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.

DIN WR. 1.2738-STEEL-BLOCKDIN WR. 1.2311-plate-block

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 🚀