2311 MOLD STEEL is a hardened CrMnMo-alloyed tool steel for the construction of plastic molds with superior surface requirements on molds. It is characterized by excellent polishability, photoetchability, spark erosion behaviour and dimensional stability as well as good machinability.
Product description
Designation and range of application
2311 MOLD STEEL is a modified version of 1.2311, respectively 40CMD8 according to NF A 35590, 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 according to DIN EN ISO 4957 and a modified version of P20 according to ASTM A681.
2311 MOLD STEEL is available as plate with cut edges (sheared, flame cut or water jet cut) in the following dimensions:
| Thickness | ≥ 12 ≤ 130 mm | ≥ 1/2 ≤ 5 inch | > 130 ≤ 170 mm | > 5 ≤ 6 3/4 inch |
| Width (1) | ≥ 1000 ≤ 2500 mm | ≥ 40 ≤ 98 1/4 inch | ≥ 1000 ≤ 2050 mm | ≥ 40 ≤ 80 1/2 inch |
| Length | ≥ 3000 ≤ 6000 mm | ≥ 119 ≤ 236 inch | ≥ 3000 ≤ 6000 mm | ≥ 119 ≤ 236 inch |
(1) Widths < 1250 mm (49 in) have to be ordered with an even number of plates
Other dimensions available upon request.
Production
The 2311 MOLD STEEL production route is designed to achieve the excellent properties of this mold steel type with superior surface requirements. 2311 MOLD STEEL is characterized by high dimensional stability. The 2311 MOLD STEEL production route provides excellent polishability, photoetchability and spark erosion properties. Therefore 2311 MOLD STEEL is particularly suitable for molds with superior surface requirements if suitable manufacturing processes are employed.
The good sulfidic and oxidic cleanliness and the modification of the few remaining inclusions by the calcium treatment lead to good machinability and minimize the tool wear. These properties can only be achieved by the combination of the following 2311 MOLD STEEL-production steps:
- desulphurization to S ≤ 0.002% for high sulfidic cleanliness
- chemical composition analysis in dependence of plate thickness
- vacuum degassing
- argon stirring for high sulfidic and oxidic cleanliness
- calcium treatment for inclusion shape control
- special casting conditions to assure the high cleanliness and homogeneity
- high Shape Factor Rolling (high thickness reduction) to realize a closely packed structure
- appropriate heat treatment parameters according to analysis and dimensions to assure homogeneous hardness distribution over the plate and to minimize residual stresses
Chemical composition
For the ladle analysis the following limiting values in % are applicable
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | Ni | V |
| 0.35-0.45 | 0.20-0.40 | 1.30-1.60 | 0.025 | 0.002 | 1.80-2.10 | 0.15-0.25 | (1) | (1) |
(1) alloyed depending on dimensions
Delivery condition
2311 MOLD STEEL is supplied in the hardened (air hardened + tempered) condition.
Mechanical and physical properties in the delivery condition
Hardness
Unless otherwise agreed the hardness at the surface in the delivery condition is 280 - 325 HBW.
According to EN ISO 18265, table B2, this corresponds to a tensile strength of approximately 890 -1030 MPa (128 - 148 ksi).
Testing
- Heat analysis
- Dimension control
- Surface inspection
- Hardness
The hardness (HBW) is tested on surface of each rolled mother plate.
Unless otherwise agreed, 100 % ultrasonic testing is performed on each plate in accordance with EN 10160. As admissible limit applies quality class 4 in table 5 of EN 10228-3.
Upon request, an ultrasonic testing in accordance with ASTM A 578, Level C supplementary requirements S1 and S9 is possible. In this case the desired testing standard has to be indicated on the order.
Unless otherwise agreed, the results are documented in an inspection certificate 3.1 in accordance with EN 10204.
Identification of plates
Unless otherwise agreed the marking is carried out via steel stamps with at least the following
information:
- steel grade (2311 MOLD STEEL)
- heat number
- number of mother plate and individual plate
- the manufacturer’s symbol
- inspector’s sign
Processing
Heat treatment
2311 MOLD STEEL is delivered in the hardened condition; therefore further heat treatment is generally not necessary. This avoids the risks and costs involved by the hardening and tempering of a mold after processing. Should a heat treatment become necessary, the following data are recommended:
| soft annealing | stress relieving | hardening | tempering |
| 720 - 740 °C (1330 - 1360 °F) 2 - 4 h, furnace cooling hardness about 230 HB | in the delivery condition max. 580 °C (1080 °F) 1 - 2 h, furnace cooling | 840 - 860 °C (1540 - 1580 °F)/oil; for low wall thicknesses warm bath hardening at 200 - 230 °C (390 - 450 °F) is possible | in accordance with tempering diagram to required hardness |
General technical delivery requirements
Unless otherwise agreed, the general technical delivery requirements in accordance with EN 10021 apply.
Tolerances
Unless otherwise agreed, tolerances are in accordance with EN 10029 with the following restrictions:
| plate thickness: | in accordance with EN 10029, class C |
| plate width: | ≥1000 mm≤1500 mm | -0/+40 mm | ≥40≤59 in | -0/+1.6 in |
| | >1500 mm≤2050 mm | -0/+50 mm | >59≤80 1/2 in | -0/+2 in |
| | >2050 mm | -0/+100 mm | >80 1/2 in | -0/+4 in |
| plate length: | | ± 500 mm | | ± 20 in |
| flatness: | ≤3 mm/m, ≤6 mm/2m |
Unless otherwise agreed, short lengths ≥2 m (79 in) are part of the delivery.
Surface quality
Unless otherwise agreed, the specifications will be in accordance with EN 10163-2 class A, subclass 3. Shot blasting of upper and lower surface of the plate and shop priming are possible on request.
General note
If special requirements, which are not listed in this specification, are to be met by the steel due to its intended use or processing, these requirements are to be agreed before placing the order.
Production process
