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Mold Steels Properties Comparison

Mold Steels

Mold Steels Properties Comparison

Steel Grade Key Composition Hardness (HRC) Wear Resistance Toughness Corrosion Resistance Thermal Stability Typical Applications
P20 (1.2311) C 0.3%, Cr 1.7%, Mn 0.8% 28-32 Moderate High Low ≤300°C General injection molds, appliance housings
H13 (1.2344) C 0.4%, Cr 5%, Mo 1.5%, V 1% 48-52 High Medium-High Medium ≤600°C Die-casting molds, hot-work tools
S136 (1.2083) C 0.4%, Cr 13.6%, Mn 0.5% 48-52 High Medium Excellent ≤400°C Optical-grade molds (lenses, lamp covers)
NAK80 C 0.1%, Ni 3%, Al 1%, Cu 1% 38-42 Medium-High Excellent Medium ≤400°C High-gloss plastic molds, electronics
D2 (1.2379) C 1.5%, Cr 12%, Mo 0.8%, V 0.9% 58-62 Exceptional Low High ≤500°C Stamping dies, shear blades
420 (1.2083) C 0.4%, Cr 13% 50-54 High Low Excellent ≤300°C Medical devices, food-grade molds
M2 (HSS) C 0.9%, W 6%, Mo 5%, Cr 4%, V 2% 62-64 Exceptional Very Low Medium ≤600°C Precision punches, cutting tools
718 (1.2738) C 0.4%, Ni 1%, Cr 2%, Mo 0.2% 32-36 Medium High Medium ≤400°C Large 

Key Performance Metrics of Mold Steels

Hardness (HRC)

  • High hardness (≥50 HRC) suits wear-resistant applications (e.g., D2, M2) but reduces toughness.
  • Medium hardness (30-40 HRC) balances machinability and impact resistance (e.g., NAK80, 718).

Wear Resistance

  • High-carbon (C) and vanadium (V) steels (e.g., D2, M2) offer superior wear resistance.

Toughness

  • Nickel (Ni)-alloyed steels (e.g., NAK80) excel in crack resistance.

Corrosion Resistance

  • High-chromium (Cr≥13%) grades (e.g., S136, 420) resist rust and chemical attack.

Thermal Stability

  • Hot-work steels (e.g., H13) withstand ≤600°C; cold-work steels (e.g., D2) typically ≤500°C.

Selection Guidelines of Mold Steels

  • Optical/Transparent Parts: Prioritize S136 (corrosion resistance + mirror polishability).

  • Die-Casting/High-Temp Molds: H13 (thermal fatigue resistance).

  • Precision Stamping: D2 or M2 (extreme wear resistance; avoid impact loads).

  • Cost-Effective Injection Molds: P20 (easy machining, low-volume production).

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