Wanted to have a discussion about aluminum alloy properties for molds and spru plates.
2024, a tough copper alloy susceptible to corrosion, can be anodized
NOE's web site says their molds are made from 2024. You can see a slight goldish tint to the metal.
6061, hardened with magnesium and silicon. Can be anodized
7075, hardened with zinc, cannot be anodized.
These seem to be the three alloys that are most available.
Price wise
1 X 1 1/2 bar from an online supplier.
6061 $0.89 per inch
2024 1.89 per inch
7075 2.29 per inch
Better prices can be had but there is a pretty fair comparison.
I plan to make s few core molds these will be multi cavity, my first blocks will be 6061 because I have some.
My first concern is spru plate material. Cavities will be close together, the mold will run hot, with the material being near pure lead, performance is far more important than cost for the spru plate.
Please comment on what other mold makers use, temperature/strength properties,
and what ever else pops up.