inventory of new and verified remnant metals, including aluminum, brass, copper, titanium, stainless steel, high-temp alloys, and other specialty metals. Whether you need to place a weekly aluminum order or a one-time order of aluminum plates for your project, we’ve got you covered. We also are a distributor of Aluminum Max 5, and we offer certified aluminum tooling plates, bars, and round stocks as well as custom cut-to-order precision sawing services to provide you with the desired quality of aluminum in the exact dimensions you need.
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