What is P20 Steel Plate 1.2311 (3Cr2Mo, Plastic Mold Tool Steel)?

P20 Steel Plate 1.2311, also known as 3Cr2Mo or Plastic Mold Tool Steel, is a highly versatile and widely utilized low-alloy tool steel renowned for its excellent combination of toughness and moderate strength.

This steel grade is specifically engineered for applications in plastic molding and die-casting industries, making it a preferred choice for manufacturing precision tools, dies, and molds.

Manufactured and supplied by companies like MILANO SPECIAL STEEL, P20 1.2311 is a special-purpose mold steel designed to meet the demanding requirements of industrial tooling.

Overview of P20 Steel Plate, 1.2311 Steel, 3Cr2Mo Steel, Plastic Mold Tool Steel: – 

MILANO SPECIAL STEEL P20 Steel Plate, DIN 1.2311 is a premium mold steel commonly employed in the production of plastic injection mold cavities, associated tooling, and die-casting dies, particularly for zinc.

This material stands out due to its high toughness, which ensures durability under mechanical stress, and its ability to maintain structural integrity at moderate strength levels.

Typically, this steel is delivered in a pre-hardened condition, with a hardness level of approximately 300 HBW (Brinell Hardness), eliminating the need for additional heat treatment in many cases and allowing for immediate use in machining and fabrication processes.

Global Standards and Equivalents

The specifications and designations for P20 steel vary across different regions and countries, reflecting localized industry standards:

• Europe: In European markets, P20 steel aligns with the DIN EN ISO 4957 standard, where it is identified as DIN 1.2311. A closely related variant, DIN 1.2312, is also used, with slight compositional differences.
• Japan: The Japanese steel industry has adopted PX5 as the modern equivalent to P20, reflecting advancements in steel formulation for mold-making applications.
• Americas: In North and South America, Grade P20 is the most prevalent steel grade for plastic mold tooling, widely recognized and utilized across the region.
• China: In China, the equivalent grade is designated as 3Cr2Mo, adhering to the GB/T 1299 tool steel specification, which ensures compatibility with local manufacturing practices.

Properties and Processing

MILANO SPECIAL STEEL’s P20 grade 1.2311 tool steel is designed for enhanced machinability and surface treatment capabilities.

The material can undergo nitriding or carburizing processes, which improve its surface hardness and wear resistance.

These treatments make it particularly suitable for crafting large, complex dies and molds that require precision and longevity.

The steel is most commonly used in its carburized state, where the addition of carbon to the surface layer enhances its durability.

The inclusion of alloying elements such as chromium and nickel significantly boosts the toughness and hardness of P20 steel, making it an ideal material for demanding mold-making applications.

Chromium improves corrosion resistance and hardenability, while nickel contributes to overall toughness, ensuring the steel can withstand the stresses of repeated use in injection molding and die-casting environments.

Supply Range and Forms

MILANO SPECIAL STEEL provides P20 tool Steel Plate, 1.2311 Steel, 3Cr2Mo Steel, Plastic Mold Tool Steel in various forms and dimensions to accommodate diverse industrial needs:

• Round Bars: Available in diameters ranging from 200 mm to 1000 mm, suitable for applications requiring cylindrical stock.
• Steel Plates: Offered in thicknesses from 16 mm to 100 mm and widths spanning 200 mm to 2000 mm, ideal for flat mold components.
• Surface Finish Options: The steel is available with a black surface (as-rolled or as-forged), rough machined, turned, or customized according to specific client requirements.

Applications P20 Steel Plate, 1.2311 Steel, 3Cr2Mo Steel and Plastic Mold Tool Steel.

P20 tool Steel Plate, 1.2311 Steel, 3Cr2Mo Steel, Plastic Mold Tool Steel is extensively used in industries requiring high-quality plastic molds and low-melting-point metal die-casting dies.

Its ability to be machined into intricate shapes and its resilience in pre-hardened form make it a go-to material for producing:

• Plastic injection mold cavities and cores.
• Tooling components for plastic molding.
• Die-casting dies for zinc and other low-temperature alloys.

Conclusion

MILANO SPECIAL STEEL P20 Tool Steel Plate 1.2311 (3Cr2Mo) is a robust and adaptable plastic mold tool steel that meets the needs of modern manufacturing across the globe.

Its balanced mechanical properties, availability in pre-hardened condition, and compatibility with surface treatments like nitriding and carburizing ensure its prominence in the tool and die industry.

Whether identified as DIN 1.2311 in Europe, PX5 in Japan, or 3Cr2Mo in China, this steel grade remains a cornerstone material for producing durable, high-performance molds and dies.