Schmolz + Bickenbach,Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Rod/Bar

Schmolz + Bickenbach Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Rod Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Rod Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Schmolz + Bickenbach Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) | Premium Modified Plastic Mold Steel** ## **Overview** SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Formadur® 2311 represents an advanced evolution of the classic P20 mold steel, specifically engineered and optimized for high-performance plastic injection molding applications. This modified grade incorporates enhanced alloying elements and undergoes sophisticated metallurgical processing to deliver superior machinability, polishability, and homogeneity compared to standard P20 steels. Formadur® 2311 is pre-hardened, ensuring excellent dimensional stability and eliminating the need for heat treatment in most applications, thereby reducing lead times and manufacturing risks. It is the material of choice for demanding plastic molds requiring exceptional surface finish, intricate details, and reliable production performance. ## **Key Features:** * **Premium Pre-Hardened Steel:** Supplied at a uniform hardness of approximately 30-34 HRC, ready for machining. * **Exceptional Homogeneity:** Advanced melting and forging techniques ensure a uniform microstructure free from segregations, crucial for consistent polishing and etching. * **Superior Machinability:** Optimized composition and microstructure allow for faster machining speeds, improved surface finishes, and extended tool life. * **Excellent Polishability:** Capable of achieving very high surface finishes (mirror polish), essential for optical parts, automotive lenses, and cosmetic components. * **Good Wear Resistance:** Suitable for processing standard and engineering plastics, including abrasive filled materials (with moderate filler content). * **Uniform Hardness Distribution:** Consistent hardness throughout the block cross-section, even in large dimensions. * **Good Nitriding Response:** Responds well to surface hardening treatments like nitriding for enhanced wear resistance in high-volume production. * **Excellent Etchability:** Uniform structure allows for high-quality texturing (EDM, photo-etching, laser etching). --- ## **Material Specifications: Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.)** ### **1. Chemical Composition (wt%)** | Element | Content Range (wt%) | Function & Benefit | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.33 - 0.41 | Provides base hardness and strength. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.20 - 0.40 | Deoxidizer, increases strength. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 1.30 - 1.60 | Enhances hardenability and strength. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 1.80 - 2.10 | Improves hardenability, wear, and corrosion resistance. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 0.15 - 0.25 | Enhances hardenability, strength, and toughness; refines grain structure. | | **Nickel (Ni)** | 0.90 - 1.20 | **Key Modifier.** Improves core toughness, hardenability penetration in thick sections, and overall homogeneity. | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤ 0.005 | **Very Low.** Minimized to maximize polishability and transverse properties (vs. free-machining variants). | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤ 0.015 | Minimized for improved toughness. | **Modifications vs. Standard P20 (e.g., AISI P20):** * **Controlled Nickel Addition:** The defined Ni content (0.9-1.2%) is a key distinction, improving toughness and hardenability uniformity in large blocks. * **Tighter Chemistry Control:** Tighter tolerances on main elements ensure batch-to-batch consistency. * **Ultra-Low Sulfur:** Standard grade is supplied with very low sulfur for optimal polishability, unlike free-machining "P20+S" types. ### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties (As-Delivered, Pre-Hardened)** | Property | Typical Value | Condition / Test Standard | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Delivery Hardness** | 300 - 340 HB / 30 - 34 HRC | Brinell (HBW 10/3000) / Rockwell C | | **Tensile Strength** | 1000 - 1150 MPa | ~ | | **0.2% Yield Strength** | 850 - 950 MPa | ~ | | **Elongation A₅** | ≥ 12 % | ~ | | **Reduction of Area** | ≥ 40 % | ~ | | **Impact Toughness (ISO-V)** | ≥ 40 J (+20°C) | Charpy V-notch | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | ~210,000 MPa | ~ | | **Thermal Conductivity** | ~36 W/m·K (at 20°C) | ~ | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | ~460 J/kg·K | ~ | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | ~11.5 x 10⁻⁶ /K (20-100°C) | ~ | | **Density** | ~7.85 g/cm³ | ~ | **Through-Hardening Characteristics:** * **Hardenability:** Good through-hardening properties due to Ni, Cr, and Mo additions. * **Maximum Achievable Hardness:** Can be through-hardened to approximately 52-54 HRC if required for specific applications (not typical for plastic molds). ### **3. Machining & Finishing Properties** | Operation | Performance & Recommendations | | :--- | :--- | | **Machinability** | **Excellent.