InduSteel Rod/Bar,CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel Rod/Bar (300HB/30HRC)

InduSteel Rod CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel Rod (300HB/30HRC) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: InduSteel Rod CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel Rod (300HB/30HRC) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Industeel CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel (300HB/30HRC) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Technical Datasheet: Industeel CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel (300HB/30HRC)** --- ## **1. Product Overview** **Industeel CLC 1.2311** is a premium-grade, **prehardened, chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy mold steel** supplied in a ready-to-use condition with a hardness of approximately **300 HB (30 HRC)**. As a member of the "CLC" (Clean Low Carbon) family from Industeel (an ArcelorMittal company), this steel is characterized by its **excellent machinability, good polishability, and homogeneous microstructure** in the prehardened state. The "1.2311" designation follows the European Werkstoff number system, identifying it as a versatile plastic mold and die-casting steel. This material is specifically engineered to eliminate the need for heat treatment by mold makers, reducing lead times and avoiding the risks of distortion associated with quenching and tempering. Its balanced composition provides sufficient strength for most plastic injection molds and light-duty die-casting applications while maintaining outstanding processing characteristics. The prehardened condition (300HB) offers an optimal compromise between machinability and in-service performance. --- ## **2. Key International Standards & Designations** | Country/System | Standard Designation | Equivalent/Specification | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Europe (W-Nr.)** | **1.2311** | Standard grade designation | | **Europe (EN)** | **EN 1.2311** | Equivalent to former DIN 1.2311 | | **ISO** | **ISO 4957:2018** | **35CrMo2** (similar category) | | **USA (AISI/SAM)** | **P20 Modified** | Modified version of AISI P20 | | **Germany (DIN)** | **40CrMnNiMo8-6-4** | Chemical composition designation | | **Japan (JIS)** | **- -** | Similar to PDS5 or equivalent | | **China (GB)** | **3Cr2Mo** | Approximate equivalent | | **Common Names** | Prehardened P20, Plastic Mold Steel | - | **Note:** While often compared to AISI P20, CLC 1.2311 typically features slightly modified chemistry (often with nickel addition) for improved through-hardening characteristics and polishability in the prehardened state. --- ## **3. Chemical Composition (Typical %)** The composition is balanced for good hardenability, toughness, and polishability in the prehardened condition. | Element | Weight % (Typical) | Metallurgical Function | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.35 - 0.45 | Provides base strength and hardness. Controlled level ensures good machinability at 300HB while maintaining adequate strength. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 1.80 - 2.10 | Enhances hardenability, provides mild corrosion resistance, and improves polishability. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 1.30 - 1.60 | Increases hardenability and strength. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 0.15 - 0.25 | Improves hardenability, enhances toughness, and reduces temper embrittlement. | | **Nickel (Ni)** | **0.90 - 1.20** | **Key differentiator from standard P20.** Improves toughness and ensures more uniform hardness in thicker sections. Enhances polishability. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.20 - 0.40 | Deoxidizer and strengthens the matrix. | | **Sulfur (S)** | **0.005 - 0.015** | **Very low sulfur** – crucial for excellent polishability and reduced risk of pitting during polishing. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤ 0.015 | Kept very low for improved toughness and polishability. | **Key Metallurgical Features in Prehardened State:** - **Homogeneous Tempered Martensite/Bainite Structure:** Provides uniform machining characteristics and consistent mechanical properties throughout the section. - **Excellent Cleanliness:** Low sulfur and phosphorus content minimize non-metallic inclusions, enhancing polishability and reducing defect risks. - **Through-Hardened Consistency:** The nickel addition helps maintain consistent hardness in thicker sections (up to ~400mm). --- ## **4. Physical & Mechanical Properties (Prehardened ~300HB/30HRC)** ### **4.1 Standard Supply Condition** * **Hardness:** **285 - 320 HB** (typically 300 HB, equivalent to ~30 HRC) * **Condition:** **Prehardened, tempered, and stress-relieved** – ready for machining * **Microstructure:** Fine tempered martensite/bainite * **Surface Condition:** Usually machined or ground to specified dimensions ### **4.2 Mechanical Properties (@ 300HB)** | Property | Value / Rating (Typical) | Test Standard / Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Hardness** | **285 - 320 HB** (30-32 HRC) | Brinell or Rockwell C | | **Tensile Strength (Rm)** | **1000 - 1150 MPa** | ISO 6892-1 | | **Yield Strength (Rp0.2)** | **850 - 950 MPa** | ISO 6892-1 | | **Elongation (A₅)** | **12 - 16 %** | ISO 6892-1 | | **Reduction of Area (Z)** | **35 - 50 %** | ISO 6892-1 | | **Impact Toughness (KV)** | **40 - 60 J** (at 20°C) | ISO 148-1 (Charpy V-notch) | | **Fatigue Strength** | **~500-550 MPa** | Rotating bending test | | **Machinability** | **Excellent** | ~80-85% of free-cutting steel | ### **4.3 Physical Properties** * Density: 7.85 g/cm³ * Thermal Conductivity: ~38 W/m·K (at 20°C) * Specific Heat: 460 J/kg·K * Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 11.5 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C) * Modulus of Elasticity: 210 GPa * Thermal Treatment Dimensional Stability: Excellent (prehardened) --- ## **5. Typical Product Applications** CLC 1.2311 is