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 reason is that D2 contains higher amounts of expensive alloy elements like Molybdenum (Mo) and Vanadium (V), which increase both performance and cost.

Why Cr12MoV Is Cheaper Than D2

1. Lower Alloy Content

D2 contains higher levels of Mo and V, which improve wear resistance and tool life — but also increase production cost.

2. Simpler Production Process

Cr12MoV is widely produced in China and is considered a cost-effective alternative to D2.

3. Performance vs Cost Strategy

Many manufacturers choose Cr12MoV when:

• Budget is limited
• Production volume is medium
• Wear resistance requirements are moderate

Price Comparison (Typical Market Situation)

Some industry sources even report that D2 may cost nearly double Cr12MoV, while offering 3–6 times longer service life, depending on application.

When to Choose Cr12MoV (Cost Saving)

Choose Cr12MoV when:

• Medium production volume
• Cost-sensitive projects
• General stamping dies
• Punches and blades

When to Choose D2 (Higher Performance)

Choose D2 when:

• High wear resistance required
• Long production runs
• High precision tooling
• High-speed stamping

Final Answer

• Cr12MoV = Cheaper
• D2 = More expensive but longer life

If your customer is price-sensitive → Cr12MoV is a good alternative
If your customer needs long mold life → D2 is the better choice

Need Cr12MoV or D2 tool steel?

Contact us:

Dongguan Otai Special Steel
Email: rika@otaisteel.com
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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 before making a substitution.

Let’s break it down clearly.

Chemical Composition Comparison: Cr12MoV vs D2

Key Differences

• D2 contains higher Vanadium
• D2 contains higher Molybdenum
• D2 has better wear resistance
• Cr12MoV has slightly lower toughness

Performance Comparison

When Cr12MoV Can Replace D2

Cr12MoV can replace D2 when:

• Medium wear resistance required
• Cost reduction needed
• Small to medium dies
• General cold work tooling

Typical replacement applications:

• Stamping dies
• Shear blades
• Punches
• Cold forming dies

In these applications, Cr12MoV performs very close to D2.

When Cr12MoV Should NOT Replace D2

You should not replace D2 with Cr12MoV when:

• Very high wear resistance required
• Long production runs
• Precision tools
• Heavy load applications

Examples:

• High-speed stamping
• Long-life cutting tools
• Precision molds

In these cases, D2 performs better and lasts longer.

Heat Treatment Comparison

Both steels can achieve similar hardness levels.

Price Comparison

Generally:

• Cr12MoV price is lower
• D2 price is higher

This is why many manufacturers use Cr12MoV as a cost-effective alternative.

Equivalent Grades

Note: D2 = 1.2379 = SKD11
Cr12MoV is similar but not identical.

Final Conclusion

Yes, Cr12MoV can replace D2 in many applications, especially when:

• Cost is important
• Wear resistance requirement is moderate
• Production volume is medium

However, for high-performance tooling, D2 remains the better choice due to:

• Higher wear resistance
• Better carbide distribution
• Longer tool life

Need Cr12MoV or D2 tool steel?

Contact us:

Dongguan Otai Special Steel
Email: rika@otaisteel.com
WhatsApp: +8613642825398

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, which significantly improves:

✔ Toughness
✔ Hardness uniformity
✔ Resistance to cracking
✔ Structural stability

This makes 1.2738 more reliable than standard 1.2311 or 1.2312, especially for large mold applications.

⚠️ Common Cracking Problems with Standard P20 Steels

When using standard grades like 1.2311 or 1.2312, you may face:

❌ Cracking during machining
❌ Cracking during EDM
❌ Deformation in large blocks
❌ Uneven hardness in thick sections

These problems become more serious when:
• Mold size increases
• Section thickness becomes larger
• Production cycles are long

🚀 Why 1.2738 Performs Better

Because of Nickel addition, 1.2738 offers:

✔ Better toughness in thick sections
✔ More uniform hardness distribution
✔ Lower internal stress
✔ Reduced cracking risk during machining

This is why 1.2738 Mold Steel is widely used for:

• Automotive molds
• Large injection molds
• Home appliance molds
• High-value plastic molds

🔧 When Should You Choose 1.2738?

Choose 1.2738 if you have:

✔ Large mold size
✔ Thick mold blocks
✔ High production volume
✔ High-quality requirements

At Otai Special Steel, we supply high-quality 1.2738 mold steel with:

✔ Strict UT inspection
✔ Stable hardness
✔ ESR grade available
✔ Large block sizes

Looking to reduce cracking risk in your molds?

