Spherical Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Powder (ASTM P20)

Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM P20) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM P20) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Spherical Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Powder (ASTM P20) characteristics -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Spherical Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Powder (ASTM P20) Particle Size -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: -:- -:- 0-15μm ,5-25μm, 15-45μm, 15-53μm,20-63um, 45-75μm, 45-105μm, 45-150μm ,75-150μm. (Various granularities can be customized according to customer requirements) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Spherical Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Powder (ASTM P20) Applicable processes -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Laser/electron beam additive manufacturing (SLM/EBM, 3D printing) Direct laser deposition (DLD) Used in thermal spray (TSA) Powder hot isostatic pressing (HIP) Metal injection molding (MIM) Powder metallurgy (PM) Laser cladding (LC), etc. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Spherical Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Powder (ASTM P20) Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel (ASTM P20) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel** ## **Premium Pre-Hardened Mold Steel for Plastic Injection Molding Applications** Latrobe LSS™ P20 is a premium chromium-molybdenum alloy mold steel specifically engineered for plastic injection molding applications. Supplied in pre-hardened condition at approximately 30-32 HRC, this versatile mold steel offers excellent machinability, good polishability, and uniform hardness throughout its cross-section. As the industry standard for general-purpose plastic injection molds, P20 provides an optimal balance of mechanical properties, manufacturing efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for a wide range of molding applications. --- ### **Key Features & Benefits** - **Pre-Hardened Delivery**: Supplied at 30-32 HRC, eliminating heat treatment after machining - **Excellent Machinability**: Superior cutting performance in the pre-hardened state - **Good Polishability**: Capable of achieving high-quality surface finishes for plastic parts - **Uniform Hardness**: Consistent mechanical properties throughout the cross-section - **Good Weldability**: Suitable for mold repairs and modifications - **Dimensional Stability**: Minimal movement during and after machining operations - **Cost-Effective Solution**: Reduced lead time and manufacturing costs compared to tool steels requiring heat treatment --- ### **Chemical Composition (Typical %, ASTM A681 P20)** | Element | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Other Elements | |---------|------------|---------------|-----------------|----------------|--------------|----------------| | **Content** | 0.28 - 0.40 | 1.40 - 2.00 | 0.30 - 0.55 | 0.60 - 1.00 | 0.20 - 0.80 | S ≤ 0.010
P ≤ 0.020 | *Note: LSS™ P20 features a balanced chromium-molybdenum composition that provides good hardenability and mechanical properties while maintaining excellent machinability in the pre-hardened condition. The controlled carbon content ensures adequate strength without compromising toughness or polishability.* --- ### **Physical & Mechanical Properties (As-Delivered Pre-Hardened)** | Property | Value / Description | |----------|---------------------| | **Density** | 7.85 g/cm³ | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 35-40 W/m·K at 20°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 0.46 kJ/kg·K at 20°C | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 12.0 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C) | | **As-Delivered Hardness** | **30-32 HRC** (28-34 HRC range available) | | **Tensile Strength** | 1,000-1,100 MPa (at 31 HRC) | | **Yield Strength** | 850-950 MPa (at 31 HRC) | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 205-210 GPa | | **Impact Toughness** | Good – suitable for most molding applications | | **Machinability in Hardened State** | **Excellent for 31 HRC material** | --- ### **Heat Treatment Considerations** #### **Important Note:** LSS™ P20 is supplied in a fully pre-hardened condition and is generally **NOT intended for additional hardening heat treatment**. It is designed for use in the as-supplied condition for maximum manufacturing efficiency. #### **Annealing (If Required for Major Changes)** - **Temperature**: 760-790°C (1400-1450°F) - **Method**: Slow furnace cool to 600°C (1110°F) at ≤15°C (27°F)/hour, then air cool - **Resultant