primarily used in **plastic injection molding and light alloy die-casting applications** where prehardened steel offers economic and technical advantages. * **Plastic Injection Molds:** * **Mold bases, plates, and standard components** * **Cavities and cores** for technical and consumer plastic parts * **Ejector pins, sleeves, and guide components** * **Hot runner system components** (manifolds, nozzles) * **Die-Casting Applications:** * **Molds for aluminum and zinc die-casting** (light-duty applications) * **Inserts and core components** * **General Tooling:** * **Jigs and fixtures** * **Machine components** requiring good machinability and moderate strength * **Wear plates and guides** --- ## **6. Processing & Manufacturing Guidelines** ### **6.1 Machining (Prehardened State)** * **Turning:** Excellent results with coated carbide inserts. Recommended cutting speed: 150-250 m/min. * **Milling:** Use sharp, positive rake cutters. Climb milling recommended for better surface finish. * **Drilling:** Standard HSS or carbide drills perform well. Use cutting fluids for optimum results. * **EDM:** Excellent machinability. Standard EDM parameters apply. A stress relief (180-200°C) after rough EDM is recommended for precision components. ### **6.2 Grinding & Polishing** * **Grindability:** Excellent. Use aluminum oxide or CBN wheels. Produces good surface finishes with minimal risk of burning. * **Polishability:** **Very Good to Excellent.** Can achieve **SPI #1 (Mirror) finishes** (Ra < 0.01 µm) with proper technique. The low sulfur content prevents pitting during polishing. ### **6.3 Welding** * **Weldability:** Good (with precautions). Preheating to 250-300°C is recommended. * **Recommended Electrodes:** Similar composition welding wires (1.2311 type) or austenitic stainless for less critical repairs. * **Post-Weld Treatment:** Stress relieve at 250-300°C for 2 hours per 25mm thickness. ### **6.4 Nitriding & Surface Treatments** * **Nitriding Response:** Good. Can achieve surface hardness of 700-800 HV. * **Other Treatments:** Suitable for PVD coatings, chrome plating, and other surface enhancements. --- ## **7. Comparative Performance & Selection Notes** | Criterion | **CLC 1.2311 (300HB)** | **Standard AISI P20** | **1.2738 (HH)** | **Stavax ESR (420)** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Hardness (As-Supplied)** | **300 HB** | 290-330 HB | 300-340 HB | 190-230 HB | | **Machinability** | **Excellent** | Very Good | Good | Excellent | | **Polishability** | **Very Good** | Good | Good | **Excellent** | | **Through-Hardening** | Good (to ~400mm) | Fair (to ~300mm) | Good (to ~400mm) | N/A | | **Cost Efficiency** | **High** | High | Moderate | High | | **Primary Application** | **General Plastic Molds** | General Plastic Molds | Larger Molds | **Corrosion-Resistant Molds** | **When to Choose CLC 1.2311:** 1. **Plastic injection molds** requiring good polishability and dimensional stability without post-machining heat treatment. 2. **Prototype or short-run molds** where fast delivery is critical. 3. **Mold bases and standard components** where consistent quality and easy machining are priorities. 4. Applications where **welding repairs** might be necessary during mold maintenance. **Limitations:** - **Not for high-wear applications** without surface treatment (nitriding recommended). - **Limited corrosion resistance** – not suitable for PVC or other corrosive plastics without protection. - **Not for hot work applications** above 250-300°C continuous service. --- ## **8. Quality & Certification** * **Standard Delivery:** Includes 3.1 Material Certificate per EN 10204 * **Ultrasonic Testing:** Available upon request (typically to SEP 1921 or customer specifications) * **Hardness Uniformity:** Typically within ±15 HB throughout the section * **Surface Quality:** Free from decarburization, scale, and major defects --- ## **9. Conclusion** **Industeel CLC 1.2311 in prehardened condition (300HB/30HRC) represents an optimal solution for a wide range of plastic injection mold applications where time-to-market, machining efficiency, and consistent quality are paramount.** Its balanced composition – particularly the nickel addition – ensures uniform properties in substantial sections while maintaining excellent machinability and very good polishability. **Key advantages include:** - **Elimination of heat treatment** costs, risks, and lead times - **Superior machinability** for reduced manufacturing costs - **Excellent polishability** for high-quality mold surfaces - **Good weldability** for repairs and modifications - **Consistent, reliable performance** from a major steel producer For mold makers and manufacturers seeking a **proven, cost-effective, and readily available prehardened mold steel** for general-purpose plastic injection molds and light die-casting applications, **CLC 1.2311 at 300HB offers an outstanding combination of processability, performance, and value.** Its widespread use across the European and global mold-making industry stands as testament to its reliability and effectiveness. --- -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Industeel CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel (300HB/30HRC) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <5242 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Industeel CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel (300HB/30HRC) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of InduSteel Rod CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel Rod (300HB/30HRC) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers InduSteel Rod CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel Rod (300HB/30HRC) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of InduSteel Rod CLC 1.2311 Prehardened Mold Steel Rod (300HB/30HRC) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Rod drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 1713 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition