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P20 vs H13 — Best Choice for Long-Run Plastic Moulds Plastic Mould Steel · Grade Comparison · Virat Special Steels
A practical, application-first guide for mould makers, tool rooms, and procurement teams choosing between two most popular plastic mould steel grades.
Choosing the wrong mould steel doesn’t just cost money — it costs production runs, surface finish quality, and mould life. Here’s how to pick the right one.
At a Glance: P20 vs H13
The table below gives a side-by-side view of both grades across the most critical properties mould buyers evaluate:
| P20 Steel Pre-hardened Mould Steel | H13 Steel Hot Work Tool Steel |
|---|---|
| Hardness 28–34 HRC (pre-hardened) | Hardness 44–52 HRC |
| Toughness High | Toughness Very High |
| Polishability Good | Polishability Excellent |
| Machinability Excellent | Machinability Moderate |
| Mould Life Up to 5,00,000 shots | Mould Life 10,00,000+ shots |
| Heat Treatment Not required | Heat Treatment Required (vacuum) |
| Tool Cost Lower | Tool Cost Higher |
| Lead Time Short | Lead Time Longer |
Detailed Property Comparison
| Property | P20 Steel | H13 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness after HT | 28–34 HRC (pre-hardened) | 44–52 HRC |
| Wear Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Toughness | High | Very High |
| Machinability | Excellent (no HT needed) | Moderate (HT required) |
| Thermal Fatigue Resistance | Low | Very High |
| Tool Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Lead Time | Short (ready to machine) | Longer (HT required) |
| Mould Life | Up to 5,00,000 shots | 10,00,000+ shots |
| Corrosion Resistance | Low | Moderate |
Which Steel is Best for Long-Run Moulds?
✅ Choose P20 if:
· Production volume is moderate
· Budget is limited
· Faster delivery is required
· Plastic material is non-abrasive
✅ Choose H13 if:
· Production volume is very high
· You need long mould life
· Material is abrasive or high temperature
· Dimensional stability is critical
| Which Grade Should You Pick? P20 for speed & cost · H13 for volume & finish |
If you need a mould quickly, at a lower cost, for regular plastics and medium production, go with P20.But if you’re producing in high volumes, using abrasive or glass-filled materials, or need a long-lasting, mirror-finish mould (over 10 lakh shots), choose H13.
Industry Applications in India
Both P20 and H13 are widely used across India’s plastics and automotive tooling industry. Here’s where each grade dominates:
| Industry | Recommended Grade | Reason |
| Automotive | H13 | High volume, tight tolerances, long mould life |
| Consumer Appliances | P20 | Medium run, cost-sensitive, faster delivery |
| Packaging (Caps & Closures) | H13 | Very high shot count, abrasion resistance |
| Electronics Housing | P20 / H13 | Depends on run volume and finish requirements |
| Medical Device Components | H13 (ESR Grade) | Mirror finish, cleanliness, long run |
| Soft Tooling | P20 | Quick machining, lower cost, short lead time |
Conclusion
Both P20 and H13 have their place in mould manufacturing—but the choice depends on your production goals:
· P20 = Cost-effective + faster production
· H13 = Long life + high performance
Sourcing P20 and H13 in India
Virat Special Steels stocks both P20 and H13 in ready inventory — supplied with full mill test certificates, hardness test reports, and chemical analysis. Available in round bars, flat bars, and pre-machined blocks across a wide size range.
| Need P20 or H13 for Your Next Mould? Get a fast quote — certified stock, ready to dispatch across India |
Contact our team to get more details about available sizes and technical specifications suitable for your applications.
https://www.viratsteels.com/products.html info@viratsteels.com
+91 98140-21775
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better for long-run plastic moulds, P20 or H13?
H13 — higher hardness, wear resistance, and heat tolerance make it ideal for long runs.
2. What is the difference between P20 and H13?
P20: Pre-hardened, easier to machine, lower cost — best for short/medium runs. H13: Heat-treated, stronger, better for high-temp and high-volume applications.
