Description
P20 steel plates, DIN 1.2738 Steel supplier in India
Milano Special Steel is a leading P20 steel plates/ DIN 1.2738 Steel/ P20 material supplier and stockist of P20 Steel Plates, DIN 1.2738 Steel, and premium mold and die materials in India. With over five decades of experience, we deliver high-quality plates and rounds, cut-to-size processing, and nationwide distribution at competitive prices.
Why P20 steel plates and DIN 1.2738 Steel
P20 Steel Plates, DIN 1.2738 Steel are the global benchmarks for pre-hardened plastic mold and die applications. Their balanced composition delivers an exceptional blend of machinability, polishability, toughness, and through-hardness, making them ideal for plastic injection molds, blow molds, die holders, and aluminum die casting tooling. DIN 1.2738 Steel enhances the P20 family with Ni additions for thicker sections and improved toughness, while ESR/premium variants, such as LUCCHINI 2738 and MD Xtra, improve cleanliness, polish, and consistency for demanding mold finishes.
About Milano Special Steel
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Established in 1972 with 50+ years in mold and die steels.
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Top importer and supplier of P20 Steel Plates, DIN 1.2738 Steel, and premium brand equivalents.
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Extensive stock in plates and rounds, including ESR and premium variants.
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In-house cutting, saw processing, slab-sizing, hardness verification, and documentation with heat/lot traceability.
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Pan-India supply network serving OEMs, mold makers, die makers, and precision engineering.
What we stock
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P20 steel plates (AISI P20 / DIN 1.2311 / 1.2312)
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DIN 1.2738 Steel (W. Nr. 1.2738 / 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4)
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Premium/ESR variants: LUCCHINI 2738, MD®Xtra, and comparable high-purity grades
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Rounds, plates, block sizes, mold bases, and slab sizes
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Pre-hardened (typ. 28–36 HRC depending on grade) and annealed options
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Free-machining P20 variants (sulfurized 1.2312) for productivity
Applications
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Plastic injection molds and mold bases
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Blow molds and extrusion dies
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Aluminum die casting and pressure die casting tooling
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Die holders, backing plates, bolster plates
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Plastic mold frames and components
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Sheet metal cutting fixtures and precision jigs
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Automotive interior and exterior trim tooling
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Consumer goods, packaging, medical device housings, and complex cavity molds
Technical overview: P20 Steel Plates vs DIN 1.2738 Steel
Use this high-level comparison to choose the right grade for your mold or die application.
| Attribute | P20 (1.2311/1.2312) | DIN 1.2738 (W. Nr. 1.2738) | P20HH/Premium | MD®Xtra / LUCCHINI 2738 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical condition | Pre-hardened | Pre-hardened | Higher hardness pre-hard | Premium pre-hard (often ESR) |
| Nominal hardness | 28–34 HRC | 30–36 HRC | 34–38 HRC | 30–36 HRC (high cleanliness) |
| Key alloying | Cr-Mn-Mo | Cr-Mn-Ni-Mo | Cr-Mn-Mo | Cr-Mn-Ni-Mo (premium) |
| Nickel content | ~0% | ~0.9–1.2% Ni | ~0% | ~1% Ni (typical) |
| Through-thickness | Good up to medium | Excellent for thick sections | Good | Excellent, uniform |
| Machinability | Very good (1.2312 best) | Very good | Good | Very good |
| Polishability | Good | Very good | Very good | Excellent (ESR-grade) |
| Texturing/EDM repair | Good | Very good | Very good | Excellent |
| Typical uses | Standard molds, frames | Large molds, high toughness | Longer life molds | High-cosmetic molds, large blocks |
Standards and equivalents
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AISI/SAE: P20
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DIN/EN: 1.2311 (40CrMnMo7), 1.2312 (40CrMnMoS8-6), 1.2738 (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4)
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W. Nr.: 1.2738
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DIN EN ISO 4957: 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 (also written as 40CrMnNiMo8.6.4)
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Brand examples: LUCCHINI 2738, MD®Xtra, and other premium ESR variants
Chemical composition (typical)
These are typical ranges for guidance; actual mill certificates govern the precise composition of each heat.
| Element | P20 (1.2311) | P20 FM (1.2312) | DIN 1.2738 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.38–0.42% | 0.35–0.45% | 0.38–0.45% |
| Si | 0.20–0.80% | 0.20–0.80% | 0.20–0.80% |
| Mn | 1.45–1.65% | 1.40–1.60% | 1.30–1.60% |
| Cr | 1.80–2.10% | 1.80–2.10% | 1.80–2.20% |
| Mo | 0.15–0.30% | 0.15–0.30% | 0.25–0.35% |
| Ni | — | — | 0.90–1.20% |
| S | ≤0.035% | 0.07–0.12% (FM) | ≤0.035% |
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1.2312 is a free-machining P20 variant with added sulfur for higher machining productivity.
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1.2738’s Ni addition improves toughness and through-hardness for larger cross-sections, making it the go-to for thick mold blocks.