Let’s connect 👇

📩 Email: rika@otaisteel.com
📱 WhatsApp: +8613642825398

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 or 1.2312, only to face unexpected issues later.

That’s why 1.2738 mold steel is widely recommended for large mold applications — especially when toughness, uniform hardness, and stability are critical.

Let’s look at the most common problems when NOT using 1.2738 for large molds.

1. Uneven Hardness in Large Mold Blocks

One of the biggest issues with large molds is hardness inconsistency.

When using steels without Nickel alloying (like 1.2311 or 1.2312), hardness often drops significantly from the surface to the core.

What Happens?

• Surface hardness is acceptable
• Core hardness becomes softer
• Mold wear increases
• Mold life becomes shorter

Why 1.2738 Solves This

1.2738 mold steel contains Nickel, which improves hardness uniformity, even in large thickness molds.

2. Cracking Risk During Machining

Large molds require heavy machining, and this introduces internal stress.

Without sufficient toughness, mold steel may develop:

• Micro cracks
• Stress cracks
• Edge cracks

These cracks may not appear immediately, but show up during production.

Why This Happens

Steels without Nickel typically have lower toughness, especially in large sizes.

Why 1.2738 Is Better

1.2738 mold steel offers higher toughness, reducing cracking risks during machining.

3. Poor Polishing Performance

Large molds often require:

• High-gloss surfaces
• Optical finish
• Mirror polishing

But some steels perform poorly in polishing.

Problems You May Face

• Orange peel surface
• Uneven polishing
• Surface defects
• Time-consuming finishing

Why 1.2738 Works Better

1.2738 steel has cleaner microstructure, making it ideal for:

• Mirror polishing
• High surface finish
• Optical plastic products

4. Shorter Mold Life

Using lower-quality mold steel often leads to:

• Faster wear
• Frequent repairs
• Downtime
• Higher production cost

Large molds are expensive. If mold steel fails early, replacement cost is very high.

Why 1.2738 Extends Mold Life

1.2738 mold steel provides:

• Better toughness
• Stable hardness
• Better wear resistance

This results in longer mold life.

5. Deformation During Machining

Large mold plates are prone to deformation during machining.

Without good internal structure:

• Plates bend
• Dimensions change
• Machining becomes difficult

Why This Happens

Lower-grade steels often have:

• Poor stress distribution
• Internal segregation
• Non-uniform structure

Why 1.2738 Reduces Deformation

1.2738 steel has better internal quality, reducing deformation risks.

6. Poor Performance in Large Thickness Molds

Large molds often require thickness over 400mm or even 800mm.

Some steels cannot maintain performance at this size.

Problems Include

• Soft core
• Weak strength
• Cracking risk

Why 1.2738 Is Ideal

1.2738 mold steel is designed for large sections, thanks to Nickel alloying.

7. Higher Maintenance Costs

Using lower-grade mold steel often means:

• Frequent polishing
• Repair welding
• Maintenance downtime

This increases production costs.

1.2738 Reduces Maintenance

Better toughness and uniform hardness reduce maintenance frequency.

8. Poor Surface Texture Results

For textured plastic molds, poor steel quality leads to:

• Uneven texture
• Surface defects
• Inconsistent product appearance

1.2738 Advantage

1.2738 mold steel provides excellent texture performance.

9. Risk of Mold Failure During Production

In large-scale production, mold failure can cause:

• Production delays
• Customer complaints
• Financial losses

Using 1.2738 mold steel reduces this risk significantly.

10. Long-Term Cost Becomes Higher

Some buyers choose cheaper steel to save money upfront.

However, the real cost includes:

• Maintenance
• Repair
• Downtime
• Mold replacement

In many cases, using cheaper steel costs more in the long run.

Comparison: Using 1.2738 vs Not Using 1.2738

Need 1.2738 Mold Steel?
Contact us today:

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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:

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

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 🚀

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 reality, many buyers make costly mistakes when selecting these materials. These mistakes can lead to:

• Mold cracking
• Poor polishing performance
• Uneven hardness
• Short mold life
• Increased manufacturing cost

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common buyer mistakes and explain how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Choosing 1.2312 for High-Polishing Applications

This is one of the most common mistakes buyers make.

