High-Performance Copper Alloys for Plastic Processing
Maximize productivity, quality, and tool life in plastic injection, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming
AMPCO METAL is a global reference in engineered copper alloys. Our highly conductive AMPCOLOY® and wear-resistant AMPCO® alloys are specifically designed to solve the most critical challenges in plastic processing: long cooling times, mold wear, part warpage, and maintenance downtime.
By replacing conventional steels with AMPCOLOY® alloys, mold makers and processors achieve shorter cycle times, improved part quality, and longer-lasting tools due to higher conductivity and thermal resistance/stability.
Why Choose AMPCOLOY® Alloys for Plastics?
- Improved Productivity:
AMPCOLOY® alloys reduce cooling time by up to 50% compared to conventional steels due to high thermal conductivity up to 320 W/m*K.
- Better Part Quality:
High thermal conductivity ensures rapid, uniform heat removal, minimizing part warpage.
- Longer Service Life:
Excellent thermal diffusivity reduces thermal stress and cracking. Outstanding corrosion resistance protects against aggressive resins.
- Lower Machining Costs:
No heat treatment is required. Alloys are easy to machine and EDM, eliminating distortion and reducing finishing costs.
Applications Across Plastic Processing
Plastic Injection Molding
Core & cavity inserts, cooling pins, hot runner nozzles, neck rings and bottom plates.
Result: Faster cycles, less warpage, better surface finish.
Blow Molding
Pinch-offs, neck rings, mold cavities.
Result: Lower wear, higher conductivity, reduced maintenance, consistent part quality.
Extrusion
Calibrators and cooling elements using AMPCOLOY® 940, 944 or 83. Production runs of up to 300,000 meters before tool replacement.
Result: Enhanced cooling efficiency for long and narrow profiles.
Thermoforming
Welding electrodes in AMPCO® aluminum bronzes (blister packaging, medical bags, films).
Result: Stable performance under repetitive HF welding and cooling.
Wear Components for Longer Life
AMPCO® 18 and AMPCO® 21 deliver unmatched durability in wear applications:
- Ejector pins, sleeves, and bushings
- High resistance against galling and seizing when operating against tool steels
- Nickel-free and nitriding-free, eliminating additional treatments
- Reduced maintenance and downtime due to good sliding properties and high hardness
Surface Performance for Advanced Molds
- Polishability:
AMPCOLOY® 83 and 944 achieve mirror finishes (Ra as low as 0.011 μm). - Etching & Texturing:
All AMPCOLOY® alloys accept fine surface texturing. - Coatings & Platings:
Electroless nickel, PVD, DLC and other coatings enhance wear, corrosion resistance, and demolding efficiency.
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Featured Alloys for Plastic Processing
AMPCOLOY® 83
CuBe alloy, very high hardness (up to 380 HBW), excellent polishability, high thermal conductivity
Usage: Injection mold tools, cooling pins, hot runners, neck rings
AMPCOLOY® 940 / 944
Beryllium-free, high conductivity and strength, excellent corrosion resistance
Usage: Injection nozzles, cooling pins, thermoforming, blow molds
AMPCO® 18 / 21
Wear-resistant bronzes, nickel-free, non-galling, outstanding durability
Usage: Usage: Ejector sleeves, bushings, wear plates
Proven Results
Up to 50% cycle time reduction versus H13 and 420 SS mold steels.
Minimal part warpage even at short cooling cycles.
Service life extended thanks to superior conductivity, wear, and corrosion resistance.
Let us help you find the best
Whether in injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, or thermoforming, AMPCO alloys deliver measurable improvements in cycle time, tool life, and product quality.
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