Mechanical properties (typical)
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Hardness delivered: P20 ~28–34 HRC; DIN 1.2738 ~30–36 HRC; premium/P20HH variants may be higher depending on mill.
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Tensile strength: approximately 900–1200 MPa in pre-hardened condition, varies with hardness and section.
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Charpy V-notch impact: improved in 1.2738 due to Ni; actual values depend on section and heat treatment.
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Through-hardness: 1.2738 exhibits more uniform hardness in thick sections.
Heat treatment and processing
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Annealing: 1.2738 and P20 can be supplied annealed (~HB 180–230) for extensive machining and then hardened.
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Hardening: Austenitize at around 830–870°C, then quench in oil or polymer, and temper to the target hardness. Pre-hardened supply eliminates this step for many molds.
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Tempering: Select based on desired hardness and toughness; multiple tempering cycles are recommended after EDM.
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Stress relieving: After heavy machining, stress relieve around 550–650°C to minimize distortion.
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Nitriding: Excellent for wear resistance; produces a hard surface with a rigid core. Common in high-cycle molds.
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PVD/CVD: Surface coatings (TiN, TiCN, DLC) used for wear and release optimization.
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EDM: Follow with stress-relief tempering and re-polishing for optimal fatigue life.
Machinability and polishability
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P20 (1.2311/1.2312) is known for high machinability, allowing faster feeds and reduced tool wear. 1.2312 (sulfurized) is specifically designed for superior machining throughput.
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DIN 1.2738 machines cleanly and finishes to a high polish due to improved cleanliness and Ni toughness.
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ESR/premium variants, such as MD Xtra and LUCCHINI 2738, provide best-in-class polishability for high-gloss mold surfaces and delicate textures.
Advantages of Milano Special Steel
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Wide thickness range: thin plates to large blocks for big molds.
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Pre-hardened and annealed availability with consistent hardness across thickness.
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Professional plate cutting, bandsaw cutting, and slab squaring with tight tolerances.
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Ultrasonically tested materials, hardness checks, and heat/lot traceability.
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Ready-to-ship inventory for urgent mold refurbishments.
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Competitive pricing and rapid dispatch as a top P20 material supplier in India.
Industries served
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Plastic mold production (injection and blow molding)
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Aluminum die casting and pressure die casting tool makers
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Automotive interior/exterior mold tooling
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Consumer electronics and appliance molds
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Packaging molds (caps, closures, containers)
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Sheet metal cutting and precision tool making
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Forging and general engineering applications requiring pre-hardened mold steels
Service geography
We operate from hubs in Gurugram, Kundli, Sonipat, Manesar, Bawal, Bhiwadi, Dharuhera, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and serve every state and union territory in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and industrial hubs like Bangalore, Pune, Surat, and beyond.
Forms and sizes
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Plates: wide thickness range suitable for mold bases, blocks, inserts
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Round bars and forged rounds for cores and pins
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Large blocks for automotive bumper and dashboard molds (1.2738 preferred)
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Cut-to-size services for custom mold layouts and rapid prototyping
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Surface ground options on request, with flatness/tolerance discussions at RFQ
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MTRs and UT reports were provided where applicable
Choosing P20 vs 1.2738
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Small to medium molds: P20 (1.2311/1.2312) is an efficient, economical, and highly machinable material.
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Large molds and thick sections: DIN 1.2738 Steel is the smart choice due to Ni-assisted through-hardness and toughness.
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High-cosmetic parts: Premium ESR options, such as MD Xtra or LUCCHINI 2738, offer superior polish and texturing results.
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Highest machining productivity: 1.2312 (P20 FM) saves time and tool costs for complex multi-cavity molds.
Typical hardness windows
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P20 (standard pre-hard): 28–34 HRC
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DIN 1.2738 Steel: 30–36 HRC
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P20HH/premium: 34–38 HRC (depending on mill and spec)
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Surface nitrided layer: up to ~900–1100 HV on the case, thickness per process
Quality assurance
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Each heat/lot is traceable with original mill certificates.
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Hardness verification is available upon delivery and after the material has been cut.
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UT testing for critical blocks and large sections.
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Dimensional inspection and packing for safe transit across India.
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Experienced team advising on grade and processing for your application.
Brand and equivalency confidence
We support widely recognized brand variants in the P20/1.2738 family, including LUCCHINI 2738 and MD®Xtra, along with equivalent ESR and premium lines from reputable mills. Our team can recommend the optimal make for your finish, size, and budget targets, ensuring the best balance of polishability, toughness, and machinability.
Common use cases we support
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High-volume packaging molds with fast cycles
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Automotive bumper, grille, and dashboard molds in large block 1.2738
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Multi-cavity caps/closures requiring excellent polish and texture consistency
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Aluminum die casting dies and holders for dimensional stability
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General-purpose mold bases, ejector plates, and inserts in P20 steel plates
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EDM-intensive cavities with post-EDM temper and re-polish schedules
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Nitrided molds for extended wear life on sliding components
Processing recommendations
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Roughing: Use high-efficiency milling with proper coolant; 1.2312 allows increased rates.
