Aluminum Duramold 2 ™

Applications

Duramold-2™ is used primarily for plastic mold tooling applications. Specific applications include injection molds, blow molds, rubber molds, structural foam molds, thermoforming molds, reaction injection molds (RIM), resin transfer molds (RTM), compression molds, and composite molds. Additional uses include molds for the automotive industry, vacuum tools, foundry tooling, and cooling/heating platen plates. The alloy is suited for both prototype and production molds ranging from small to extremely large sizes.

Machinability

Duramold-2™ has outstanding machinability and responds very well in today's high-speed cutting environments. The machined surface condition provides a surface finish of 25 RMS.

Other Comments

Duramold-2™ is a proprietary tradename product of Vista Metals Corp. (now part of voestalpine High Performance Metals). It is not covered by a standalone ASTM, AMS, or UNS specification. The alloy belongs to the aluminum-copper (2xxx series) family. The precise chemical composition is proprietary and not publicly disclosed. The material has been in continuous production since 1988.

Other Physical Properties

Duramold-2™ is a high-copper aluminum alloy with superior thermal conductivity relative to other aluminum mold plate products. It is ultrasonically inspected and is available in plate gauges from 2 inches to 38 inches thick, with widths up to 94 inches (for lengths up to 150 inches). The supplied surface condition is either milled or smooth saw cut. Brinell hardness is consistent throughout the full thickness of the plate due to the homogenized condition, unlike heat-treated wrought products where hardness can vary in thicker sections.

Principle Design Features

Duramold-2™ is a proprietary cast aluminum-copper (2xxx series) alloy mold plate product designed by Vista Metals Corp. and in continuous production since 1988. It combines unique aluminum-copper alloy chemistry with advanced casting and processing technology to deliver increased hardness and strength compared to standard aluminum alloys. Mechanical properties are consistent throughout the cross section due to its homogenized and stress-relieved condition. The material is porosity free and exhibits a fine, uniform grain structure, providing excellent dimensional stability.

Weldability

Duramold-2™ is weldable. Welding guidelines recommended by Vista Metals / the supplier should be followed for best results. The alloy offers good weld repair characteristics.