Plastic Mold Steel

Plastic Mold Steel

NAME: Plastic Mold Steel / Injection Mold Steel
BRAND: PROMISTEEL GRADES: P20, 718H, 1.2311, 1.2738, 1.2083, S136, NAK80
SHAPES: Heavy Plate, Forged Block, Flat Bar
DELIVERY CONDITION: Pre-hardened (28-36 HRC), EAF+LF+VD, Annealed
SURFACE: Black, Milled, Grinded FEATURES: High Polishability, Good Photo-etching
APPLICATION: Car Bumpers, TV Housings, Plastic Bottles, Medical Devices
MOQ: 25 Tons
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Product Introduction

Plastic Mold Steel is the foundation of the modern injection molding industry. Unlike cold or hot work steels, plastic mold steels prioritize polishability, photo-etching capabilities, and corrosion resistance.

We offer a diverse portfolio ranging from standard Pre-hardened Steels (like P20/1.2311) which allow for immediate machining without further heat treatment, to high-performance Stainless Plastic Mold Steels (like S136/1.2083) designed for molding corrosive plastics (PVC) or optical-grade transparent parts. Our steels are produced with high purity to ensure a mirror-finish surface free from pinholes or inclusions.

Product Specifications & Grade Equivalents

Our inventory covers the most widely used global standards for mold bases and core inserts.

Table-1

Select the right grade based on mold size and surface requirements.

International Grade Comparison

GB (China) ASTM / AISI (USA) DIN (Germany) JIS (Japan) Type/Feature
3Cr2Mo P20 1.2311 -

Standard Pre-hardened

3Cr2NiMo P20+Ni 1.2738 -

High Hardenability (Large Molds)

718 / 718H P20+Ni 1.2738 -

Improved Polishability

4Cr13 420 1.2083 SUS420J2

Stainless / Corrosion Resistant

- - - S136

High Mirror Polish Stainless

- P21 - NAK80

Age Hardening / Super Mirror

Table-2

Optimized alloy content for uniform hardness and polishability.

Chemical Composition (Mass Fraction %)

Grade C Si Mn Cr Ni Mo
P20 / 1.2311 0.35~0.45 0.20~0.40 1.30~1.60 1.80~2.10 - 0.15~0.25
718 / 1.2738 0.35~0.45 0.20~0.40 1.30~1.60 1.80~2.10 0.90~1.20 0.15~0.25
S136 / 1.2083 0.36~0.45 ≤0.60 ≤0.80 12.0~14.0 - -

Table-3

Large blocks are available for automotive bumper and dashboard molds.

Supply Range & Size Specifications

Product Form Thickness (mm) Width (mm) Length (mm)

Delivery Condition

Forged Block 200 - 1000 300 - 1500 1000 - 4000

Pre-hardened / Annealed

Heavy Plate 20 - 200 1000 - 2300 2000 - 5800

Pre-hardened (28-34 HRC)

Flat Bar 20 - 300 205 - 810 2000 - 6000

Machined / Black

Round Bar Φ 20 - 600 - 3000 - 6000 Black / Peeled

Key Features and Advantages

  • Pre-hardened Condition: Most P20 and 718 grades are supplied at 28-36 HRC. This allows mold makers to machine the steel directly to the final shape without the risk of distortion caused by subsequent heat treatment.
  • Excellent Polishability: High purity (ESR optional) allows the steel to achieve a high-gloss or mirror finish, essential for clear plastic parts (lenses, bottles).
  • Corrosion Resistance: Stainless grades like 1.2083 (S136) resist corrosion from acidic plastics (like PVC) and humid working environments, reducing mold maintenance.
  • Uniform Hardness: Grades with Nickel (like 1.2738) ensure consistent hardness from the surface to the core, even in blocks up to 400 mm thick.
  • Photo-etching Ability: Uniform microstructure ensures clear, consistent texturing patterns.

Typical Applications

 

Plastic Mold Steel is versatile, supporting industries from consumer goods to automotive:

Automotive Interiors & Exteriors

Large molds for bumpers, dashboards, and door panels (typically uses 1.2738 / 718H).

Home Appliances

Casings for TVs, washing machines, and air conditioners.

Medical & Optical

Syringes, lenses, and transparent containers requiring a mirror finish (uses S136 / NAK80).

Packaging

PET bottle preform molds and bottle caps.

PVC Pipe Fittings

Requires corrosion-resistant steel like 1.2083.

 

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between P20 and 718 Steel?

A1: P20 (1.2311) is the standard plastic mold steel. 718 (1.2738) is an upgraded version containing ~1% Nickel. This Nickel addition improves the "hardenability," ensuring that large blocks have uniform hardness at the core. 718 also offers slightly better polishability.

Q2: What does "Pre-hardened" mean?

A2: It means the steel is supplied already heat-treated to a working hardness (usually 28-36 HRC). The benefit is that the customer can machine the mold and use it immediately without sending it out for heat treatment, saving time and eliminating the risk of warping.

Q3: When should I use S136 (Stainless Mold Steel)?

A3: You should use S136 or 1.2083 when:
Molding corrosive plastics (like PVC or Acetates) which release acids.
The mold operates in a humid environment.
A high-grade optical mirror finish is required (e.g., for glasses or clear bottles).

Q4: Can you provide ESR quality for plastic molds?

A4: Yes. For applications requiring a Super Mirror Finish (e.g., optical lenses), we recommend ESR (Electroslag Remelting) grade S136 or 718, as it removes impurities that could cause pitting during polishing.

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