Machinability

            From MoldMakingTechnology.com

 

6013
Combines corrosion resistance, strength and weldability with moderate surface hardness and it machines better than 6061. This would be a good choice for bridge tools that need an extended life before a production mold is built. With its exceptional machining characteristics and receptivity to texture and polish, 6013 provides the molder with several hundred to a few thousand cycles in some of the more demanding molding processes.

 

This better machining and fatigue life makes 6013 the better choice for mold making since it allows for higher tolerances and a longer life so this would make a mold that would last longer than prototyping and be able to keep producing parts up until a production mold takes place.

 

Since Aluminum is pretty soft, a chip breaker is recommended in order to prevent long ribbons from forming while machining. Long ribbons can slow down production time since it can get caught or blocks flow of coolant.

          

Machining can be performed easier at the lower tempers, so common practice is to machine at a lower temper and then heat treat the finished part to the desired temper in order to gain the required strength of the part. This offers the ability to machine higher complexity parts at a lower cost and time without having to compromise strength and tool life.