3. Is H13 worth the higher cost?
Yes — for high-volume production, H13 delivers better ROI over time.
4. When should you choose P20 over H13?
When volume is low/medium, budget is tight, or faster machining/delivery is needed.
5. Which is better for high-temperature injection molding?
H13 — superior thermal fatigue resistance handles higher temps without deformation.
6. Can P20 be used for long-run moulds?
Yes, but it wears faster with abrasive materials and isn’t ideal for very long runs.
7. Which industries prefer H13?
Automotive, electronics, and high-volume packaging — anywhere durability matters.
8. What’s the cost difference?
P20: Lower upfront. H13: Higher initial cost, but better long-term value.
9. Best steel for 1 million cycle production?
H13 — built to withstand extended wear, heat, and stress over massive run counts.
Exploring the top quality Plastic Mold Steel Supplier in India?
Are you looking for quality Plastic Mold Steel in India?
When it comes to molding dreams, Virat Special Steels doesn’t just offer steel—it crafts possibilities!
Virat Special Steels is a reputable supplier, and they’ve got some interesting offerings. Specifically, let’s talk about DIN 1.2738, also known as DIN 2738 Mould Steel or Plastic Mould Steel 1.2738.
DIN 2738 is the go-to choice for the plastic mold industry, especially when dealing with those big, beefy steel mold components. It’s like the reliable friend who handles high-temperature settings and tough mechanical conditions without breaking a sweat.
DIN 1.2738 is specially designed for plastic injection die molds. It boasts some cool features: excellent sharpening properties, photo-etching capabilities, high purity, and good homogeneity. Think of it as an upgraded version of plastic mold steel 2311, which usually comes in a pre-hardened condition. In that state, its hardness ranges from 280 to 320 HB (that’s on the Brinell scale). The secret sauce? An extra 1% nickel content that enhances through-hardening.
High Hard Version (HXM 24): Now, if you’re looking for something with a bit more oomph, consider the modified version of 2738. It’s like the rockstar sibling—DIN 2738 High Hard. This one cranks up the hardness to a whopping 360-400 BHN (that’s Brinell Hardness Number). They’ve thrown in some extra alloy elements to give it extra life and outstanding polishing capabilities. Imagine your mold components gleaming like they’re ready for a red carpet event!
Application:
DIN 2738 tool steel is the go-to choice for the plastic mold industry, especially when dealing with large steel mold components. It’s often provided pre-hardened and tempered, sitting pretty in the 280-320 HB hardness range. Why? Because it can handle high-temperature settings and tough mechanical conditions like a champ. Plus, it’s got better polishability than its cousin, 1.2312 (AISI P20+S), and plays nice with machining.
Steel Properties:
– Tensile Strength: 850 MPa – 1100 MPa
– Yield Strength: 770 MPa – 980 MPa
– Hardness: 235 HB
– Elongation: 13% – 16%
– Impact Toughness: 20 J/cm² – 42 J/cm²
– Modulus of Elasticity: 205 x 10³ N/mm²
Virat Special Steels offers Plastic Mold Steel (High Hard) with a hardness range of 410-429 BHN. They also provide Modified 2738 (HH) steel, specifically designed for plastic mold manufacturers. These steels are suitable for applications requiring high hardness and durability, making them ideal for creating molds that withstand significant wear and tear during the molding process.
It’s got better polishability than its cousin, 1.2312 (AISI P20+S). So, whether you’re molding plastic widgets or creating intricate shapes, DIN 2738 has your back like a trusty sidekick.
