1.2738 mold steel is a pre-hardened plastic mold steel with Nickel (Ni) added for improved toughness and uniform hardness. It is widely used for large plastic injection molds.
1.2738 Steel Equivalent Grades
Here are the most commonly accepted equivalents for 1.2738 mold steel:
| Standard | Equivalent Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIN (Germany) | 1.2738 | Original designation |
| AISI (USA) | P20 + Ni | Most common equivalent |
| ASTM | P20 Modified | With Nickel added |
| GB (China) | 3Cr2NiMo | Chinese equivalent |
| JIS (Japan) | PDS5 / P20+Ni | Similar grade |
| ISO | 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 | European designation |
Why 1.2738 Is Equivalent to P20 + Ni
Standard P20 mold steel typically does not contain Nickel, while 1.2738 mold steel includes Nickel (Ni), which improves:
✅ Toughness
✅ Hardness uniformity
✅ Large section performance
✅ Crack resistance
This makes 1.2738 better for large molds compared to standard P20.
1.2738 vs P20 Comparison
| Property | P20 | 1.2738 |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel | No | Yes |
| Toughness | Medium | Higher |
| Hardness | 28–32 HRC | 28–34 HRC |
| Large Mold Performance | Good | Excellent |
| Uniform Hardness | Medium | Excellent |
When Should You Choose 1.2738 Instead of P20?
You should choose 1.2738 mold steel when:
- Large plastic molds
- Automotive molds
- Thick mold blocks
- High toughness required
- Better polishing needed
Typical Applications of 1.2738 Steel
- Automotive bumpers
- Dashboard molds
- Large plastic containers
- Home appliance housings
- Industrial plastic molds
Need 1.2738 Mold Steel?
Dongguan Otai Special Steel supplies high-quality 1.2738 mold steel with:
✔ Pre-hardened 28-34 HRC
✔ UT inspection
✔ Fast delivery
✔ Competitive price
📧 Email: rika@otaisteel.com
📱 WhatsApp: +8613642825398
Feel free to send your size and quantity — we’ll quote you within 12 hours 🚀










