Top 4 Mold Steels for Speaker Molds
In the world of speaker mold steels, there are four “power players” — each with their own specialty — that help create various types of speaker products. Let’s get to know these “Fantastic Four” with some vivid analogies!
P20 Mold Steel – The “Budget Hero”
P20 mold steel is like the “budget-friendly workhorse” of the mold world — affordable, durable, and easy to machine. It’s like the pre-installed basic apps on your phone: not fancy, but it gets the job done. Perfect for beginners in speaker mold making or for producing mid- to low-end speaker housings and buttons, P20 mold steel is an economical choice. However, its lifespan is relatively short, so for high-volume, long-term production, it may require frequent mold replacement.
718 Mold Steel – The “Pro Upgrade” of P20
718 mold steel is essentially the “Pro version” of P20 — just like upgrading your phone from the base model to the high-end edition. It offers higher hardness and longer service life. Molds made from 718 mold steel are like wearing reinforced armor, ready to handle higher production demands. This makes it ideal for producing premium speaker shells and complex structures, such as curved Bluetooth speaker designs. Although it costs more than P20, it saves on mold replacement costs in the long run.
S136 Mold Steel – The “Tesla” of Stainless Steel Molds
S136 mold steel is the “Tesla” of the mold world — combining style and performance. Its standout feature is exceptional corrosion resistance, paired with a first-class mirror polishing effect. Speaker components produced with S136 molds have a mirror-like finish, perfect for transparent covers or glossy surfaces (such as RGB light panels on gaming speakers). It’s also the best choice for molds that will be exposed to moisture, such as bathroom speakers, since it resists rust over long-term use.
H13 Mold Steel – The “Bulletproof Armor”
H13 mold steel is the “bulletproof armor” in the mold world, ideal for extreme manufacturing conditions. It offers outstanding heat resistance and wear resistance, maintaining stability even under high temperature and pressure. For producing metal speaker parts (like heat sinks) or molds requiring high-temperature forming, H13 is the go-to option. Even in high-intensity, mass-production scenarios, it ensures molds remain strong and reliable.
💡 Quick FAQ
- Which steel is the most cost-effective? P20 is the cheapest, but for long-term use, 718 is more economical overall.
- I want a “blingbling” speaker look! Go with S136 for mirror-polished, glossy finishes that stand out.
- Will my mold crack over time? Both 718 and H13 offer excellent toughness and fatigue resistance, even in mass production.
🎯 In a Nutshell
- Budget Entry: P20 – Affordable, great for beginners and mid/low-end products.
- Balanced & Durable: 718 – An upgraded P20, cost-effective for high-end products.
- High Aesthetic: S136 – Rust-proof and mirror-polished, perfect for trendy designs.
- Heavy-Duty King: H13 – Heat-resistant and wear-resistant for extreme production.
