P20+Ni Tool Steel - ~1.2738 - ~40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 - Data Sheet

P20+Ni is a plastic mold steel with low sulfur, which makes it more polishable and grainable. The nickel additives improve the through-hardenability.

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P20+Ni Tool Steel Standard values

Working hardness: approx. 32 HRC (delivery condition, quenched and tempered) - 50 HRC
Delivery condition: max. 325HB

Chemical composition in %

0.350000

0.35

–

0.450000

0.45

0.200000

0.2

–

0.400000

0.4

1.300000

1.3

–

1.600000

1.6

0.000000

–

0.030000

0.03

0.000000

–

0.030000

0.03

1.800000

1.8

–

2.100000

2.1

0.150000

0.15

–

0.250000

0.25

0.900000

0.9

–

1.200000

1.2

P20+Ni Tool Steel Technical Properties

Steel grade with focus on plastic mold making; nickel additives for a better through-hardenability (constant strength), also for thicknesses >15.8" (> 400 mm). Low sulphur steel and therefore polishable and grainable.

P20+Ni Tool Steel Applications

plastic molds, molding frames, die casting molds, dies, forging tools, metal extrusion tools, tube presses, hydroforming tools

Standard values

Chemical designation: Working hardness: approx. 32 HRC (delivery condition, quenched and tempered) - 50 HRC
Delivery condition: max. 325HB

Chemical composition:

0.350000

0.35

–

0.450000

0.45

0.200000

0.2

–

0.400000

0.4

1.300000

1.3

–

1.600000

1.6

0.000000

–

0.030000

0.03

0.000000

–

0.030000

0.03

1.800000

1.8

–

2.100000

2.1

0.150000

0.15

–

0.250000

0.25

0.900000

0.9

–

1.200000

1.2

Technical properties

Applications

plastic molds, molding frames, die casting molds, dies, forging tools, metal extrusion tools, tube presses, hydroforming tools

P20+Ni General Information

P20+Ni has a longer service life with its uniform strength and high toughness. Its good toughness ensures a cracking resistance of molds. P20+Ni has an increased wear resistance and edge stability which make for higher production numbers per mold for example.

Heat treatment

As this steel grade comes quenched and tempered, heat treatment is usually not required.

Soft annealing

Heat the parts to the temperature of 1310-1364°F (710-740°C) and hold for 2-5 hours, then slowly cool in the furnace by 50-68°F (10-20°C) per hour to 1112°F (600°C). From there further cool down in air.

Stress relieving

Heat the work piece uniformly to the temperature of 1022-1112°F (550-600°C) hold for 1-2 hours in a neutral atmosphere and cool slowly in the furnace.

Hardening

Heat the material uniformly to a temperature of 1544-1598°F (840-870°C), soak for 15-30 minutes, then quench.

Flame and induction hardening

This plastic mold steel can be flame or induction hardened to reduce surface damage and is able to reach a hardness of approx. 469HBN (50HRC). To avoid distortion flame hardening should be carried out after rough machining. It is recommended to temper this material after hardening as shown above under the topic “Tempering”.

Quenching media

Polymer
Oil

Tempering

Choose the appropriate tempering temperature and slowly heat to that temperature immediately after hardening. Hold for one hour per inch (25.4 mm) thickness but for a minimum of at least 2 hours, then cool in air.

For our tempering diagram, please click here.

Machinability

Welding

Precautions should be taken with joint preparation, temperature, consumables and welding method. If the work piece is to be polished or photo edged, it is important to match the filler to the base metals properties.

Surface treatment

Nitriding

P20+Ni can subsequently be nitrated to increase the surface hardness and resistance to wear and erosion, as well nitriding the surface increases corrosion resistance. In order to nitrate the material, it should be rough machined, stress relieved and ground before it is nitrated.

Hard chrome plating

This steel grade is suitable to be chrome plated. Temper the material after hard plating at a temperature of 350°F (180°C) for approx. 4 hours. To avoid hydrogenic embrittlement tempering should be don within 4 hours of plating.

Polishing

P20+Ni has a good polishability in the delivered condition (quenched and tempered). Care should be taken not to over polish the parts with high pressure and a to longer polishing time which may lead to unwanted defects like discoloration, orange peel or pitting. Preparation is very important as well, tools and parts should be dust free and paste should be added to the tool for manual polishing or the parts if using machine polishing. If the material is not prepared dust free, particles can enter the surface during polishing and can cause pitting and/or scratches on the surface.

Disclaimer

The data shown here has been compiled with the greatest diligence and is regularly updated with regard to the correctness and completeness of its content. The content is indicative only and should not be taken as a warranty of specific properties of the product described or a warranty of suitability for a particular purpose. All information presented is given in good faith and no liability will be accepted for actions taken by third parties in reliance on this information. ABRAMS Industries reserves the right to change or amend the information given here in full or parts without prior notice.