Why It Happens

Buyers often select 1.2312 because it offers:

• Better machinability
• Lower machining cost

However, they forget one critical factor:

👉 1.2312 contains higher sulfur content.

What Happens Next

Sulfur forms MnS inclusions inside the steel, which can cause:

• Surface streaks
• Pitting
• Poor mirror finish

Real Example

Using 1.2312 for:

• Transparent plastic molds
• Optical products
• Cosmetic packaging

Result:
❌ Poor surface finish
❌ Customer complaints
❌ Rework cost

How to Avoid This Mistake

Choose instead:

Mistake #2: Using 1.2311 for Very Large Molds

Another common mistake is selecting 1.2311 for large mold blocks.

Why It Happens

1.2311 is:

• Widely available
• Cost-effective
• General-purpose

So buyers assume it works for everything.

The Problem

For large molds, 1.2311 may show:

• Hardness variation
• Lower toughness
• Risk of deformation

Why This Happens

1.2311 does not contain nickel, which improves:

• Hardenability
• Toughness
• Uniform hardness

Result

❌ Uneven hardness in thick sections
❌ Shorter mold life
❌ Higher maintenance cost

How to Avoid This Mistake

For large molds:

👉 Choose 1.2738 (Ni-added steel)

Mistake #3: Choosing 1.2738 for Low-End Applications

Some buyers assume 1.2738 is always better, so they use it everywhere.

Why This Is a Mistake

1.2738 offers:

• Better toughness
• Better uniformity

But it also comes with:

• Higher cost

When It’s Unnecessary

Using 1.2738 for:

• Small molds
• Low-cost consumer products
• Short production runs

Result:
❌ Increased material cost
❌ Reduced profit margin

How to Avoid

Use this rule:

• General molds → 1.2311
• Cost-sensitive molds → 1.2312
• Large/high-end molds → 1.2738

Mistake #4: Choosing Only Based on Price

This is one of the most dangerous mistakes.

What Buyers Often Do

They compare:

• Price per kg
  instead of
• Total manufacturing cost

Real Impact

Cheap steel may cause:

• Cracking
• Poor machinability
• Tool wear

Result:
❌ Higher total cost

Smart Buying Strategy

Consider:

• Machining time
• Tool wear
• Mold life
• Maintenance cost

Mistake #5: Ignoring Steelmaking Process

Not all 1.2311 / 1.2312 / 1.2738 steels are equal.

Key Differences

Risk of Poor Quality Steel

• Inclusions
• Porosity
• Cracking

Solution

Always ask supplier:

✔ Steelmaking process
✔ UT testing
✔ Heat treatment details

Mistake #6: Not Considering Machining Efficiency

Some buyers choose 1.2311 without considering machining cost.

The Reality

1.2312 offers:

• Faster machining
• Lower tool wear

When This Matters

• Large mold bases
• High-volume production

Better Choice

👉 Choose 1.2312 to reduce machining cost.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Polishing Requirements

Surface finish requirements must be considered.

Comparison

Mistake

Using 1.2312 for high surface quality molds.

Result:
❌ Poor product appearance

Mistake #8: Not Considering Mold Size

Mold size plays a big role in steel selection.

General Rule

Mistake #9: Ignoring Application Environment

Material selection must match plastic type.

Example

Glass fiber plastic:

• High wear
• High stress

Using 1.2311 or 1.2312 may lead to:

❌ Fast wear
❌ Short mold life

Better choice:

• 1.2738
• 1.2344 (if higher wear resistance needed)

Mistake #10: Not Consulting Steel Supplier

Many buyers rely only on past experience.

But each project is different.

Consulting your supplier can help:

✔ Reduce cost
✔ Improve performance
✔ Avoid risks

Need Help Choosing the Right Steel?

At Dongguan Otai Special Steel, we help customers worldwide select the right materials.

📩 Contact us:

Email: rika@otaisteel.com
WhatsApp: +8613642825398

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 are designed for different applications, performance levels, and budgets.

So how do you choose the right one?

This guide will help you understand the real differences, avoid common mistakes, and reduce your mold manufacturing cost.

What Are 1.2311, 1.2312, and 1.2738 Steel?

These three grades are pre-hardened plastic mold steels, typically supplied at 28–34 HRC, and widely used for plastic injection molds and mold bases.

Basic Overview

Chemical Composition Comparison

The biggest differences lie in sulfur and nickel content.

