1.2311 / P20 / HPM7 steel round bar

 Introduction

Low-carbon mold steels or group P steels are of different types that include P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P20, and P21 steels. Chromium and nickel are the main alloying elements found in group P steels. P20 tool steels are nitrided or carburized. These steels are capable of being machined into complex and large dies and molds. P20 steels are mostly used in the carburized condition. The presence of chromium and nickel enhances the toughness and hardness of P20 steels.P20 tool steels are used for low temperature applications that include injection molds and die casting dies.

Size range and delivery condition

Chemical Composition(%)

Other Designations

Physical Properties

Mechanical Properties

Thermal Properties

Fabrication and Heat Treatment

Heat Treatment

P20 tool steels are heated to 871-899°C (1600-1650°F) in the carburizing medium during the carburizing process. After being carburized, these steels are heated to 816-871°C (1500-1600°F) in order to be hardened and then held for 15 minutes and finally oil quenched.

Tempering

P20 tool steels are tempered at 482-593°C (900 to 1100°F) for a Rockwell C hardness of 37 to 28.

Annealing

Annealing takes place at 760-788°C (1400 to 1450°F) and then the steels are cooled slowly in the furnace at a temperature less than 4°C (40°F) per hour.

Welding

Conventional methods are used for welding of P20 tool steels.

Forging

P20 tool steels are forged at 1093°C (2000°F) down to 899°C (1650°F). Forging below 871°C (1600°F) is not recommended for these steels.

Forming

P20 tool steels can be readily formed by conventional methods in the annealed condition.ds.

Machinability

P20 tool steels have excellent machinability at about 80% that of water hardening steels.