Bohler-Uddeholm,IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate

Bohler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Bohler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Datasheet: Böhler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Premium Plastic Mold Steel** ## **Product Overview** **IMPAX® P20** is a **nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloyed plastic mold steel** in the hardened and tempered (pre-hardened) condition, specifically developed for the **manufacture of plastic injection molds and die casting molds**. As part of Böhler-Uddeholm's renowned IMPAX family, this grade offers an excellent balance of **machinability, polishability, and uniform hardness** throughout large cross-sections, eliminating the need for heat treatment by the mold maker and significantly reducing lead times. ## **Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Pre-Hardened Condition:** Supplied at 290-330 HB (~30-36 HRC), ready for machining - **Excellent Machinability:** Superior cutting performance in its pre-hardened state - **Uniform Hardness:** Consistent properties throughout large block sections - **Good Polishability:** Capable of achieving high-quality surface finishes - **Good Wear Resistance:** Suitable for moderate production runs - **Good Dimensional Stability:** Minimal distortion during machining and operation - **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Superior to standard carbon steels - **Weldability:** Can be welded with proper precautions - **Cost-Effective:** Reduces total mold manufacturing time and cost ## **Standard Specifications & International Designations** | **Standard** | **Designation** | **Notes** | |--------------|-----------------|-----------| | **Böhler-Uddeholm** | **IMPAX® P20** | Pre-hardened mold steel | | **AISI/ASTM** | **P20 Modified** | Enhanced version | | **DIN/EN** | **1.2311 (35CrMo7)** | Equivalent grade | | **JIS** | **PDS5** | Similar classification | | **ISO** | **35CrMo2** | Plastic mold steel | | **UNS** | **T51620** | Corresponding number | | **Condition** | **Hardened & Tempered** | Supplied ready-to-machine | ## **Chemical Composition (Typical, Weight %)** | Element | Content (%) | Primary Function | Benefit | |---------|-------------|------------------|---------| | **Carbon (C)** | 0.35-0.40 | Matrix strength & hardenability | Provides base hardness and strength | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.20-0.40 | Deoxidizer & strengthener | Improves cleanliness and strength | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 1.40-1.60 | Hardenability & strength | Ensures through-hardening in large sections | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 1.80-2.00 | Hardenability & corrosion resistance | Improves hardenability and mild corrosion resistance | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 0.15-0.25 | Hardenability & temper resistance | Enhances through-hardening and high-temperature strength | | **Nickel (Ni)** | 0.90-1.10 | **Toughness & hardenability** | **Key element for toughness in pre-hardened state** | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤0.005 | **Controlled low level** | **Improves polishability and purity** | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤0.015 | **Controlled low level** | **Enhances toughness** | | **Iron (Fe)** | **Balance** | Matrix | Structural base | ***Special Note:** The balanced addition of **nickel, chromium, and molybdenum** in IMPAX P20 ensures excellent through-hardening characteristics and toughness in large cross-sections, making it particularly suitable for large mold bases and cores without the risk of soft spots.* ## **Microstructural Characteristics** | Feature | Specification | Benefit | |---------|---------------|---------| | **Structure** | Tempered martensite/bainite | Uniform hardness and good toughness | | **Hardness Uniformity** | ±15 HB within block | Consistent machining and performance | | **Inclusion Control** | Low sulfur, clean steel | Excellent polishability | | **Grain Size** | Fine, uniform | Good mechanical properties | ## **Physical Properties** | Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | |----------|-------|------|------------| | **Density** | 7.85 | g/cm³ | At 20°C | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 210 | GPa | At 20°C | | **Thermal Expansion Coefficient** | 12.5 | ×10⁻⁶/K | 20-100°C | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 36.0 | W/(m·K) | At 20°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 460 | J/(kg·K) | At 20°C | ## **Mechanical Properties (As-Supplied Pre-Hardened Condition)** ### **Standard Delivery Condition (Hardened & Tempered)** | Property | Value Range | Unit | Test Method | Significance | |----------|-------------|------|-------------|--------------| | **Hardness** | **290-330 HB** | Brinell | ISO 6506 | **Ready for machining** | | **Hardness** | **30-36 HRC** | Rockwell C | ISO 6508 | Equivalent Rockwell | | **Tensile Strength** | 1000-1150 | MPa | ISO 6892 | Good strength level | | **Yield Strength (0.2%)** | 850-950 | MPa | ISO 6892 | Good load capacity | | **Elongation** | 12-15 | % | ISO 6892 | Adequate ductility | | **Reduction of Area** | 45-55 | % | ISO 6892 | Good toughness | | **Impact Toughness (Charpy V)** | 40-60 | J | ISO 148 | Good impact resistance | | **Machinability** | **80-85%** | Relative | - | **Excellent for pre-hard steel** | ### **Hardness Uniformity** | Block Size | Maximum Hardness Variation | Typical Performance | |------------|----------------------------|---------------------| | **Up to 300mm thickness** | ±10 HB | Excellent uniformity | | **300-600mm thickness** | ±15 HB | Very good uniformity | | **600-1000mm thickness** | ±20 HB | Good for large blocks | ## **Primary Applications** ### **A. Plastic Injection Molding (Primary Application)** - **Mold Bases and Plates:** For small to large injection molds - **Cavities and Cores:** For moderate production runs (50,000-500,000 shots) - **Ejector Pins and Sleeves:** Standard components - **Runner Systems:** Hot and cold runners - **Insert Molds:** For multi-cavity applications - **Prototype Molds:** Quick turnaround projects ### **B. Die Casting Applications** - **Zinc Die Casting Molds:** For lower temperature applications - **Aluminum Die Casting (Low Volume):** Prototype or short-run production - **Mold Bases for Hot Work Steel Inserts:** Supporting structures ### **C. Other Applications** - **Fixture and Jig Plates:** For manufacturing fixtures - **Machine Components:** Requiring uniform hardness - **General Tooling:** Where pre-hardened steel is advantageous ## **Processing Guidelines** ### **1. Machining Operations (in Pre-Hardened Condition)** | Operation | Tool Recommendation | Cutting Parameters | Notes | |-----------|---------------------|-------------------|-------| | **Turning** | **Coated carbide** | Vc: 150-250 m/min
f: 0.15-0.35 mm/rev
ap: 2-6 mm | **Excellent machinability** | | **Milling** | **Carbide end mills** | Vc: 180-300 m/min
fz: 0.10-0.25 mm
ae: 30-60% | High material removal rates | | **Drilling** | **HSS or carbide drills** | Vc: 30-50 m/min
f: 0.15-0.30 mm/rev | Standard drilling practices | | **Tapping** | **HSS-E taps** | Vc: 8-15 m/min | Good chip formation | ***Machinability Advantage:** IMPAX P20 exhibits **excellent machinability for a pre-hardened steel**, allowing faster cutting speeds and better surface finishes compared to many similar materials.* ### **2. Grinding and Polishing** - **Grindability:** **Very Good** – responds well to grinding operations - **Surface Finish:** Can achieve **Ra < 0.025 μm** with proper technique - **Polishing:** **Excellent polishability** – suitable for high-gloss surfaces - **Texture Application:** Good substrate for various surface textures ### **3. Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)** - **Suitability:** **Excellent** – commonly used for mold manufacturing - **Settings:** Standard EDM parameters apply - **Surface Finish:** Good as-edited surface quality - **White Layer:** Minimal with proper settings ### **4. Welding and Repair** - **Weldability:** **Good** (with proper procedure) - **Preheating:** **150-200°C (302-392°F)** recommended - **Electrodes:** **Low-hydrogen electrodes** required - **Post-Weld:** Stress relieve at 550-600°C if possible - **Common Applications:** Mold repair, modification, and adding features ### **5. Surface Treatments** - **Nitriding:** Common for improved wear resistance - **Chrome Plating:** For corrosion resistance and release properties - **Nickel Plating:** Alternative corrosion protection - **PVD Coatings:** For specific wear or release requirements ## **Heat Treatment (If Required)** ### **Optional Hardening (Not Normally Required)** - **Austenitizing:** 840-870°C (1544-1598°F) - **Quenching:** Oil or polymer quench - **Tempering:** 550-650°C (1022-1202°F) to desired hardness - **Final Hardness:** Up to 52 HRC possible ### **Stress Relieving** - **Temperature:** 550-600°C (1022-1112°F) - **Duration:** 2 hours per 100mm thickness - **Application:** After heavy machining or welding ## **Quality Assurance** ### **Material Certification** | Certificate Type | Content | Standard | |------------------|---------|----------| | **3.1 Certificate** | Chemical analysis, mechanical properties | EN 10204 | | **Hardness Report** | Multiple point hardness measurements | Customer request | | **Ultrasonic Test** | Internal soundness verification | Optional | | **Dimensional Report** | As-per-order dimensions | Customer specification | ### **Available Forms and Sizes** | Product Form | Standard Sizes | Hardness Range | Surface Condition | |-------------|---------------|----------------|-------------------| | **Blocks** | Up to 1200×1200×600 mm | 290-330 HB | Decarb-free, rough machined | | **Round Bars** | Ø20-500 mm | 290-330 HB | Peeled or ground | | **Flat Bars** | Various dimensions | 290-330 HB | Ground surfaces | | **Plates** | Thickness 20-300 mm | 290-330 HB | Ground or milled | ## **Comparative Analysis** ### **vs. Standard P20 Grades** | Property | IMPAX P20 | Standard P20 | Advantage | |----------|-----------|--------------|-----------| | **Hardness