Tight-Tolerance, 100% Recyclable Steel Plate Processing

Steel 21 provides competitively priced A36 and 4140 grade steel plate for plastic injection and compression molds using its patented “21 Micro Mill” process. Steel 21 flame-crafts pin plates, clamp plates, ejector plates, manifolds and rails to customer data (dwg or stp files) using high-definition plasma through 2" thicknesses and oxyfuel through 8" thicknesses. These plates are finished with the 21 Micro Mill (max size is 96" × 240") and have the option to be machined complete for easy installation upon receipt.

The 21 Micro Mill process helps Steel 21 hold tolerances 3X more flat and parallel than a Blanchard grind. The company uses an indicator on every plate that runs through its process to ensure customer requirements are being met. Along with holding tighter tolerances, another key advantage of the 21 Micro Mill is the surface quality. On average, Steel 21 plates hold a finish 5X smoother than Blanchard Grinding. They guarantee a surface quality of 21RA or less, Steel 21 contends.

Importantly, 21 Micro Milling is 100% recyclable. Compared to Blandard Grinding, it eliminates sludge/swarf (a hazardous byproduct) and does not use coolant, which means that chips can be recycled and reused.

Overall, Steel 21 is seeing some customers reduce their build times by 10-15% due to the flat and parallel accuracy of its patented process. Ultimately, Steel 21’s goal is to help North American mold builders continue to become more efficient.

Send RFQs to CAD@steel21.com.