SKD61 Slide Core Unit

Collapsible Mould Parts for High-Load Injection Mold Systems

Product Overview

The SKD61 slide core unit is a critical moving component used in injection molds that require side action or internal undercut release.

These units are commonly integrated into:

• Side slide mechanisms

• Threaded part demolding systems

• Collapsible core assemblies

• High-load structural mold sections

Manufactured from SKD61 hot work die steel, the slide core unit is designed to withstand repeated mechanical movement, localized stress, and long production cycles without dimensional instability.

This component is produced strictly on a Built-to-Print basis, ensuring compatibility with customer mold structures.

Slide core systems are typically applied in molds for:

• Automotive plastic components

• Medical device housings

• Packaging closures with internal threads

• Technical 3C structural parts

• High-precision molds with lateral movement

In these applications, movement precision and wear resistance are more critical than simple hardness values.

Material Logic – Why SKD61

SKD61 (hot work die steel) is selected for its balanced properties:

• Good thermal fatigue resistance

• High impact toughness

• Stable hardness after heat treatment

• Resistance to cracking under cyclic load

Typical working hardness range:
58–60 HRC, adjustable based on application.

Uniform heat treatment and stress relief are essential to maintain dimensional stability during operation.

Engineering Focus

Slide core units are not static parts. They operate under sliding friction and side loading.
Performance depends on geometry control, surface condition, and hardness balance.

1) Precision Fit & Alignment

Key control areas include:

• Parallelism of sliding faces

• Perpendicularity to mounting surfaces

• Concentricity where applicable

• Dimensional tolerance up to ±0.002 mm

Proper fit ensures smooth motion and reduces uneven contact wear.

2) Surface Condition & Friction Management

Standard surface finish:
Ra 0.6 (customizable)

Optional treatments:

• Nitriding

• TiN / TiCN / AlTiN coatings

• Black oxide

Surface engineering reduces the friction coefficient and improves wear resistance in high-cycle molds.

3) Wear Distribution & Service Life

Slide units experience:

• Repeated forward/backward motion

• Contact pressure at guide surfaces

• Shock load during mold closing

Optimized geometry and controlled hardness-to-toughness ratio reduce chipping and extend service intervals.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Slide Core Unit / Collapsible Mold Component

• Material: SKD61

• Hardness: 58–60 HRC (customizable)

• Dimensional Tolerance: ±0.002 mm (critical areas)

• Surface Finish: Ra 0.6 or specified requirement

• Surface Treatment: Nitriding / PVD coatings optional

• Manufacturing Type: Custom (Made-to-Order)

• Inspection: 100% dimensional inspection before shipment

Manufacturing Capability

Precision processing includes:

• CNC machining

• EDM and mirror EDM

• Wire EDM

• Surface grinding

• Cylindrical grinding

• CMM inspection

Critical sliding surfaces are ground to ensure geometric stability and long-term repeatability.

Quality & Repeatability

Each unit is verified for:

• Hardness distribution

• Dimensional conformity

• Surface integrity

• Functional alignment

Repeat orders are manufactured to the same baseline specifications to ensure interchangeability.

OEM / Custom Manufacturing

We manufacture slide core units strictly according to:

• Customer drawings (2D / 3D)

• Specified hardness requirements

• Defined coating treatments

• Specific mold structure integration

Both custom and standard-compatible designs are supported.

Technical FAQ

Q1: Why not use higher-hardness steel?
Excessive hardness may reduce toughness. SKD61 provides a balance that minimizes fracture risk under cyclic loading.

Q2: Can coatings replace nitriding?
Coatings improve surface wear resistance, but substrate hardness and heat treatment remain fundamental.

Q3: How is sliding smoothness ensured?
Through controlled surface finish, parallelism, and precise fitting of mating components.

Q4: Are high-cycle automotive applications supported?
Yes. The component is suitable for high-volume molds with proper material and surface treatment selection.

Q5: Is full customization available?
Yes. All slide core units are produced according to customer drawings.

Request a Technical Proposal

Please provide:

• 2D or 3D drawings

• Hardness requirements

• Surface treatment preference

• Application details (cycle rate, material type)

Our engineering team will review your specifications and provide a manufacturing proposal.