Buy DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel Plate, High Hard Plastic Mould Steel, Glossy Quality.

DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel is a high-quality, pre-hardened steel specifically designed for plastic injection molding applications.

It belongs to the category of cold-work plastic mold steels and is widely regarded for its versatility and excellent performance in mold-making. Here are its key characteristics:

• Composition: DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel is a medium-carbon steel alloyed with elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. These alloying elements enhance its hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
• Pre-Hardness: It is supplied in a pre-hardened condition with a hardness range of approximately 34–38 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale). This eliminates the need for additional heat treatment after machining, reducing the risk of distortion or cracking during processing.
• Polishing and Surface Treatment: The steel offers excellent polishing properties, making it suitable for producing glossy, high-quality mold surfaces. It can also undergo surface treatments like chrome plating for improved durability and corrosion resistance.
• Uniform Hardness: DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel maintains consistent hardness even in thicker sections (up to 400 mm), which ensures reliability in large mold applications.
• Toughness and Machinability: It combines good toughness with excellent mechanical processing performance, allowing it to withstand the stresses of injection molding while being relatively easy to machine.
• Applications:
  • Plastic injection molds (especially for high-gloss finishes).
  • Die-casting molds for zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and their alloys.
  • Hot-pressing molds and hot forging dies.
  • Metal extrusion dies and die sets.

In summary, DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel is a go-to material for plastic mold manufacturing due to its pre-hardened state, ease of processing, and ability to deliver high-quality surface finishes without requiring further heat treatment.

DIN 1.2311 Steel

DIN 1.2311 is another popular plastic mold steel, but it differs from DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel in several ways.

It is also a cold-work mold steel but is typically supplied in an annealed (soft) condition rather than pre-hardened. Here’s a closer look:

• Composition: Like DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel, it is a medium-carbon steel alloyed with chromium and manganese, but it has a slightly different chemical makeup, lacking the higher nickel content found in DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel. This affects its toughness and hardness properties.
• Hardness: Supplied in an annealed state with a lower hardness (typically around 200–230 HB, or Brinell Hardness), DIN 1.2311 requires heat treatment (quenching and tempering) to achieve the desired hardness for mold applications, usually around 28–34 HRC.
• Heat Treatment: Unlike DIN 1.2738, which is pre-hardened and ready to use, DIN 1.2311 must undergo heat treatment after machining. This introduces a risk of distortion or cracking if not carefully controlled.
• Polishing and Surface Finish: While it can be polished, DIN 1.2311 does not match the superior polishing and glossy finish capabilities of DIN 1.2738, making it less ideal for high-gloss plastic parts.
• Toughness and Machinability: It offers good machinability in its annealed state and decent toughness after heat treatment, though it is generally less tough than DIN 1.2738 due to the absence of nickel.
• Applications:
  • Plastic injection molds (for less demanding surface finishes).
  • General-purpose mold bases and components.
  • Medium-sized molds where cost is a consideration.

DIN 1.2311 is a cost-effective option for molds that don’t require exceptional surface quality or pre-hardened convenience.

Key Differences Between DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel Plate and DIN 1.2311 Steel Plates.

Here’s a detailed comparison to clarify their distinctions:

1. Pre-Hardened vs. Annealed:
   • DIN 1.2738: Delivered pre-hardened (34–38 HRC), requiring no further heat treatment. This saves time and reduces the risk of distortion or cracking.
   • DIN 1.2311: Supplied in an annealed state (soft), requiring heat treatment to achieve usable hardness (28–34 HRC), which adds a processing step and potential risks.
2. Hardness and Thickness:
   • DIN 1.2738: Higher pre-hardened range (34–38 HRC) and uniform hardness up to 400 mm thickness, making it suitable for larger molds.
   • DIN 1.2311: Lower hardness after heat treatment (28–34 HRC) and less consistency in thicker sections, typically used for smaller or medium-sized molds.
3. Polishing and Surface Quality:
   • DIN 1.2738: Superior polishing properties, ideal for glossy, high-quality plastic parts.
   • DIN 1.2311: Adequate polishing but not as refined as 1.2738, better suited for molds where surface finish is less critical.
4. Toughness:
   • DIN 1.2738: Enhanced toughness due to nickel content, making it more durable under stress.
   • DIN 1.2311: Good toughness after heat treatment but generally lower than 1.2738.
5. Applications:
   • DIN 1.2738: Preferred for high-gloss plastic injection molds, large molds, and die-casting applications requiring durability and surface quality.
   • DIN 1.2311: Used in simpler, cost-sensitive molds where high polish or extreme toughness isn’t necessary.
6. Cost and Processing:
   • DIN 1.2738: Higher initial cost due to pre-hardening but saves on heat treatment expenses and time.
   • DIN 1.2311: Lower initial cost but requires additional heat treatment, increasing overall processing time and cost.

Conclusion

DIN 1.2738 High Hard Steel Plate is the superior choice for plastic injection molds requiring high-gloss finishes, uniform hardness in large sections, and no additional heat treatment.

Its pre-hardened nature and excellent polishing capabilities make it a premium option for demanding applications.

On the other hand, DIN 1.2311 is a more economical alternative for simpler molds where surface quality is less critical, though it requires heat treatment, which may introduce challenges like distortion.

The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the mold, including size, surface finish, and budget constraints.