QC-10's strength characteristics remain very consistent from 8 through 24 in., improving machining performance as it retains high strength through the plate thickness.

In addition to its increased strength, the alloy offers performance improvement characteristics that make it a suitable mold material. With better corrosion resistance than traditionally used aluminum mold alloys, QC-10 reduces maintenance time and is compatible with more than 75 percent of resins used in the marketplace.

Compared to other mold materials like P20 steel and copper beryllium, aluminum offers the collective properties desired by designers, including excellent thermal conductivity and machinability. Benefits mold makers and molders will receive using Alcoa's QC-10 alloy include:

? Reduce cycle time by 25-30 percent in comparison to P20 steel. With five times the thermal conductivity of steel, aluminum reduces required cooling times and improves dimensional control of the molded part.

? Reduced mold production time. As a mold material, QC-10 can be machined and polished more rapidly than P20 steel and beryllium copper alloys.

? Maximized machining performance. QC-10 is supplied tempered to full hardness without the need for additional heat treatment after machining. QC-10 is stress relieved to remove a majority of the residual stresses.
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