
Product Description
P20+S Tool Steel | 1.2312 Mold Steel Plate for Plastic Injection Molds
1.2312 tool steel, also known as P20+S, is a high-quality plastic mold steel developed from 1.2311 by enhancing its machinability. It is alloyed with chromium, manganese, and molybdenum, and contains a higher sulfur content (0.05-0.10%), which significantly improves its cutting performance-offering up to 30% faster milling and 300% faster drilling speeds compared to conventional mold steels.
Typically supplied in a pre-hardened condition with a uniform hardness of 280-320 HB, DIN 1.2312 offers excellent machinability, good toughness, stable dimensional performance, and strong wear resistance. These characteristics make it ideal for manufacturing high-precision plastic injection molds, mold bases, and other components requiring superior processing efficiency and durability.
We offer 1.2312 steel in forged blocks, plates, and customized sizes to meet your specific application needs.
Similar Grade
ZEICIN Grade |
AISI |
DIN |
GB |
France |
1.2312 |
P20+S |
40CrMnMoS8-6 |
- |
40CMD8S |
Main Chemical Composition%
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
Cr |
Mo |
V |
Ni |
0.35-0.45 |
0.30-0.50 |
1.40-1.60 |
≤0.03 |
0.05-0.1 |
1.80-2.00 |
0.15-0.25 |
- |
- |
1.2312 Steel Heat Treatment
1. Normalizing
Heating Temperature: 880 - 900°C
Cooling Method: Air cooling
Description: Normalizing refines the grain structure and improves mechanical properties, preparing the steel for further processing.
2. Annealing
Heating Temperature: 760 - 790°C
Cooling Method: Furnace cooling
Hardness after Annealing: Max 241 HB
Description: Annealing reduces hardness and improves machinability, making the material suitable for subsequent machining processes.
3. Quenching
Heating Temperature: 840 - 880°C
Cooling Method: Oil quenching is recommended
Hardness after Quenching: Up to 52 HRC
Description: Quenching increases the strength and hardness of the steel, ideal for applications requiring high wear resistance.
4. Tempering
Heating Temperature: 600 - 650°C
Cooling Method: Air cooling
Hardness after Tempering: 28 - 36 HRC
Description: Tempering relieves internal stresses from quenching and balances hardness with toughness, enhancing mold durability and service life.
Our Advantages




1. Outstanding Machinability and Cost Performance
High Processing Efficiency at Competitive Price
P20+S Tool Steel (DIN 1.2312 / 40CrMnMoS8-6) offers excellent machinability due to its added sulfur content (0.05-0.10%), making it 30% faster in milling and up to 300% faster in drilling compared to conventional mold steels. Combined with good toughness and wear resistance, it provides a cost-effective solution for plastic injection molds and mold bases, minimizing tool wear and machining time.
2. Pre-Hardened and Ready for Use
Stable Hardness, No Additional Heat Treatment Needed
1.2312 steel is typically supplied in a pre-hardened (quenched and tempered) condition with a hardness range of 280-320 HB. This eliminates the need for secondary heat treatment during mold manufacturing, ensuring consistent mechanical performance, reducing processing cycles, and improving production efficiency.
3. Reliable Product Quality
Strict Production and Dimensional Control
We implement rigorous quality control throughout the manufacturing process-from raw material selection to forging, machining, and inspection. This guarantees a uniform microstructure, excellent dimensional accuracy, and consistent hardness across batches, ensuring dependable performance in demanding molding environments.
Standard-Compliant Material
Our P20+S steel conforms to international standards such as DIN 1.2312 and AISI P20+S, making it suitable for global mold tooling supply chains, including applications in automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial components.
4. Technical Strength and Flexible Supply
Expertise in Mold Steel Manufacturing
With years of experience in tool steel production, we continue to refine our forging and heat treatment technologies to meet evolving market demands. Our team offers strong technical support to help you select and apply the most appropriate mold steel for your needs.
Customizable Forms and Treatments
We offer 1.2312 steel in round bars, flat bars, forged blocks, and precision-cut plates. Custom heat treatment, machining, and surface finish services are also available to match your project specifications.


Applications
P20+S Tool Steel | 1.2312 Mold Steel Plate - Applications
As a modified version of P20 with added sulfur content, DIN 1.2312 Tool Steel (P20+S) offers enhanced machinability while maintaining good toughness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. This makes it an ideal choice for various tooling and mold-based applications that require efficient machining and reliable durability.
Typical applications of 1.2312 / P20+S steel include:
-
Plastic Injection Molds
Suitable for core and cavity components in plastic injection molds, especially in medium- to large-sized tools where good machinability and consistent hardness are essential.
-
Die Casting Molds
Used for zinc and low-pressure aluminum die casting molds, benefiting from its high polishability, thermal stability, and wear resistance.
-
Mold Bases and Frames
Ideal for mold backers, bolsters, and mold frames that require dimensional stability and pre-hardened strength during high-volume production.
-
Tool Holders and Jigs
Common in fixture and jig construction, where stable hardness and machinability allow for precision manufacturing.
-
Base Plates and Assembling Parts
Extensively used for machine bases and structural components in tooling systems due to its reliable mechanical properties.
-
Hydroforming and Press Tools
Used in certain forming tool applications requiring moderate strength and toughness with ease of machining.
-
Plastic Processing Equipment
Components involved in shaping, forming, or guiding plastic materials, where dimensional accuracy and wear resistance are crucial.
DIN 1.2312 steel is especially favored in mold manufacturing due to its pre-hardened condition (280-320 HB), eliminating the need for heat treatment after machining and significantly reducing lead times.
Packaging & Shipping



FAQ
Q1: What are the advantages of P20+S Tool Steel (DIN 1.2312) over conventional mold steels?
A: DIN 1.2312 (P20+S) offers excellent machinability, good toughness, and uniform hardness in a pre-hardened condition. Compared to conventional mold steels, its added sulfur content significantly improves cutting performance-enabling 30% faster milling and up to 300% faster drilling. It also provides reliable wear resistance and dimensional stability, making it ideal for plastic injection molds, die casting molds, and mold bases.
Q2: What sizes and forms do you supply for P20+S Tool Steel (DIN 1.2312)?
A: We supply DIN 1.2312 (P20+S) in a variety of forms, including forged blocks, flat bars, round bars, and precision-cut plates. Custom sizes are available upon request to suit your mold tooling applications, whether for injection molds, frames, or base plates.
Q3: Do you offer customized solutions for DIN 1.2312 Tool Steel (P20+S)?
A: Yes, we offer tailor-made solutions including customized dimensions, heat treatment adjustments, pre-machining services, and surface finish options. Whether you need mold-ready plates or semi-finished components, we ensure optimized performance and reduced lead time.
Q4: How do you ensure consistent quality for DIN 1.2312 Tool Steel (P20+S)?
A: We maintain strict quality control throughout the entire production process-from raw material selection, forging, and heat treatment to final inspection. Each batch of 1.2312 steel is tested for mechanical properties, microstructure consistency, and dimensional accuracy, ensuring stable performance and long tool life in mold manufacturing.