Selecting the right steel grade is an important part of plastic mould manufacturing. The material affects machining, mould performance, surface finish and the overall manufacturing process. Among the commonly used plastic mould steel grades, 1.2311, 1.2312 and 1.2738 are popular choices for different moulding requirements.
Although all three are used in plastic mould applications, their characteristics and suitability can vary.
1.2311 Plastic Mould Steel (P20)
W.Nr. 1.2311, commonly known as P20, is a pre-hardened plastic mould steel. It is widely used for mould bases, plastic injection moulds and general-purpose mould components.
Its pre-hardened condition allows many components to be machined without requiring additional hardening before use. This makes it a practical option for moulds where consistent machining and dimensional requirements are important.
1.2312 Plastic Mould Steel
W.Nr. 1.2312 is a modified version of the P20 mould steel family. It contains sulphur to improve machinability, making it suitable for mould components where machining efficiency is an important consideration.
It is used in plastic moulds, mould frames and related tooling applications. However, the final surface finish and performance requirements should be considered before selecting this grade.
1.2738 Plastic Mould Steel (P20 + Ni)
W.Nr. 1.2738 is a nickel-alloyed plastic mould steel, commonly associated with P20 + Ni. It is used for larger plastic moulds and applications where uniform properties through thicker sections are important.
It is also available in modified or higher-hardness supply conditions, such as 1.2738 HH, depending on the product specification.
How Do You Select the Right Grade?
The choice between these grades depends on the mould size, component design, machining requirements, required surface finish and production conditions.
1.2311: Consider for general-purpose plastic moulds.
1.2312: Consider where improved machinability is a priority.
1.2738: Consider for larger moulds and applications requiring suitable properties through thicker sections.
The final selection should always be based on the material specification and actual application requirements.
Source the Right Plastic Mould Steel
Choosing the correct grade at the beginning can help avoid unnecessary machining and material-related problems later. Sandeep EdgeTech offers a range of plastic mould steel grades, including 1.2311, 1.2312 and 1.2738.
Contact the team to discuss your mould steel requirements, available sizes and suitable material specifications.