Hardness**: 200-230 HB #### **Stress Relieving (Recommended after Heavy Machining)** - **Temperature**: 510-540°C (950-1000°F) - **Hold Time**: 2 hours per inch of thickness - **Cooling**: Slow furnace cool to 300°C (570°F), then air cool - **Purpose**: Relief of machining stresses without significant hardness reduction #### **Nitriding and Surface Hardening** - **Nitriding**: Excellent candidate for gas, plasma, or salt bath nitriding - **Surface Hardness**: Can achieve 65-70 HRC surface hardness after nitriding - **Case Depth**: Typically 0.10-0.30 mm (0.004-0.012 inches) - **Benefits**: Enhanced wear resistance and anti-sticking properties --- ### **International Standards & Equivalent Grades** | Standard | Grade Designation | Notes | |----------|-------------------|-------| | **ASTM** | A681 P20 | Primary specification (UNS T51620) | | **ISO** | 35CrMo2 | ISO 4957 designation | | **DIN** | 1.2311 / 40CrMnMo7 | German standard | | **JIS** | PDS5 | Japanese industrial standard | | **AFNOR** | 40CrMnMo8 | French association standard | | **GB** | 3Cr2Mo | Chinese equivalent | | **UNS** | T51620 | Unified Numbering System | | **Proprietary** | LSS™ P20 | Latrobe Special Steel designation | --- ### **Typical Applications** #### **Plastic Injection Molding (Primary Application)** - **General-Purpose Injection Molds**: For commodity and engineering plastics - **Mold Bases and Plates**: Core and cavity plates, support plates, ejector housings - **Mold Inserts and Cores**: For medium-to-high volume production - **Family Molds**: For multiple parts in a single tool - **Prototype Molds**: For product development and testing #### **Specific Plastic Materials** - **Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP)**: Commodity plastics - **ABS and SAN**: Engineering thermoplastics - **Polycarbonate (PC)**: For optical and structural applications - **Nylon (PA)**: Both unfilled and reinforced grades - **Polyacetal (POM)**: Precision engineering applications #### **Other Mold Applications** - **Blow Molding Tools**: For container and bottle manufacturing - **Structural Foam Molds**: For low-pressure foam molding - **Rotational Molding**: For hollow part manufacturing - **Thermoforming Tools**: For sheet plastic forming #### **Non-Molding Applications** - **Jigs and Fixtures**: Manufacturing fixtures and tooling components - **Gauges and Measurement Tools**: Precision measurement equipment - **Machine Components**: General mechanical components requiring moderate hardness - **Educational and Training**: For machining and toolmaking instruction --- ### **Machining & Fabrication Notes** #### **Machining in Pre-Hardened Condition** - **Recommended Tools**: HSS or carbide tools both suitable; carbide recommended for production - **Cutting Speeds**: 60-100 m/min (200-330 SFM) for turning with carbide tools - **Feed Rates**: Moderate to heavy feeds possible - **Depth of Cut**: Up to 5 mm (0.200 inches) with proper setup - **Coolant**: Recommended for optimal tool life and surface finish - **Special Advantage**: Excellent chip formation and surface finish #### **Grinding Operations** - **Excellent grindability** with standard aluminum oxide wheels - **Surface Finish**: Can achieve Ra < 0.4 μm with proper techniques - **Coolant**: Standard grinding coolant adequate - **Parameters**: Standard practices for 31 HRC material #### **EDM Machining** - **Excellent suitability** for both wire and sinker EDM - **Surface Finish**: Good results with standard parameters - **Recast Layer**: Minimal with proper settings - **Polishability**: Good surface condition after EDM #### **Polishing and Texturing** - **Polishability**: Good – can achieve SPI #1 (A-1) finish with proper technique - **Texturing**: Excellent for chemical etching, laser texturing, and EDM texturing - **Surface Preparation**: Proper grinding and stoning essential before polishing - **Final Finishes**: Capable of mirror finishes for optical applications --- ### **Quality Assurance & Metallurgical Standards** #### **Hardness and Uniformity Standards** - **Hardness Range**: 30-32 HRC guaranteed (28-34 HRC available) - **Uniformity**: ±1.5 HRC maximum variation within piece - **Surface Condition**: Minimal decarburization (≤0.25 mm) - **Straightness**: Enhanced straightness tolerances for mold plate applications #### **Testing & Certification** - **Hardness Certification**: Multiple point hardness verification - **Chemical Analysis**: Full composition verification - **Ultrasonic Testing**: Available for critical applications - **Certification**: Material test report with guaranteed hardness and chemistry --- ### **Available Product Forms** | Form | Standard Sizes | Condition | Hardness | Surface Finish | |------|---------------|-----------|----------|----------------| | **Plate** | Up to 2000mm wide, 25-600mm thick | Pre-Hardened | 30-32 HRC | Ground, milled, or as-rolled | | **Blocks** | Various dimensions | Pre-Hardened | 30-32 HRC | Ground six sides | | **Round Bars** | 10-300mm diameter | Pre-Hardened | 30-32 HRC | Turned, ground, or polished | | **Square Bars** | 10-150mm | Pre-Hardened | 30-32 HRC | Ground four sides | --- ### **Technical Comparison** | Property | LSS™ P20 | 420 Stainless | H13 | Aluminum | |----------|-----------|--------------|-----|----------| | **Hardness** | 30-32 HRC | 30-35 HRC | 44-48 HRC | 70-100 HB | | **Machinability** | **Excellent** | Good | Good | Excellent | | **Polishability** | Good | **Excellent** | Very Good | Good | | **Corrosion Resistance** | Fair | **Excellent** | Fair | **Excellent** | | **Thermal Conductivity** | Good | Poor | Good | **Excellent** | | **Cost** | Moderate | High | Moderate | Low | | **Primary Application** | General molds | Corrosive materials | Hot work | Prototype/light duty | --- ### **Design Considerations** 1. **Optimal Applications**: - Medium-to-high volume injection molds (10,000-500,000 cycles) - General-purpose plastic parts without special requirements - Molds for non-abrasive, non-corrosive plastics - Applications where lead time and cost are significant factors 2. **Limitations to Consider**: - Not for highly abrasive filled plastics (glass, minerals, carbon fiber) - Limited corrosion resistance – may require plating for certain plastics - Maximum hardness limits mechanical strength for high-pressure applications - Not suitable for high-temperature engineering plastics (PEEK, PPS, PEI) --- ### **Economic Advantages** 1. **Eliminated Costs**: - No heat treatment processing costs - Reduced manufacturing lead time (typically 2-4 weeks faster) - No post-heat treatment machining or stress relieving - Reduced risk of heat treatment distortion and associated rework 2. **Manufacturing Efficiency**: - Excellent machinability reduces tooling costs - Predictable and consistent machining performance - Simplified manufacturing process flow - Faster time-to-market for molded products 3. **Total Cost of Ownership**: - Lower initial tooling investment - Good balance of performance and cost - Reliable performance for typical applications - Easy maintenance and repair capabilities --- ### **Technical Support** Latrobe provides comprehensive technical support for LSS™ P20: - **Application Engineering**: Guidance on appropriate applications and limitations - **Machining Recommendations**: Optimal parameters for mold manufacturing - **Troubleshooting**: Assistance with machining and polishing challenges - **Technical Data**: Complete machining and fabrication guidelines - **Field Support**: On-site technical assistance for critical applications --- **Select Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel** for general-purpose plastic injection molding applications requiring an optimal balance of performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. This industry-standard pre-hardened mold steel delivers reliable performance for a wide range of plastic materials and molding applications, offering excellent machinability, good polishability, and predictable behavior throughout the mold manufacturing process. When lead time, manufacturing efficiency, and total project cost are primary considerations, LSS™ P20 provides a proven solution that has become the benchmark for plastic injection mold manufacturing worldwide. For molds producing commercial products, consumer goods, automotive components, and general industrial parts, LSS™ P20 represents the intelligent choice that balances technical requirements with economic realities. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel (ASTM P20) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7177 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel (ASTM P20) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Spherical Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Powder (ASTM P20) Particle Size Description -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Applications of Spherical Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Powder (ASTM P20) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Applications of Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM P20) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM P20) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM P20) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Spherical Powder drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 3648 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition