Even when specified, the mold manufacturers won’t buy it. Although end users specify that mold makers should use Yuhui’s high-toughness LG mold steel, the mold makers simply won’t purchase it.
A customer just came in to complain that while Yuhui’s LG steel no longer cracks in cold heading dies for aluminum parts, its wear resistance isn’t sufficient—it doesn’t perform as well as the first batch. He asked me what the reason was, and his tone revealed a hint of dissatisfaction.
This customer is cold heading aluminum parts. Previously, they used LD and DC53 for the punches, but the results were poor—they were prone to breaking. Eventually, they switched to LG, which is currently being used for mass production. While it performs better than LD, it still wears down, and the results aren’t as good as the first time. Now they’re planning to try 8503 mold steel.
The mold shop just came to see me. As we discussed the operating conditions and materials used, the truth came out: the LG steel wasn’t from my supplier.
Under these circumstances, it’s difficult to assess the situation, and it’s hard to determine the best course of action for improvement.
LG is a proprietary high-toughness mold steel developed by Yuhui Mold Steel. It is not a national steel grade but rather our company’s proprietary grade and intellectual property, and is not in the public domain. LG’s toughness is 8 to 9 times that of DC53, with a hardness of HRC 54–58; it is so tough that it will not break even if bent by hand.
Now, due to LG mold steel’s high market visibility, strong sales, and customers specifically requesting it, it has attracted widespread imitation across the industry. Many people mistakenly believe LG is a standard steel grade, so they opt for cheaper alternatives. However, the results are disappointing, leading to endless attempts to pinpoint the cause and ultimately leaving everyone confused.
These counterfeit and substandard products are truly harmful. You still spend the money, still make the molds, and still work just as hard, yet the results are far inferior to before. What’s even more painful is that you can’t pinpoint the cause or find a way to improve the situation.
Although I have been proven innocent, the user experience has already been compromised, and the damage has been done. This is a lose-lose situation, which is why I, too, detest counterfeit and substandard products.
*************
Wu Dejian’s tool steel, the chief of staff of the user, bought everything he had used.