Plastic Mould Steels:>

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 Plastic Mould Steels:>
Increasing demands with regard to the tools in plastic moulding ask for the specific development of tool steels having certain
service properties for different ranges of application.

Tools for the processing of plastics are mainly stressed with regard to pressure and wear. According to the type of plastics,
there may in addition exist a stressing by corrosion. The various types of plastics and different processing methods set
requirements on the tool steel, as for instance:
• Economic machinability or cold-hobbing ability
• Smallest change in size upon heat treatment
• Good polishability
• Great compressive strength
• High wear resistance
• Sufficient corrosion-resisting quality

The selection of a steel for a given tool is governed by these requirements. The current tool steels for plastic moulding are
indicated in the list below. These steels meet nearly all requirements.

Steel Selection:
Case hardening steels: Apart from a proper design and a heat treatment adapted to the respective steel grade the selection of
a suitable steel is decisive for the efficiency of a tool. The case hardening steels offer excellent polishability and machinability.
Therefore injection moulds as well as compression moulds are chiefly made from polishable case-hardening steels possessing
high wear-resistance in the carburized case combined with good toughness in the core.

DIN Spec Aust. Stand. AISI/SAE Chemical Composition (Typical Analysis in %)

Case-hardening steels C Si Mn S Cr Mo Ni V Co Ti Al
1.2764 P 100 A ~P2 0.18 0.2 0.4 - 1.2 0.2 4.0 - - - -
Heat-treated steels
1.2311 P 20 A P 20 0.40 - 1.5 - 1.9 0.2 - - - - -
1.2312 P 20 A + S P 20 + S 0.40 - 1.5 0.05 1.9 0.2 - - - - -
1.2738 0.40 - 1.5 0.05 1.9 1.2 - - - - -
Corrosion-resistant steels
1.2083 420 420 0.42 - - - 13.0 - - - - - -
Through-hardening steels
1.2344 EFS H 13 A H 13 0.40 1.0 - - 5.3 1.4 - 1.0 - - -
1.2379 D2A D2 1.55 - - - 12.0 0.7 - 1.0 - - -
1.2767 P6A - 0.45 - - - 1.4 0.3 4.0 - - - -
1.2510 01 01 0.95 - 1.1 - 0.6 - - - - - -
Nitriding steels
1.8550 - - 0.35 - - - 1.7 0.2 1.0 - - - 1.0
Maraging steels
1.2709 - 18 MAR <0.03 - - - - 5.0 18.0 - 10.0 1.0 -
300

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Plastic Mould Steels:>
Heat-treated steels:
Even with large sizes, sufficient core hardness can still be achieved. With the plastic parts becoming larger and larger, the
use of case-hardening steels makes the heat treatment of the moulds a difficult problem because of the dimensional changes
involved. Moreover, the number of articles to be made being frequently small, the production capacity of such moulds is not
fully utilized. Hence, one proceeded to cut the impression into a previously heat-treated block by a machining operation. Even
smaller sized moulds are now made by this method. A working strength of about 1100 N/mm2 has been found to give the best
results. As heat-treated steels and grades 2311, 2312 and 2711 have been developed. 2311 and 2711 are preferably used in
cases of high demand for polishability and for moulds with textured surfaces. 2312 is produced with increased S-content thus
offering an excellent machinability combined with good polishability.

Schematic plan of a clamping plate

compression moulding
tool for plastics
cavity plate
lead pin
pressure pad
blank
cavity plate
ejector pin
ejector plate
ejector base plate
clamping plate

centering flange
Schematic plan of an sprue bushing
injection moulding clamping plate

cavity plate

lead pin
finish-moulded article

cavity plate
ejector pin
ejector plate
ejector base plate

clamping plate

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 Plastic Mould Steels:>
Nitriding steels:
Nitriding steels are successfully used for screws and cylinders, since they have a tough core and a hard wear-resistant
surface. The aluminium-alloyed-nitriding steel 1.8850 presents a very high surface hardness.

Corrosion-resistant steels:
1.2083, a corrosion-resistant 13% chromium steel, is used for processing chemically active plastic materials.

Through-hardening steels:
Through-hardening steels are distinguished by high hardenability and compressive strength. Moreover, they are characterized
by a superior close tolerance upon heat treatment. Due to their high compressive strength they are best suited for plastic
moulds being subjected to high compressive forces. A significant advantage for these steels is given by the possibility of
carrying out greater machining operations after the heat treatment. Contrary to the case hardening steels in this case there
is no risk of wearing out a carburized surface zone resulting in a new heat treatment. The tool steel 1.2767 offers high
toughness and is used for adequately stressed moulds. Moreover this steel offers a good polishability, ability for photo etching
and eroding. Especially during heat treatment in vacuum furnaces it is distinguished by lowest size changes. 1.2344 EFS is
especially suitable for moulds and screws as it can be nitrided and still have a high core strength after nitriding. Due to its high
hot tensile strength also moulds and screws being subjected to a higher thermal load are successfully manufactured from this
steel. The grades 1.2379 and 1.2842 listed among the group of through-hardening steels are predominantly used for pressure
pads and smaller-sized plastic moulds when processing duroplastics of an abrasive nature.

