P20 STEEL ESR GRADE
- Description
Description
P20 STEEL ESR GRADE, P20 ESR Steel (Electro-Slag Remelted Grade)
P20 STEEL ESR grade is a high-quality Electro-Slag Remelted (ESR) version of P20 tool steel, offering improved purity, uniformity, and mechanical properties compared to standard P20 steel.
It is widely used for high-end plastic mold applications where better surface finish, higher toughness, and improved polishability are required.
Key Features of P20 STEEL ESR GRADE
- Higher Purity & Uniformity
- The ESR process removes impurities and inclusions, making the steel cleaner and more homogenous.
- Improved Polishability
- Essential for high-gloss mold finishes, especially for optical components and transparent plastics.
- Enhanced Toughness & Ductility
- Lower risk of cracking and deformation during machining and molding processes.
- Good Hardness & Wear Resistance
- Pre-hardened to 30-34 HRC, eliminating the need for additional heat treatment.
- Better Thermal Conductivity
- Ensures uniform heat distribution in molds, reducing cooling time and improving cycle efficiency.
- Decent Corrosion Resistance
- Offers some resistance to corrosion, though not as much as stainless steel grades like S136.
P20 STEEL ESR GRADE Chemical Composition (Typical)
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.35 – 0.45 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20 – 0.40 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.30 – 1.60 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.80 – 2.10 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.40 – 0.60 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.90 – 1.20 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.005 (very low due to ESR process) |
Applications of P20 ESR Steel
- High-precision plastic injection molds
(e.g., optical lenses, automotive interior parts) - Blow molding dies
- Compression molds for plastic & rubber
- Extrusion dies
- Die-casting dies for low-melting metals
Comparison: P20 vs. P20 ESR
| Property | P20 Standard | P20 ESR |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | Standard | Very High (low inclusions) |
| Polishability | Good | Excellent |
| Toughness | Moderate | Higher |
| Wear Resistance | Good | Improved |
| Hardness | 28-34 HRC | 30-34 HRC |
| Corrosion Resistance | Low | Slightly better |
Conclusion: P20 ESR is an upgraded version of P20 steel, ideal for molds requiring high precision, superior polishability, and longer lifespan.
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