P20 Tool Steel | 1.2311 | 40CMD8 | 40CrMnMo7 Supplier

P20 tool steel is excellent chromium-molybdenum plastic mold steel to ASTM A681 standards. Widely used for plastic injection molds globally, it delivers balanced performance and outstanding cost-effectiveness. Ready-to-use at pre-hardened 280-325 HB, it removes the need for post-machining heat treatment and distortion risks, greatly cutting lead times and mold production costs.

This versatile grade combines good machinability, moderate wear resistance, stable toughness and superior polishability. Its through-hardened structure guarantees consistent material properties, suitable for large mold bases, cavity plates and intricate components. Equivalent to DIN 1.2311, 40CMD8 and 40CrMnMo7 steel it supports welding and nitriding. Material can be supplied pre-hardened for direct machining or annealed for custom heat treatment.

Shape and Size of Material P20 Steel

1.Round Bar

P20 Steel Plate

P20 Tool Steel Equivalent

Standard System	Country/Region	Equivalent Grade	Common Search Terms
DIN EN	Germany	1.2311, 40CrMnMo7	1.2311 steel, DIN 1.2311, 40CrMnMo7
AISI/ASTM	USA	P20	P20 tool steel, AISI P20, P20 mold steel
JIS	Japan	SCM440 (modified)	SCM440 equivalent
GB	China	3Cr2Mo	3Cr2Mo steel, GB 3Cr2Mo
AFNOR	France	40 CMD 8	40 CMD 8 steel
ISO	International	40CrMnMo7	ISO P20 equivalent

P20 Steel Composition

Element	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Mo
Content (%)	0.28-0.40	0.20-0.80	0.60-1.00	≤0.030	≤0.030	1.40-2.00	0.30-0.55

Note: The defining feature of P20 tool steel is its balanced chromium-molybdenum composition, which provides excellent through-hardening properties and uniform hardness distribution in large sections . The moderate carbon content ensures good machinability while maintaining adequate strength for mold applications .

P20 Steel Properties

MECHANICAL PROPERTY	METRIC VALUE	IMPERIAL VALUE
P20 Steel Hardness (Annealed)	≤235 HB	≤235 HB
Hardness (Quenched & Tempered)	28 – 34 HRC	28 – 34 HRC
Tensile Strength (σb)	965 – 1250 MPa	140 – 181 ksi
Yield Strength (σ0.2)	827 – 1140 MPa	120 – 165 ksi
Elongation (δ5)	12 – 20 %	12 – 20 %
Reduction of Area (ψ)	40 – 50 %	40 – 50 %
Impact Toughness (KV, 20°C, Longitudinal)	27 – 34 J	20 – 25 ft·lb

P20 Tool Steel Delivery Condition

Black Surface, Bright Surface, Turned Surface, Grinded Surface, Poblished surface.

P20 Tool Steel Application

Plastic Mold Industry: Injection mold cavities and cores for general-purpose plastics (ABS, PS, PE, PP), mold frames and bases, support plates, holder blocks, runner systems, large injection molds for household appliances, automotive interior components, and consumer products
Die Casting Tools: Zinc die casting dies (Zamak alloys), pressure casting molds for non-ferrous alloys, recipient sleeves for die casting machines, lead and tin casting dies
Blow Molding: Blow mold tooling for plastic bottles and containers, parison molds requiring good thermal conductivity
Compression Molding: Compression molds for thermosetting plastics, rubber molds for industrial components
Extrusion Tooling: Extrusion dies for plastic profiles, sheets, and films, calibrators and sizing plates
Mechanical Engineering: High-tensile machine parts, shafts, rails, wear strips, jigs and fixtures for industrial equipment
Automotive Industry: Prototype molds, production tooling for interior trim components, lamp housings, dashboards, and mirror housings
Consumer Goods: Molds for household products, appliance components, packaging containers, toys, and cosmetic packaging
Hydroforming Tools: Hydroforming dies and tooling requiring good strength and machinability
Backers and Bolsters: Die holders, backer plates, support blocks for cutting and forming tools

Heat Treatment & Processing of P20 Tool Steel

Heat Treatment:

Soft Annealing: Heat to 760-790°C, hold thoroughly, slow cool in furnace at maximum 10°C per hour to 650°C, then air cool. Resulting hardness ≤230 HB, optimized for extensive machining operations
Stress Relieving: Heat to 540-650°C, hold 1-2 hours per 25mm section, slow cool in furnace. Relieves machining stresses to minimize distortion during final processing or before nitriding. Recommended for complex molds or tight tolerance requirements
Preheating: Recommended at 450-650°C for complex parts before hardening operations to minimize thermal shock
Hardening (Austenitizing): Temperature 820-880°C (typically 840-870°C). Soak time proportional to section size. Protect against oxidation and decarburization using controlled atmosphere furnaces, salt baths, or stainless foil wrapping
Quenching: Oil quench (40-60°C) for most sections; warm bath quench at 180-220°C; air quench possible for smaller sections. Quench to 50-70°C, then temper immediately. Hardness after quenching: 52-56 HRC
Tempering: Temper immediately after quenching while tool is still warm. Hold minimum 1 hour per 25mm section thickness. Cool slowly to room temperature.

Processing Guide:

Nitriding: Gas nitriding at 520-540°C in ammonia gas achieves surface hardness 550-700 HV with case depth 0.20-0.50mm depending on treatment time . Plasma (ion) nitriding also suitable with less risk of distortion . Nitriding increases both wear resistance and corrosion resistance for extended mold life
Hard Chrome Plating: After chrome plating, bake at 180-200°C for 3-4 hours to avoid hydrogen embrittlement
Forging: Hot forming temperature 1050-850°C, do not forge below 850°C. After forging, slow cool in furnace or insulating media to prevent cracking
Welding: Preheat to 300-400°C, use matching filler material (P20 type), maintain interpass temperature, slow cool after welding, and perform stress relief at 500-550°C
EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining): Suitable for wire-cut EDM; remove white layer (recast layer) by mechanical polishing and perform stress relief at 500-550°C to restore surface integrity

Quality Inspection & Control of P20 Tool Steel

Full-process control of material p20 steel: Raw material inspection (certificate, composition); production inspection (composition, mechanical properties, 100% UT, dimensional, surface); finished product inspection (MTC EN 10204 3.1, reports).

Our Advantages of P20 Tool Steel

Strong Production Capacity: 10,000 tons/year, advanced equipment.
Adequate Stock: 600+ tons standard specs (3-7 days delivery); custom specs 15-30 days.
Custom Processing: One-stop sawing, milling, drilling, polishing, heat treatment.
Strict Quality Control: Full-process inspection, professional team/equipment.
Global Supply: Container/LCL shipment, anti-rust packaging, on-time delivery.
Professional Technical Support: Senior engineers guide material selection, heat treatment, processing.