China's auto parts and other mold standard parts have problems
The development of industrial sectors around the world has always emphasized standardization, as it enhances quality, efficiency, and consistency in manufacturing. Mold tools, despite their highly customized nature, are also considered industrial products, making standardization essential. Mold standardization involves setting technical standards, producing and applying standardized components, and promoting these standards within the industry. In China, this process started relatively late, with limited efforts in promotion and implementation. As a result, mold standardization lags behind production needs and is far behind many industrially advanced nations such as Japan, the United States, and Germany, where standardization has been well-established for nearly a century.
China’s mold standardization system includes four major categories: base standards, process quality standards, part standards, and related technical standards. These cover various types of molds, including stamping, injection, casting, forging, and more. By 2005, over 50 mold standards had been developed, with more than 300 standard numbers and 363 total standards. The adoption of these standards has significantly improved the level of standardization in Chinese mold production.
With increased international collaboration and the influence of foreign companies, there has been a growing emphasis on adopting international and advanced foreign standards. Many Chinese manufacturers now produce mold parts according to global standards, such as those from Japanese, American, and German companies. This trend has helped improve product quality and compatibility, although challenges remain in terms of supply, specification, and standardization coverage.
The concept of “mold standardization level†differs from that of general machinery, as it refers more to the usage rate of standardized mold components rather than just the adoption of standard parts. Due to the late start in China, the supply and application of standardized mold parts have lagged, leading to issues like poor compatibility, limited specifications, and low coverage. Currently, the usage rate is estimated at 40-45%, compared to over 70% internationally, especially in small and medium-sized molds. Regions like Guangdong, with a high concentration of foreign enterprises, show higher coverage due to better access to advanced standards and technologies.
Standardized mold parts play a crucial role in reducing production time, lowering costs, and shortening the mold cycle. Studies indicate that using standardized parts can save 25-45% of processing time and reduce the production cycle by 30-40%. With the increasing demand for diverse, small-batch, and fast-cycle production, the importance of mold standardization continues to grow.
Despite progress, China still faces challenges in the production and distribution of mold standard parts. Many components are produced in small batches, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistent quality. The market is fragmented, with numerous producers operating under different standards, creating confusion and competition. While some companies have begun to adopt e-commerce and online sales, the sector remains underdeveloped in terms of scale and efficiency.
Key components like cold die bases, injection mold bases, and push rods have seen significant production growth. For example, cold die bases have an 80% usage rate, but domestic production still falls short of demand. Injection mold bases are more widely produced, yet many companies still rely on self-production, especially in northern and central regions. Push rod tubes, on the other hand, are almost universally used, with companies like Pan-Industrial (Dalian) and Guangzhou Power Mould Standard Parts leading the market.
Elastic elements, such as gas springs, are mostly imported, while other components like formwork modules and guides are still in early stages of development. Hot runner systems, in particular, remain largely imported, with limited domestic production. However, the future of mold standardization in China looks promising, with plans to expand variety, improve accuracy, and achieve interchangeability. The goal is to reach 70% standardization by 2010, ensuring that key components meet market demands.
In summary, while China has made strides in mold standardization, there is still a long way to go. The focus should be on improving quality, expanding production, and aligning with global standards. As the industry evolves, the role of standardization will become even more critical in driving efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation.
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