2767 EFS Supra:

Where there is an extremely high requirement of polishability, ability for photo-etching and eroding, remelted tool steel is
recommended. Therefore, the grade. 1.2767 EFS SUPRA has been developed for mirror-polished plastic moulds, for finest
photo design and for texture-eroded surfaces. The dimensional stability during heat treatment was further improved compared
with the standard grade.

Recommended Steel for Compression and Injection Moulds

Material Working strength or hardness (approx. values)
1.2162 surface hardness 60 HRC, core strength 1100 N/mm2
1.2311 1000 N/mm2
1.2312 1100 N/mm2
1.2083 56 HRC
1.2767 52 HRC
1.2344 EFS 50 HRC
1.2379 60 HRC
1.2842 60 HRC
1.2709 56 HRC (precipitation hardened)

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Plastic Mould Steels:>
Recommended Steels for accessories
Tool Material Working strength or hardness (approx. values) Remarks
screw 1.8550 1000 N/mm2 nitrided
1.2344 EFS 1300 N/mm 2
nitrided
1.2379 58 HRC
cylinder 1.2344 EFS 1000 N/mm2 nitrided
1300 N/mm2 nitrided
spruce bushing 1.2379 60 HRC
1.2842 60 HRC
centering flange, ejector plate 1.2312 1200 N/mm2
clamping plate, mould frame
pressure pad 1.2379 60 HRC
1.2842 60 HRC
ejector pin 1.2344 EFS 1450 N/mm2 nitrided
lead pin 1.2842 60 HRC

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 Plastic Mould Steels:>
PDS5
Product Shortname: MLDF
Chemical Composition: PDS 5 Patent Pending
Colour Code: Red/Blue
Applications: General Purpose Plastic Mould Steel with excellent machinability

Selection of Plastic Mould Steels:

Rating for

Wear Resistance
Usual Working

Mirror Surface

Photo-etching
Machinability

Weldability

Toughness
Hardness

Strenght
DIADO
BRAND

Thermo Plastics
General Life PDS 5 HRC 33 A B A A B B B
Long Uses

Hardenability:

Mechanical Properties:

Yield Strength Tensile Strength Reduction of

PDS5 Hardness HRC Elongation %
kgf/mm2 kgf/mm2 Area %
33.0 90 102 48 21

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Plastic Mould Steels:>
AISI P20 (DIN 1.2311)
Product Shortname: MOLD, MLDF
AISI P20 Supplied Heat Treated 950-1100MPa
DIN-Material Number: 1.2311
Specifications: 40 CrMnMo 7.
AISI: P20.

Typical Analysis: C Mn Cr Mo
0.4% 1.5% 1.9% 0.2%
Colour Code: Red
Steel Properties: Quenched and tempered plastic mould steel. Hardness in condition as supplied 280-325 HB. Good
machinability, better polishability compared with 1.2312. Capable for texturing.
Characteristics: 1.2311 is supplied in the heat treated condition to a tensile strength of 950-1100MPa and by further heat
treatment a hardness level of approximately 50 HRC can be achieved. I mproved wear resistance can be achieved by flame/
induction hardening to give a surface hardness of up to 54 HRC or by nitriding, to give a surface hardness of approximately 60
HRC w hilst maintaining the high, as supplied core strength of 950-1100MPa. This grade offers excellent polishability and good
surface finish when subjected to electrical discharge machining (EDM) or texturing.
Applications:
Plastic mould, zinc die-casting tooling. High tensile application – heavy duty shafts, gears, axles, crusher rolls, bolts, etc. Plastic
moulds, mould frames for plastic moulds and pressure casting dies, sleeves of recipients.

Size Range:

Rounds MOLD - Metric (mm)

16 25 32 45 50 65 80 90 100 110 140 355 443

Flats - Metric (mm)

25 35 50 70 75 100 150 250

Note: We will be pleased to cross-cut your requirements. Other grades available ex stock. 1.2312 free machining grade of
P 20 used where heavy milling operations etc. are to be used. 1.2738 P 20 with the added advantage of Nickel to give higher
core strength through very thick sections.