To get detailed Modified 2738 (HH) steel industrial grade steels, visit the website – www.viratsteels.com
Any further queries feel free to contact us :
Email: info@viratsteels.com or Call: +91 98140 21775
We Provide our Special Steels in All Cities in India:
- Agra, Alwar, Ambala, Anand, Bhiwadi, Dehradun,
- Ghaziabad, Haridwar, Rudrapur, Delhi, Faridabad,
- Kanpur, Noida, Gurgaon, Manesar, Kundali,Chandigarh,
- Waluj , Vadodara, Pimpri – Chinchwad, Rajkot, Jaipur,
- Ahmedabad, Pithampur, Surat, Amravati, Vadodara,
- Indore, Bhopal, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Howrah,Kolkata,
- Pune, Thane, Nashik, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur,
- Ambattur, Bangalore, Belgaum, Chittoor, Dindigul,
- Hyderabad, Ernakulam, Chennai, Secunderabad,
- Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Mysore, Nellore, Kochi,
- Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum, Vijayawada, Guntur,
- Tirupati, Nazarathpet, Kakinada, Kurnool and many
Are you looking for high quality Plastic Mold Steel material in India?
Look no further than VIRAT SPECIAL STEELS PVT. LIMITED , INDIA. We are one of the leading suppliers and stockists of P20+Ni Steel / DIN 2738/ and P20/ DIN 2311 Steel in India and abroad.
DIN 2738 is a premium mold steel that offers excellent polishability, wear resistance, and toughness, making it ideal for a wide range of tooling applications. DIN 2738 or P20+Ni is a specially designed mold steel with improved toughness and excellent machinability compared to standard P20 grades.
Chemical Composition:
Carbon (C): 0.35-0.45%, Manganese (Mn): 1.30-1.60%, Silicon (Si): 0.20-0.40%, Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.030%, Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.030%, Chromium (Cr): 1.80-2.10%, Nickel (Ni): 0.90-1.20%, Molybdenum (Mo): 0.15-0.25%
Application:
DIN 2738 / DIN 2311 is applicable for large & small plastic mould dies for Automotive Industries, Dies for Domestic goods , High finishing plastic Die, Boaster Plates of Presses, Die Holders & Shoe blocks for drop Hammers, Press Cassettes , Upsetter Blocker, forging dies, Different dies & mold for plastic products etc.
At Virat Special Steels, we provide DIN 2738 / DIN 2311 in round bar and flat bar blocks in different sizes and conditions to meet your specific requirements. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with any queries you have about DIN 2738 steel.
Learn more: https://www.viratsteels.com/din-2738.html
Contact us today to buy the best quality DIN 2738 steel for your tooling needs!
🌐https://www.viratsteels.com 📬 info@viratsteels.com ☎+91 98140-21775
Are you looking for the premium quality Plastic Mold Steel in India ?
Discover the unparalleled quality and reliability of DIN 1.2738 steel with Virat Special Steels, the largest stockiest and supplier of this exceptional material in flat, square, and round bar forms.
DIN 1.2738 is specially used for Plastic injection die moulds.
The characteristics of a material are right sharpening, photo-etching properties with high purity and good homogeneity. DIN 2738 is upgraded version of plastic mold steel of 2311, which normally supply in Pre hardened condition. Hardness in as supplied condition 280-320 HB with having uniform hardness. The additional nickel content of 1 % increases through hardening. It has good machinability, suitable for Texturing, fine polishability, adequate corrosion resistance, vacuum-degassed steel.
Applications where you can use, DIN 2738 is applicable for large & small plastic mould dies for Automotive Industries, Dies for Domestic goods, High finishing plastic Die, Boaster Plates of Presses, Die Holders & Shoe blocks for drop Hammers, Press Cassettes , Up setter Blocker, forging dies, Different dies & mold for plastic products etc.
Our commitment to providing top-notch steel in all sizes tailored to your requirements sets us apart. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the features, applications, and benefits of DIN 1.2738 die steel, available in flat, square, and round shapes.
Trust Virat Special Steels as your partner in achieving precision and strength with DIN 1.2738 steel. Our expert team is ready to assist you with any queries related to DIN 1.2738 steel – your gateway to precision engineering. Virat Special Steels‘ commitment to quality. Certifications and standards met by DIN 1.2738 steel.
For more information visit
https://www.viratsteels.com/plastic-mould-steel.html
Any further queries feel free to contact us :
Email: info@viratsteels.com or Call: +91 98140 21775