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Semi-finishing: Leave adequate stock for stress relief and final skim.
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Stress relief: After heavy roughing to reduce distortion in finishing.
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EDM: Temper after EDM to restore toughness; re-polish if needed to avoid micro-cracks.
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Polishing: Step through grits carefully; premium ESR variants, like MD Xtra, excel here.
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Nitriding: Mask areas not to be nitrided; verify case depth for functional surfaces.
RFQ checklist
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Grade choice: P20 (1.2311/1.2312), DIN 1.2738 Steel, ESR variant (e.g., LUCCHINI 2738, MD®Xtra)
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Condition: Pre-hardened, annealed, or premium hardness window
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Dimensions: Plate or round sizes, block dimensions, and tolerances
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Testing: UT level, hardness requirements, additional QA
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Finish: As-cut, ground, or special surface finish
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Application: Injection, blow, or die casting; expected polish level or texturing
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Delivery: Location, deadline, and packing preferences
Why choose Milano Special Steel
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Extensive inventory of P20 Steel Plates and DIN 1.2738 Steel in multiple sizes
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Competitive pricing as a top P20 material supplier with strong import channels
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Fast turnarounds with cut-to-size and logistics across India
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Technical guidance to reduce lead time and tooling costs
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Consistent quality that mold makers trust for repeatability and uptime
FAQs
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What is the difference between P20 and DIN 1.2738 Steel?
DIN 1.2738 contains approximately 1% Ni, which improves toughness and through-hardness in thick sections, making it more suitable for large molds. P20 is an excellent, economical choice for small to medium molds, with 1.2312 offering high machinability. -
Is P20 suitable for aluminum and pressure die casting tooling?
Yes. P20 and 1.2738 are used for die holders, bolster plates, and some die components. For high-temperature die casting surfaces, hot work steels such as H13 are commonly used, but P20 is widely employed in support tooling. -
Can P20 and 1.2738 be nitrided?
Yes. Both grades respond well to nitriding, improving wear resistance and release properties while preserving the rigid core. -
Are ESR grades worth it?
For high-gloss finishes, delicate textures, and large polished surfaces, ESR variants such as MD®Xtra or LUCCHINI 2738 provide superior cleanliness and polishability, reducing rework and improving cosmetic outcomes. -
What hardness should I choose?
Most molds run effectively in the 30–36 HRC range. Choose a higher hardness within that window for wear resistance, and lower for increased toughness. The Premium P20HH may be selected for a longer service life. -
Do you supply custom-cut pieces?
Yes. We supply cut pieces in custom sizes, with tight tolerances. Optional surface grinding is available upon request. -
Do you ship pan-India?
Yes. We ship from our NCR hubs to all Indian states and union territories, including key industrial cities like Bangalore, Pune, and Surat.
Industries and case advantages
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Automotive molds: Use DIN 1.2738 Steel for large fascia with uniform hardness; upgrade to premium ESR for mirror finishes.
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Packaging molds: P20 Steel (DIN 1.2312) enhances machining throughput for multi-cavity tools, thereby shortening lead times.
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Consumer electronics: MD Xtra-level polish enhances high-gloss housings and minimizes surface defects.
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General engineering: P20 steel plates are a robust and economical choice for fixtures and wear-resistant applications.
Our promise as a P20 material supplier
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Genuine, traceable materials
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Competitive pricing and stable availability
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Expert guidance on grade selection, heat treatment, and finishing
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Dependable logistics and after-sales support
Key phrases to guide your selection
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p20 Steel Plates for plastic mold bases and inserts
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DIN 1.2738 Steel for large mold blocks with superior toughness
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W. Nr. 1.2738 premium blocks for thick sections
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MD®Xtra and LUCCHINI 2738 for high-polish molds
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DIN EN ISO 4957 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 compliance for consistent properties
Ordering and lead times
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Rapid quotes with detailed breakdowns for grade, size, and testing
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Ready stock for standard sizes; fast procurement for specials
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Flexible MOQs for both wholesale and retail customers
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Careful packaging to protect finished faces and edges
Value adds
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Technical consultation on grade and condition
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Post-EDM recommendations and polishing guidance
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Nitriding and coating advisory
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Alternative grade suggestions for hot runner plates, ejector plates, and cores
Summary for buyers
If you are searching for a reliable P20 material supplier for P20 Steel Plates or premium DIN 1.2738 Steel, Milano Special Steel delivers the exact balance of quality, availability, and price. From standard P20 (1.2311/1.2312) to W. Nr. 1.2738 and top-tier ESR variants like MD Xtra and LUCCHINI 2738, we provide materials that machine cleanly, finish to a high polish, and withstand demanding production cycles. Our cut-to-size service, strong logistics, and nationwide network ensure that your mold projects stay on schedule and within budget.
Get a quote
Share the grade, dimensions, required hardness, application, and delivery location, and our team will respond with the best price and the fastest feasible lead time. Whether you need a single block for an urgent mold repair or a full bill of materials for a new tool build, we are ready to support you across India.