Uniformity** | **Excellent** | Good-Very Good | **Better consistency** | | **Machinability** | **Excellent** | Good | **Faster machining, better finish** | | **Polishability** | **Excellent** | Good | **Higher quality surfaces** | | **Cleanliness** | **High** | Standard | **Better for polishing** | | **Price** | Premium | Standard | Higher initial cost | ### **Within IMPAX Family Comparison** | Grade | Hardness (HRC) | Primary Application | Key Feature | |-------|----------------|---------------------|-------------| | **IMPAX P20** | 30-36 | General plastic molds | **Best machinability** | | **IMPAX Supreme** | 38-42 | Higher wear resistance | Better polish, harder | | **IMPAX Hi-Hard** | 40-44 | Increased wear needs | Highest as-supplied hardness | ## **Economic Benefits** ### **Cost-Saving Advantages:** 1. **Eliminates Heat Treatment:** No need for customer hardening/tempering 2. **Reduces Lead Time:** Immediate machining possible upon delivery 3. **Minimizes Distortion:** No post-machining heat treatment distortion 4. **Predictable Performance:** Consistent properties batch-to-batch 5. **Lower Total Cost:** Despite higher material cost, often lower total manufacturing cost ### **Return on Investment:** - **Material Cost Premium:** 20-40% over conventional P20 - **Machining Time Reduction:** 15-25% faster machining - **Lead Time Reduction:** 1-3 weeks saved on mold delivery - **Quality Improvement:** Better surface finishes and dimensional accuracy ## **Application Guidelines** ### **Recommended for:** 1. **Medium-volume production molds** (50,000-500,000 shots) 2. **Molds requiring excellent polishability** 3. **Large mold bases** requiring uniform hardness 4. **Projects with tight timelines** 5. **Prototype and development tooling** ### **Consider Alternatives When:** 1. **Very high volume production** (>1,000,000 shots) 2. **Extremely abrasive plastics** (high glass/carbon fiber content) 3. **High-temperature engineering plastics** 4. **Extreme wear conditions** 5. **Cost is primary driver over performance** ### **Best Practices:** 1. **Order with adequate machining allowance** (typically 5-10mm per side) 2. **Use sharp, premium carbide tools** for best results 3. **Implement proper clamping** to avoid distortion during machining 4. **Consider stress relieving** after heavy machining operations 5. **Document machining parameters** for consistency ## **Technical Support** ### **Available from Böhler-Uddeholm:** 1. **Material Selection Guidance:** Application-specific recommendations 2. **Machining Parameter Optimization:** For best productivity 3. **Troubleshooting Support:** For machining or polishing issues 4. **Technical Documentation:** Comprehensive processing guides 5. **Global Availability:** Worldwide distribution network ### **Documentation Provided:** - **Technical Data Sheets:** Complete property information - **Machining Guidelines:** Recommended cutting parameters - **Welding Procedures:** Approved methods for repair - **Application Notes:** Case studies and best practices - **Safety Information:** Handling and processing guidelines --- ## **Critical Notes** ### **Key Advantages Summary:** 1. **Time Savings:** Eliminates heat treatment cycle from mold build timeline 2. **Consistency:** Uniform properties throughout large sections 3. **Machinability:** Exceptional for a pre-hardened material 4. **Polishability:** Suitable for high-gloss plastic parts 5. **Reliability:** Proven performance in thousands of applications ### **Limitations:** 1. **Maximum Hardness Limited:** Not for extreme wear applications 2. **Temperature Limit:** Not suitable for continuous high-temperature service 3. **Cost:** Higher initial material cost than conventional grades 4. **Availability:** May have longer lead times than standard materials ### **Industry Recognition:** - **Widely used** in automotive, consumer goods, and electronics mold making - **Industry standard** for pre-hardened mold steels - **Trusted by mold makers** worldwide for over 30 years - **Consistently high quality** from Böhler-Uddeholm production --- **Disclaimer:** IMPAX P20 is a pre-hardened mold steel designed for specific applications. While it offers significant time savings and performance benefits, proper selection based on application requirements is essential. Consult with Böhler-Uddeholm technical specialists for application-specific recommendations. Machining parameters are guidelines; optimal settings may vary based on specific equipment and conditions. Always follow current technical documentation and safety guidelines. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6864 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. -: Bohler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Bohler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Bohler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Bohler-Uddeholm IMPAX® P20 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate -:- 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 Sheet/Plate 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 3335 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