P20 Steel Chemical Composition DIN 1.2311 Steel, DIN 1.2738 Steel

A detailed comparison of the chemical compositions for P20 Steel, DIN 1.2311, DIN 1.2312, DIN 1.2738, DIN 1.2085, DIN 1.2316+S, DIN 1.2316, DIN 1.2083, and AISI 420S shows that each grade’s alloy balance is purpose-built, leading to distinct outcomes in machinability, achievable hardness, polishability, and corrosion resistance.

DIN 1.2311 and DIN 1.2312 are P20-type prehardened plastic mould steels engineered for good machinability and dimensional stability; 1.2312 typically includes controlled sulfur to further enhance machinability, with a modest trade-off in ultimate mirror polish and notch toughness. DIN 1.2738 is a nickel-modified P20 variant designed for larger moulds, offering more uniform through-section hardness and improved core strength with reliable polishability.

DIN 1.2085 is a prehardened corrosion-resistant mould steel often tailored for better machinability (commonly using sulfur), making it a practical choice for mould bases, cores, and textured finishes, though it is less suited to extreme mirror gloss. DIN 1.2316 and DIN 1.2316+S are martensitic stainless mould steels that combine higher chromium with molybdenum for robust resistance to rust and staining—ideal for water-cooled tools and mildly corrosive polymers; the +S variant improves cutting performance but can slightly limit the highest-gloss finishes. DIN 1.2083 is a high-chromium martensitic stainless grade known for excellent corrosion resistance and high-gloss polishability, especially when supplied in ESR-refined form. AISI 420S (sulfurized 420) retains stainless corrosion resistance while delivering improved machinability versus standard 420, making it suitable for components where fine finishes are required without the most demanding mirror requirements.

Within this group, DIN 1.2085, DIN 1.2316+S, DIN 1.2316, DIN 1.2083, and AISI 420S are particularly recognized for strong corrosion resistance. These grades achieve their best long-term durability when finished to a high-quality polish and maintained properly, as smooth surfaces help sustain the protective passive layer and reduce the risk of staining, pitting, and corrosion under production conditions.

Because composition windows, cleanliness levels (including ESR options), and supply conditions vary by standard and mill practice, always refer to the applicable DIN/EN or AISI/ASTM specifications and verify details with your supplier’s datasheets and Mill Test Certificates for precise chemistry limits and the exact condition of supply.

The chemical compositions of DIN 1.2311, DIN 1.2312, DIN 1.2738, DIN 1.2085, DIN 1.2316+S, DIN 1.2316, DIN 1.2083, and AISI 420S differ by grade, resulting in distinct performance in machinability, hardness, polishability, and corrosion resistance. In particular, DIN 1.2085, DIN 1.2316+S, DIN 1.2316, DIN 1.2083, and AISI 420S are well known for strong corrosion resistance and achieve their best durability when finished to a high-quality polish. For exact composition limits and supply conditions, always refer to the applicable standards and your supplier’s specifications or Mill Test Certificates.

The chemical compositions of widely used plastic mould and corrosion‑resistant tool steels—DIN 1.2311, DIN 1.2312, DIN 1.2738, DIN 1.2085, DIN 1.2316+S, DIN 1.2316, DIN 1.2083, and AISI 420S—are intentionally different, and those differences drive distinct performance in hardenability, polishability, machinability, and corrosion resistance.

DIN 1.2311 and DIN 1.2312 are P20‑type prehardened mould steels designed for good machinability and dimensional stability; 1.2312 typically contains controlled sulfur additions to further improve machinability, with a modest trade‑off in mirror polish capability and notch toughness. DIN 1.2738 is a nickel‑modified P20 variant preferred for larger moulds because its chemistry supports more uniform through‑section hardness and better core strength.

DIN 1.2085 is a prehardened, corrosion‑resistant mould steel formulated for improved machinability (often via sulfur), making it suitable for mould bases and textured finishes, though it is less ideal for ultra‑high gloss. DIN 1.2316 and DIN 1.2316+S are martensitic stainless mould steels that combine higher chromium and molybdenum for robust corrosion resistance in water‑cooled tools and mildly corrosive polymers; the +S grade enhances machining efficiency but can slightly reduce ultimate surface finish compared with low‑sulfur variants. DIN 1.2083 is a high‑chromium martensitic stainless grade known for excellent corrosion resistance and high‑gloss polishability, especially in ESR‑refined versions. AISI 420S (sulfurized 420) maintains stainless corrosion resistance while improving machinability versus standard 420, making it practical for mould components where a fine—but not extreme mirror—finish is acceptable.

Grades such as DIN 1.2085, DIN 1.2316+S, DIN 1.2316, DIN 1.2083, and AISI 420S are particularly valued for superior corrosion resistance, and they achieve their best long‑term durability when paired with high‑quality polished surfaces and proper maintenance, which helps sustain a protective passive layer and resist staining or pitting.

Because exact chemistry windows, cleanliness (including ESR options), and producer practices vary by standard and mill, always consult the relevant DIN/EN, AISI/ASTM, or JIS specifications and verify with supplier datasheets and Mill Test Certificates for precise composition limits and condition of supply.