DIN 1.2738
Pre-hardened tool steel for mold making
DIN 1.2738 is an alloyed tool steel based on 1.2311 (P20), enriched with nickel, which ensures better hardenability and higher toughness even for large-volume parts. The steel is supplied in a pre-hardened state (~280–320 HB / approx. 30–34 HRC), has good machinability and is suitable for large-sized plastic molds, including structural and automotive parts.
Alternative designation: 40CrMnNiMo864.6
Type: Pre-hardened tool steel for molds
Heat treatment:
It is not refined as standard – it is used in the delivered condition
Annealing: approx. 550–600 °C (after heavy machining)
Possibility of nitriding, PVD or CVD coatings to increase surface hardness
Hardening is not recommended – may cause deformation in large volumes
Forged blocks, tempered to 950-1100 N/mm2
510 | 610 | 710 | 810 | 910 | 1010 | 1110 | 1210 | ||
510 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Features:
Supplied in pre-hardened condition (~30–34 HRC)
Better hardenability and hardness even in large cross-sections due to nickel content
Good toughness and dimensional stability
Excellent machinability in the as-delivered condition
Polishable – suitable for molds with high-quality surface requirements
Nitriding or coating option to increase surface resistance
Use:
Large-scale plastic injection molds and mold bases
Molds for automotive parts, containers, crates
Molds requiring a combination of toughness, dimensional stability and good machinability
Machine parts requiring strength and machinability without further hardening . Uses:
Large-scale plastic injection molds and mold bases
Molds for automotive parts, containers, crates
Molds requiring a combination of toughness, dimensional stability and good machinability
Machine parts requiring strength and machinability without further hardening