The Ultimate Guide to Choosing 2738 mold steel

24 Mar.,2025

 

Hardness Difference: 1. vs P20 vs 1. Plastic Mold Steel

Plastic mold steel is one important material for the whole molding industry. Mould steel provides the necessary strength and durability for long-lasting molds. But how do you choose the right steel materials for your need, as there are difference hardness. Let's talk about the mold steel hardness difference for three common plastic mold steel: 1., P20, and 1. today.

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Introduction of Plastic Mold Steels

What is Plastic Mold Steel?

Plastic mold steel is a type of tool steel specifically designed for plastic molding. Due to the demands of plastic molding, these steels are with certain properties like hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability.

Importance of Hardness in Mold Steels

Hardness is a very important factor in mold steels. It determines how well the mold can withstand the pressures of injection molding and resist wear over time. A harder mold steel will have a longer lifespan, but it's also essential to balance hardness with other properties like toughness and machinery property.

Detailed Comparison 1. vs P20 vs 1.

DIN 1. Plastic Mold Steel

Overview

1. steel is a popular pre-hardened plastic mold steel. It's known for its balanced combination of hardness, toughness, and thermal stability.

Hardness and Properties

Typically, 1. has a hardness range of 28-32 HRC. This hardness ensures good wear resistance, making it suitable for medium-sized molds.

ASTM P20 Plastic Mold Steel

Overview

P20 steel is perhaps the most widely used plastic mold steel. It's pre-hardened, which means it can be used without further heat treatment, saving time and costs.

Hardness and Properties

P20 steel generally has a hardness between 28-34 HRC. It offers excellent polishability, making it a top choice for molds that require a high-quality finish.

DIN 1. Plastic Mold Steel

Overview

1. steel is a more upgrade materials for the P20 mold steel. It contains added nickel, which gives it better hardness and polishability.

Hardness and Properties

With a hardness range of 33-37 HRC, 1. is harder than both 1. and P20. This makes it ideal for larger molds or those that require a longer lifespan.

Applications for Plastic Mold Steel

Which Steel to Choose for Specific Molding Needs?

  • For medium-sized molds: 1.
  • For high-quality finish requirements: P20
  • For larger molds or extended lifespan: 1.

Conclusion

Choosing the right plastic mold steel is crucial for the success of any molding project. While 1., P20, and 1. all offer unique advantages, understanding their hardness differences can guide you to the best choice for your specific needs.

FAQs

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What is the properties of DIN Steel? - Virat Special Steels Blog

DIN 1. is specially used for Plastic injection die moulds. The characteristics of a material are right sharpening, photo-etching properties with high purity and good homogeneity. DIN is upgraded version of plastic mold steel 0f , which normally supply in Pre hardened condition. Hardness in as supplied condition 280-320 HB with having uniform hardness. The additional nickel content of 1 % increases through hardening. It has good machinability, suitable for Texturing, fine polishability, adequate corrosion resistance, vacuum-degassed steel.

DIN is a premium mold steel that offers excellent polishability, wear resistance, and toughness, making it ideal for a wide range of tooling applications. DIN is a specially designed mold steel with improved toughness and excellent machinability compared to standard P20 grades.

DIN 1. is a widely used cold work steel, especially in the plastic mold industry. It is equivalent to P20+Ni and AISI P20+Ni tool steel. DIN steels have superior polishability compared to 1. (AISI P20+S) and better machinability. To enhance the hardness and wearability of the mould surface material , it can be treated with nitrogenation and flame hardening. DIN steel is melted in an electrical furnace and refined using a VOD or DH equipment.

Chemical Composition:
DIN : Carbon (C): 0.35-0.45%, Manganese (Mn): 1.30-1.60%, Silicon (Si): 0.20-0.40%, Phosphorus (P): ' 0.030%, Sulfur (S): ' 0.030%, Chromium (Cr): 1.80-2.10%, Nickel (Ni): 0.90-1.20%, Molybdenum (Mo): 0.15-0.25%

P20+Ni: Carbon (C): 0.28-0.40%, Manganese (Mn): 0.60-1.00%, Silicon (Si): 0.20-0.80%, Phosphorus (P): ' 0.030%, Sulfur (S): ' 0.030%, Chromium (Cr): 1.40-2.00%, Nickel (Ni): 0.80-1.20%

Mechanical Properties:
DIN :
Tensile Strength: 980- MPa
Yield Strength: ' 800 MPa
Elongation: ' 15%
Hardness: 280-325 HB

P20+Ni:
Tensile Strength: - MPa
Yield Strength: ' 900 MPa
Elongation: ' 12%
Hardness: 280-325 HB

Physical Properties:

Density: DIN and P20+Ni have a density of approximately 7.85 g/cm³.
Thermal Conductivity: The thermal conductivity of these steels is around 30-35 W/(m·K).
Specific Heat Capacity: The specific heat capacity is about 460-480 J/(kg·K).
Thermal Expansion: The linear coefficient of thermal expansion is approximately 11-12 x 10^-6 /K.

Application:
DIN is applicable for large & small plastic mould dies for Automotive Industries, Dies for Domestic goods , High finishing plastic Die, Boaster Plates of Presses, Die Holders & Shoe blocks for drop Hammers, Press Cassettes , Upsetter Blocker, forging dies, Different dies & mold for plastic products etc.

At Virat Special Steels, we provide DIN in round bar and flat bar blocks in different sizes and conditions to meet your specific requirements. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with any queries you have about DIN steel.

Learn more: https://www.viratsteels.com/din-.html
Contact us today to buy the best quality DIN steel for your tooling needs!

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