Why 1.2083 Stainless Mold Steel Causes Pit Holes After Machining | Cleanliness & Steelmaking Process Explained
If you are working with 1.2083 stainless mold steel (X42Cr13 / AISI 420 modified), you may have experienced a frustrating issue: After CNC machining, grinding, or mirror polishing, small defects […]
S355JR vs S355J2: Same Steel, But Not the Same Performance
What is S355 Structural Steel? S355 is a non-alloy structural steel grade widely used in Europe and global engineering markets. The naming is simple: S = Structural steel 355 = […]
Why Does 34CrNiMo6 (1.6582) Round Bar Distort During Machining? Straightness and Residual Stress Explained
Many machine shops have experienced the same frustrating problem. A 34CrNiMo6 (1.6582) round bar looks perfectly straight when it arrives. The straightness is within specification. However, after rough turning or […]
Which is cheaper, Cr12MoV or D2
Cr12MoV is generally cheaper than D2 tool steel. I n most global markets, Cr12MoV typically costs about 20%–30% less than D2, depending on size, manufacturer, and processing requirements. The main […]
Can Cr12MoV Replace D2 Tool Steel
Yes — Cr12MoV can often replace D2 tool steel, but not in all applications. While they are very similar in composition and performance, there are important differences you should understand […]
Does 1.2738 Mold Steel Reduce Cracking Risk?
Short answer: Yes — 1.2738 Mold Steel is designed to reduce cracking risk, especially in large molds. But why? 💡 The Key Reason: Nickel (Ni) Addition 1.2738 contains Nickel, […]
Common Problems When NOT Using 1.2738 for Large Molds
Choosing the wrong mold steel for large plastic molds can lead to serious production problems, increased costs, and shortened mold life. Many mold manufacturers initially choose lower-cost materials like 1.2311 […]
What is 1.2738 mold steel equivalent to
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 […]
Common Buyer Mistakes When Choosing 1.2311 I 1.2312 I 1.2738
Choosing between 1.2311, 1.2312, and 1.2738 may seem simple at first. After all, they all belong to the P20 plastic mold steel family and share similar hardness ranges. But in […]
1.2311 I 1.2312 I 1.2738: Which Mold Steel Should You Choose?
Choosing between 1.2311, 1.2312, and 1.2738 is one of the most common decisions for mold manufacturers, buyers, and engineers. These three steels all belong to the P20 family, but they […]
1.2312 Free-Machining Steel: How It Reduces Your Mold Manufacturing Costs
When it comes to mold manufacturing, every decision affects your bottom line—material choice, machining time, tool wear, and delivery speed. If you’re still using standard P20 or 1.2311 for all […]
Why Does Some 1.2311 Steel Crack Easily or Have Poor Polishing
If you’ve ever used 1.2311 (P20) mold steel and encountered problems like cracking during machining or poor polishing results, you’re not alone. These are among the most common complaints from […]

