| Factor | Aluminum (7075) | Steel (P20/H13) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 40-60% less than steel | Higher material + machining cost |
| Lead Time | 2-4 weeks | 6-12 weeks |
| Mold Life | 5,000-20,000 cycles | 100,000-1,000,000+ cycles |
| Thermal Conductivity | Excellent (130-150 W/m·K) | Good (30-50 W/m·K) |
| Hardness | HRB 75-85 | HRC 28-55 (depends on grade) |
| Best For | Prototypes, low-volume (under 10K) | Production, high-volume (10K+) |
For short-run production and prototypes, aluminum molds offer significant cost and time savings. For mass production, steel molds are essential for durability and part consistency.