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 Plastic Mould Steels:>
AISI P20 10–6 x m 20-100 20-200 20-300
m x OC 11.1 12.9 13.4
Physical Properties: Thermal Expansion
20-400 20-500 20-600 20-700OC
13.8 14.2 14.6 14.9

J 20 350 700OC
Thermal Conductivity cm x s x OC 0.357 0.334 0.320
Hot Forming: Hot forming OC Cooling
1050-850 slow, e.g. in furnace

Heat Treatment: Soft annealing C Cooling Hardness HB

O

710-740 furnace max. 235

Hardening Hardness after quenching

from OC in HRC N/mm2
840-870 oil or 51 1730
hot bath
180-220 C O

Tempering OC 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

HRC 51 50 48 46 42 36 28
N/mm2 1730 1670 1570 1480 1330 1140 920

Time – Temperature – Transformation Diagram Tempering Diagram

1200 70
1100 66
1000
62
900
58
Temperature in OC

800
Hardness in HRC

700 54
600 50
500
46
400
300 42
200 38
100
34
0 1 10 102 103 104 105
Seconds 30
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Time 1 10 100 1000 10 000 Tempering Temperature in OC

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Plastic Mould Steels:>
AISI P20 (DIN 1.2738)


DIN-Material Number: 1.2738.
Specifications: 40 CrMnNiMo 8 6 4
AISI: P20 + Ni

Typical Analysis: C Mn S Cr Mo Ni Ca
0.40% 1.5% <0.005% 1.9% 0.2% 1.0% +
Colour Code: Red/Yellow
Steel Properties: Hardened and tempered plastic mould steel. Improved through-hardenability compared with 1.2311
due to the nickel content of 1.0 percent. Recommended for all plastic moulds of a thickness exceeding 400mm. Hardness
in condition as-supplied 280 to 325 HB. 1.2738 is a micro-alloyed vacuum-degassed special steel combining excellent
machinability due to the additional Ca-treatment, polishability and texturing properties.

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 Plastic Mould Steels:>
AISI P20
10–6 x m 20-100 20-200 20-300
Physical Properties: Thermal Expansion mK 11.1 12.9 13.4

20-400 20-500 20-600 20-700OC

13.8 14.2 14.6 14.9
W 20 350 700OC
Thermal Conductivity mK 34,5 33,5 32,0
Hot Forming: Hot forming OC Cooling
1050-850 slow, e.g. in furnace

Heat Treatment: Soft annealing OC Cooling Hardness HB

710-740 furnace max. 235

Hardening in oil or Hardness or tensile strength after quenching

from OC hot bath HRC N/mm2
840-870 180-220OC 51 1730

Tempering OC 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
HRC 51 50 48 46 42 36 28
N/mm2 1730 1670 1570 1480 1330 1140 920

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Plastic Mould Steels:>
AISI 420 (DIN 1.2083)
Product Shortname: PQ, PQF
AISI 420 Supplied Annealed
DIN-Material Number: 1.2083.
Specifications: X 42 Cr 13.
Corrosion-resistant, good polishability.

Typical Analysis: C Cr
0.42% 13.0%
Colour Code: Purple
Characteristics: 1.2083 is a vacuum arc degassed heat-treatable stainless steel ideally suited to those plastic mould
applications requiring a high degree of corrosion and wear resistance.
Applications:
Plastic moulding of corrosive vinyls and acetates, moulds used in humid conditions, cutlery, knife blades, needle valves, etc.
Moulds for processing of corrosively acting plastics.
Size Range:
Rounds PQ - Metric (mm)
20 30 40 45.8 55.8 66 76 91.5 101.5 111.5
151.5 202 253

A selection of flats is also available ex stock. We will be pleased to cross-cut your requirements from stock sizes of Flats.

DIN 1.2316
Product Shortname: PQF
Stainless mould steel, pre hardened
Typical Analysis: C Cr Mo
0.36% 16.0% 1.2%
Colour Code: Red/Purple
Characteristics: No further heat treatment required. Increased corrosion resistance in comparison with 2083, good
polishability. Good machinability due to the additional calcium treatment.

*Available in a range of flats sizes ex stock, which we can cross cut to your requirements.

