P20 High Hard – High Performance Tool Steel for Industrial Applications

P20 High Hard Steel is a premium pre-hardened tool steel widely used in plastic moulds, die casting, and injection moulding applications. It is known for its excellent machinability, good toughness, and high hardness, making it ideal for precision tooling industries.

What is P20 High Hard Steel?

P20 High Hard is an improved version of standard P20 tool steel, supplied at higher hardness levels (typically 30–36 HRC). It offers better wear resistance and durability, reducing the need for heat treatment after machining.

Key Features of P20 High Hard Steel

• Pre-hardened condition for direct machining
• High hardness (approx. 30–36 HRC)
• Excellent polishability for smooth surface finish
• Good wear resistance and toughness
• Uniform microstructure for precision applications

Applications of P20 High Hard Steel

P20 High Hard is widely used in:

• Plastic injection moulds
• Die casting dies
• Automotive mould components
• Mould bases and holders
• Industrial tooling and fixtures

Benefits of Using P20 High Hard Steel

• Reduces production time due to pre-hardened condition
• Improves mould life and performance
• Ensures consistent surface finish in moulded products
• Easy machining and maintenance
• Cost-effective solution for tooling industries

Why Choose P20 High Hard?

P20 High Hard is preferred in modern manufacturing because it combines strength, durability, and machinability in one material. It is ideal for industries requiring high precision and long-lasting mould performance.

What is P20 High Hard Steel?

P20 High Hard is a chrome-moly alloy tool steel specifically designed for machined mold cavities and tooling components. Unlike standard annealed steels, P20 High Hard is delivered in a fully quenched and tempered condition.

The Pre-Hardened Advantage

Because it is pre-hardened, it can be machined straight out of the box into complex mold profiles. This eliminates the need for post-machining heat treatment, completely bypassing the risks of thermal distortion, micro-cracking, or dimensional warping.

Technical Specifications & Properties

The uniform cleanliness and balanced composition of P20 High Hard ensure that its high hardness is distributed evenly across large cross-sections.

1. Chemical Composition

The addition of Chromium and Molybdenum provides superior deep-hardening capabilities and excellent wear resistance:

2. Hardness Levels

While standard P20 steel typically registers around 28–32 HRC (approx. 300 BHN), P20 High Hard variants undergo advanced refining and melting practices to reach an elevated supply hardness of 352 to 461 BHN (approx. 37 to 48 HRC).

3. Mechanical Properties

• Tensile Strength: 965 – 1030 MPa
• Yield Strength: 827 – 862 MPa
• Thermal Conductivity: ~41.5 W/m·K
• Machinability: Retains 60–65% machinability compared to a 1% carbon steel, making it highly workable despite its elevated hardness.

Major Applications of P20 High Hard Steel

Thanks to its versatility, exceptional core strength, and high polishability, P20 High Hard is widely implemented across the automotive, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing sectors.

• Plastic Injection Molds: Perfect for complex mold cavities, long production runs, and compression molding.
• Die Casting Dies: Regularly utilized for low-temperature zinc die-casting forces and mold bases.
• Tooling & Structural Components: Ideal for heavy-duty mold frames, bolsters, backers, die holders, wear strips, and high-tensile shafts.
• Premium Mirror Polishing: Its ultra-clean internal structure allows it to achieve an incredibly high-gloss, streak-free surface finish—essential for lens molds and clear plastic parts.

Global Equivalent Grades

Depending on your supply chain and manufacturing location, P20 High Hard Steel corresponds to the following international designations:

• USA (ASTM): AISI P20
• Germany (DIN EN ISO):2311 / 3Cr2Mo
• Advanced Variant (with Added Nickel):2738 / P20+Ni (for optimal through-hardness in extra-large blocks exceeding 400mm).

Processing and Tooling Tips

Pro-Tip on Machining: When cutting pre-hardened P20 High Hard steel, use high-quality carbide or coated tooling to optimize cutting speeds and maximize tool life. Keep chip removal efficient to avoid localized work hardening.

Surface Treatments

If your application demands extreme surface durability against abrasive plastics, P20 High Hard responds beautifully to nitriding or carburizing. These surface treatments drastically increase surface hardness while leaving the core tough and shatter-resistant.

Can P20 High Hard steel be welded?

Yes. P20 High Hard steel features good weldability. However, to minimize the risk of localized hard spots or cracking, traditional tooling practices require proper preheating before welding and a subsequent stress-relieving process.

Partner with an Expert Tool Steel Supplier

Ready to elevate your tooling precision and mold longevity? We supply premium-grade, thoroughly tested P20 High Hard Steel in flats, rounds, and custom cut-to-size blocks.

Contact our engineering team today for technical support, current pricing, or a custom quote!

Conclusion

P20 High Hard Steel is a reliable choice for high-performance mould and die applications. Its superior hardness, excellent machinability, and long service life make it a standard material in the tooling and plastic moulding industry.