** Can be machined in the pre-hardened state. Higher cutting speeds and feeds than standard P20 are possible. Use positive geometry carbide tools. | | **Polishing** | **Excellent to Superb.** Capable of achieving SPI #1 (A1) mirror finishes. Progress through 400, 600, 800, 1200 grit, then diamond paste (3µ to 1µ). The homogeneous, low-sulfur structure is key. | | **Texturing/Etching** | **Excellent.** Provides a uniform, consistent etch for EDM, chemical, or laser texturing. Ideal for grained surfaces (e.g., leather, orange peel). | | **Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)** | **Very Good.** Standard EDM and wire EDM perform well. A stress-relief anneal (~550°C) is recommended after rough EDMing to remove the affected "white layer" and associated stresses. | | **Welding** | **Good.** Pre-heat to 300-400°C. Use low-hydrogen, matching electrodes (e.g., S+B Formadur® 2311 type). Post-weld tempering at 500-550°C is mandatory. | ### **4. Surface Treatments** * **Nitriding (Gas or Plasma):** Highly effective. Typical case depth: 0.1-0.3 mm. Surface hardness: 650-750 HV. Significantly increases wear resistance against abrasive plastics. * **Hard Chrome Plating:** Applicable for additional corrosion resistance or mold release improvement. * **PVD Coatings (TiN, CrN, DLC):** Can be applied to polished surfaces for enhanced wear and anti-sticking properties. --- ## **Applicable International Standards & Cross-References** | Standard | Designation | Note | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH** | **Formadur® 2311** | Proprietary brand name. | | **DIN / EN / W-Nr.** | **1.2311** | Common European standard. | | **ISO 4957** | **35CrMo2** (similar) | The Ni addition makes 1.2311 a distinct, superior grade. | | **AISI / ASTM** | **P20 Modified** (with Ni) | Not a direct AISI equivalent; the Ni modification places it between P20 and P21. | | **Uddeholm** | **IMPAX® Supreme** | Similar premium modified P20 grade. | | **Böhler / voestalpine** | **M201** (M200 Extra) | Similar grade category. | | **ThyssenKrupp** | **GS-711** (Rohde) | Similar grade category. | | **Japanese (JIS)** | **PX4, PX5** (similar) | | | **Chinese (GB)** | **3Cr2Mo** (similar base) | GB 3Cr2Mo is a closer match to standard P20. | --- ## **Product Applications** Formadur® 2311 is specifically designed for **high-quality plastic injection molds and dies**. **Primary Application Areas:** * **Injection Molds for Engineering & Standard Plastics:** Molds for ABS, PA, POM, PC, PBT, PP, PE, PS, etc. * **Molds for Optical Parts:** Lenses, light guides, reflectors requiring SPI A1/A2 mirror finishes. * **Automotive Interior & Exterior Parts:** Dashboard components, trim, lamp housings, bezels. * **Consumer Electronics Housings:** Phone cases, computer components, appliance panels. * **Medical Device Components:** Housings, connectors (for non-implant applications). * **Houseware & Packaging:** Thin-wall containers, cosmetic cases. **Typical Mold Components:** * Cavity and core inserts * Mold bases and plates * Ejector housings * Sliders and lifters * Hot runner manifolds (for lower-temperature applications) **Not Recommended For:** * **Highly abrasive plastics** (e.g., with high glass/ mineral filler content >40%) without surface hardening. * **Corrosive plastics** (e.g., PVC, flame-retardant grades containing halogens) without protective plating/coating. * **Hot work tools** like die casting dies. --- ## **Processing Guidelines (Summary)** 1. **Material State:** Use as-delivered in pre-hardened condition (30-34 HRC). 2. **Rough Machining:** Remove stock, leaving adequate finish allowance. 3. **Stress Relieving:** Recommended after heavy rough machining or EDM: **550°C for 2 hours per 25mm thickness, slow furnace cool.** 4. **Finish Machining:** Complete to final dimensions. 5. **Polishing/Texturing:** Execute final surface finish. 6. **Surface Treatment (Optional):** Apply nitriding or coating if required. 7. **Assembly:** Fit into mold base. **Important Note:** For critical applications or complex geometries, consulting the S+B technical datasheet for detailed annealing, hardening, and tempering procedures (if through-hardening is contemplated) is essential. --- **Disclaimer:** The information provided is based on typical data for SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Formadur® 2311. Properties can vary within specification ranges and are influenced by processing conditions. This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of properties or performance. For critical applications, always consult the official manufacturer's documentation and conduct trials under specific operating conditions. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7119 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. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Schmolz + Bickenbach Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Schmolz + Bickenbach Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Schmolz + Bickenbach Formadur® 2311 (P-20 MOD.) Plastic Mold Steel Rod -:- 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 3590 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