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 Plastic Mould Steels:>
AISI 420
10–6 x m 20-100 20-200 20-300
Physical Properties: Thermal Expansion
m x OC 10.5 11.0 11.0

20-400 20-500 20-600 20-700OC

11.5 – – –
Thermal Conductivity J 20 350 700OC
cm x s x OC 0.200 0.230 0.262

Hot Forming: Hot forming OC Cooling

1050-800 slow, e.g. in furnace

Heat Treatment: Soft annealing OC Cooling Hardness HB

760-800 furnace max. 230

Hardening in oil, air or Hardness after quenching

from OC hot bath HRC
1020-1050 500-550OC 56

Tempering OC 100 200 300 400 500 600
HRC 56 55 52 51 52 40

Tempering Diagram 70
66
62
58
Hardness in HRC

54
50
46
42
38
34
30
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Tempering Temperature in OC

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Plastic Mould Steels:>
DIN 1.2767
Product Shortname: MLDH, MHTF
Supplied Annealed
DIN-Material Number: 1.2767.
Specifications: X 45 NiCrMo 4.
BS:EN30B

Typical Analysis: C Cr Mo Ni
0.45% 1.4% 0.3% 4.0%
Colour Code: Grey/Purple
Steel Properties: Steel for air- and oil-hardening, high hardenability, highest toughness. Good Polishability.
Characteristics: 1.2767 is supplied in the annealed condition but by further heat treatment can be hardened up to around
54 HRC. The chemical make-up of 1.2767 enables it to be ‘air’ h ardened or vacuum hardened with minimum distortion. 1.2767
displays e xcellent polishability and toughness in the hardened condition making it suited to high pressure plastic moulding
applications. It also possesses good thermal properties for plastic moulding applications.
Applications: Compression/injection moulds, cutlery dies, blanking dies, high tensile applications such as shafts, rollers,
axles, etc. Cutlery dies, blanking dies for large sizes, billet shears, drawing jaws, m
assive embossing and bending tools, plastic
moulds, reinforcements.

Size Range:
Rounds MLDH - Metric (mm)
16 25 30 40 45.8 50 65 75 100 111.5 131.5

Flats MLDF - Metric (mm)

20 25 40 50 60 80 110

Note: Can also be used for Cold Work and Shock Resisting applications. We will be pleased to cross-cut your requirements
from stock sizes of Flats.

Also used as a Cold Work Steel 1.2767 can be heat treated to strengths in excess of 1500 MPa lending itself to
applications where extremely high stresses are involved.

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 Plastic Mould Steels:>
DIN 1.2767
10–6 x m 20-100 20-200 20-300
Physical Properties: Thermal Expansion m x OC 11.8 12.5 12.8

20-400 20-500 20-600 20-700OC

13.1 13.4 13.8 13.6

J 20 350 700OC
Thermal Conductivity cm x s x OC 0.300 0.305 0.320

Hot Forming: Hot forming OC Cooling

1050-850 slow, e.g. in furnace

Heat Treatment: Soft annealing OC Cooling Hardness HB

610-650 furnace max. 260

Hardening in oil, air or Hardness after quenching

from OC hot bath HRC
840-870 180-220OC 56

Tempering OC 100 200 300 400 500 600
HRC 56 54 50 46 42 38

Time – Temperature – Transformation Diagram Tempering Diagram

1000 70
Tempering Temperature in OCHardness in HRC

900 66
800 62
700
Temperature in OC

58
600
54
500
400 50
300 46
200 42
100
38
0 1 10 102 103 104 105 106 34
Seconds
Time 1 10 100 1000 10 000 30
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

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Plastic Mould Steels:>
Alumec 89/Alumec 79


Product Shortname: ATOL

Colour Code: Alumec 89 - Yellow, Alumec 79 - Blue

Steel Properties: Alumec 89 has higher strength and wear properties than Alumec 79
(see chart below).

Characteristics: Alumec is a high strength aluminium alloy having uniform through

thickness properties. This high strength coupled with low density and enhanced machinability
makes Alumec ideally suited for many tooling applications. High metal removal rates are achieved by standard machining
methods along with EDM and in addition, Alumec can be further surface hardened or plated.

Applications: Used in areas where high strength/weight ratios are required and where heavy machining is to be carried
out, such as; injection moulding, blow moulding, rubber moulding, prototype tooling, jigs and fixtures, hydraulic manifold
systems.

Size Range:
Stocked in 2000mm x 1000mm sheets/plates - Metric (mm)
12.7 16 20 25 40 50 75 100 150 200

Mechanical Properties:
Thickness Tensile Strength 0.2% Proof Stress Elongation Hardness
Range (mm) (MPa) (MPa) (%) Brinell Rockwell B
Alumec79 Alumec89 Alumec79 Alumec89 Alumec79 Alumec89 Alumec79 Alumec89 Alumec79 Alumec89

> 6.35 - 25 545 600 485 555 10 11.5 167 180 86 90

> 25 - 50 520 580 455 530 9.5 9.5 159 174 84 89
> 75 - 100 500 570 430 520 9 8 152 174 82 89
> 100-125 480 560 400 515 8.5 7 149 174 81 89
> 125 - 167 465 550 375 500 8 4.5 143 174 79 89
> 167 - 205 435 510 340 450 7.5 5 131 159 74 84

> 205 - 305 410 460 310 400 7.5 4 123 146 70 80

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