Typical Chemical Composition

Why This Matters

• Sulfur (1.2312) → Better machinability
• Nickel (1.2738) → Better toughness and uniform hardness

Common Buyer Mistakes

Mistake 1: Choosing 1.2312 for Mirror Finish

Result:

• Poor surface quality
• Customer complaints

Mistake 2: Using 1.2311 for Very Large Molds

Result:

• Hardness variation
• Deformation risk

Mistake 3: Using 1.2738 for Low-End Applications

Result:

• Unnecessary cost increase

Why Quality Matters More Than Grade

Even the right steel can fail if quality is poor.

Always check:

✔ Steelmaking process (EAF + LF + VD)
✔ ESR (for high-end molds)
✔ UT testing
✔ Hardness uniformity

📩 Need help selecting the right steel?

Contact us:

Email: rika@otaisteel.com
WhatsApp: +8613642825398

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 applications, you might be missing an opportunity to significantly reduce your production costs.

That’s where 1.2312 free-machining steel comes in.

So, what makes 1.2312 different—and why are more mold makers switching to it?

How Does 1.2312 Reduce Manufacturing Costs?

Let’s talk about what really matters—money and efficiency.

1. Faster Machining = Lower Labor Cost

Sulfur creates micro-inclusions (MnS) that act like built-in lubricants.

👉 Result:

• Faster cutting speeds

• Less resistance

• Shorter machining time

Real Impact

• Up to 20–30% faster machining

• Reduced CNC machine hours

2. Less Tool Wear = Lower Tooling Cost

Machining standard 1.2311 can wear tools quickly.

But 1.2312?

👉 It’s much easier on cutting tools.

Benefits

• Longer tool life

• Fewer tool changes

• Lower tooling cost

3. Reduced Energy Consumption

Shorter machining time + smoother cutting = less energy used.

👉 This becomes significant in:

• Large mold bases

• High-volume production

4. No Heat Treatment Needed

Like 1.2311, 1.2312 is supplied pre-hardened.

👉 So you save:

• Heat treatment cost

• Time delays

• Risk of deformation

5. Improved Production Efficiency

Let’s be honest—time is money.

With 1.2312:

• Machining is more predictable

• Less downtime

• Faster delivery to customers

👉 This improves your overall factory throughput.

When Should You NOT Use 1.2312?

Let’s be very clear—this is critical.

❌ Do NOT use 1.2312 for:

• Mirror polishing molds

• Optical lenses

• High transparency plastic parts

• Corrosion-resistant applications

👉 In these cases, choose:

• 1.2311

• 1.2738

• 1.2316

How to Maximize Cost Savings with 1.2312

Here’s how experienced buyers get the most value:

1. Use It Strategically

👉 Combine materials:

• 1.2312 → mold base

• Higher-grade steel → cavity/core

2. Optimize Machining Parameters

Take advantage of its machinability:

• Increase cutting speed

• Reduce tool load

3. Choose Reliable Suppliers

Poor-quality 1.2312 can still cause:

• Cracking

• Inconsistent hardness

✔ Always check:

• UT testing

• Heat treatment quality

Conclusion

1.2312 free-machining steel is not just a material—it’s a cost-saving strategy.

If your goal is:

• Faster machining

• Lower tooling cost

• Higher production efficiency

👉 Then 1.2312 is an excellent choice.

But remember:

⚠️ It is NOT suitable for high-polish or high-end applications.

The smartest approach?

👉 Use the right steel in the right place.

📩 Need a quote or technical advice?
We’re ready to support your project:

• Email: rika@otaisteel.com

• WhatsApp: +8613642825398

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 mold manufacturers and end users worldwide.

But here’s the key point:

👉 1.2311 itself is not a “bad steel” — most problems come from quality variation and process control.

Let’s break this down clearly and practically so you can identify the real cause and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Internal Steel Quality Issues (The #1 Root Cause)

Problem: Inclusions, porosity, and segregation

Low-quality 1.2311 often contains:

• Non-metallic inclusions

• Gas porosity

• Chemical segregation

These defects act like “weak points” inside the steel.

Impact

• Cracking during machining or EDM

• Poor polishing (orange peel, pinholes)

• Reduced mold life

Why It Happens

• Poor melting process (no LF/VD refining)

• No ESR (Electro-Slag Remelting)

• Low-cost production shortcuts

Solution

✔ Choose steel with:

• EAF + LF + VD process (minimum requirement)

• ESR grade for high-end molds

• UT testing (EN 10228-3 or equivalent)

👉 ESR is the most effective way to improve cleanliness and polishability.

2. Improper Forging Ratio (Structure Not Dense Enough)

Problem

If the forging reduction ratio is too low, the internal structure remains:

• Coarse

• Non-uniform

Impact

• Uneven hardness

• Weak mechanical properties

• Higher cracking risk

Typical Scenario

Large blocks cut from insufficiently forged ingots.

Solution

✔ Ensure:

• Proper forging ratio (≥3:1 recommended)

• Homogeneous microstructure

3. Residual Stress Inside the Steel

Problem

Residual stress is often left inside the material due to:

• Improper heat treatment

• Fast cooling after forging

Impact

• Cracking during machining

• Deformation after rough machining

Especially Risky During

• CNC machining

• Deep cavity machining

• EDM processing

Solution

✔ Require:

• Stress-relief annealing before delivery

• Optional stress relief after rough machining

4. Poor Pre-Hardening Heat Treatment

Problem

1.2311 is supplied pre-hardened (28–34 HRC), but poor heat treatment can cause:

• Hardness variation

• Brittle structure

Impact

• Cracking during processing

• Inconsistent machining performance

Common Issues

• Uneven cooling

• Incorrect tempering

Solution

✔ Ask supplier for:

• Hardness uniformity report

• Heat treatment process details

5. Chemical Composition Deviation

Problem

If alloy elements are not well controlled:

• Too high carbon → brittle → cracking

• Too low alloy content → poor hardness → poor wear resistance

Impact

• Reduced toughness

• Poor polishing performance

Solution

✔ Always check:

• Mill Test Certificate (MTC)

• Composition within standard range

6. Low Cleanliness → Poor Polishing Performance

Problem

Polishing defects like:

• Pinholes

• Black spots

• “Orange peel” surface

are often caused by:

👉 Non-metallic inclusions inside steel

Impact

• Cannot achieve mirror finish

• Surface defects in plastic parts

Solution

✔ For high polish requirements:

• Choose ESR 1.2311 or upgrade to:

  • 1.2738

  • 1.2316 (for mirror finish)

Final Conclusion

If your 1.2311 steel is:

• Cracking easily ❌

• Difficult to machine ❌

• Poor in polishing ❌

👉 The root cause is usually quality, not the material itself.

Key Takeaways

✔ Choose the right process (at least LF + VD)
✔ Ensure proper forging and heat treatment
✔ Match material with application
✔ Work with a reliable supplier

Need Reliable 1.2311 Steel?

At  Otai Special Steel, we help customers avoid exactly these problems.

✔ Stable quality control
✔ ESR grade available
✔ Strict UT inspection
✔ Export experience worldwide

📩 Contact us today:

• Email: rika@otaisteel.com

• WhatsApp: +8613642825398

If you’re working in plastic mold manufacturing or sourcing tool steels globally, you’ve probably come across 1.2311 steel. It’s one of the most widely used pre-hardened plastic mold steels, known for its balance between performance, machinability, and cost.

Key Advantages of 1.2311 Steel

Let’s break down why so many mold manufacturers choose 2311:

1. No Heat Treatment Required

You can machine directly—no quenching or tempering needed.

👉 This reduces:

• Lead time

• Heat treatment cost

• Deformation risk

2. Excellent Machinability

2311 machines easily, even in hardened condition.

👉 Ideal for:

• CNC machining

• Large mold bases

3. Good Polishability

Suitable for general plastic parts.

⚠️ But note:

• Not ideal for mirror-polish applications

• For high-gloss molds, choose 1.2738 or 1.2316

4. Uniform Hardness

Especially important for large molds, ensuring consistent performance.

5. Cost-Effective Solution

Compared to higher-grade steels, 2311 offers:
👉 Best balance of price vs. performance

Limitations of 1.2311 Steel

No material is perfect. Here’s where 2311 may fall short:

1. Limited Corrosion Resistance

Not suitable for:

• PVC

• Flame-retardant plastics

👉 Consider stainless mold steels instead.

2. Not Suitable for High Wear Applications

If your mold handles:

• Glass fiber plastics

• Abrasive materials

👉 You should consider higher alloy steels.

3. Surface Finish Limitations

For optical-grade surfaces:
👉 2311 is not enough.