DIN 1.2316 plastic mold steel manufacturer
1.2316 tool steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, superior polishability, and reliable hardenability. Combined with good toughness and stable performance, it is ideal for corrosion-resistant plastic molds, high-gloss & optical molds, and food & medical packaging molds.
- Standard: DIN 1.2316, comparable to AISI 420 modified
- Technique: EAF + LF + VD or ESR, forged, multi-directional forging ratio ≥4, spheroidized annealed
- Shape: Round, Flat, Plates, Blocks
- Heat treatment: Supplied in spheroidized annealed condition, hardness ≤230 HBW; pre-hardened to 28–32 HRC (quenched and tempered) available on request. Higher hardness up to 48–52 HRC for enhanced wear resistance
- Surface Treatment: Turned, milled / ground, sawn ends. Black (hot-rolled / forged surface) available for large sections. Mirror polishing available for optical-grade applications
- Tolerance: flat bars & plates thickness: +0.5/-0.0 mm (turned); forged blocks: ±0.2 mm
- MOQ: 1 Ton
We supply DIN 1.2316 in various custom sizes

plate size range
- Thickness: 10-90 mm
- Width: 1800-2300 mm

flat size range
- Thickness: 6-200 mm
- Width: 40-1500 mm

block size range
- Thickness: 200-400 mm
- Width: 300-1200 mm

round size range
- Diameter: φ10-400 mm
Chemical Composition (%)
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P (≤) | S (≤) | Cr | Mo | Ni (≤) | V |
1.2316 (X36CrMo17) | 0.33–0.43 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 15.00–17.00 | 1.00–1.30 | 1.00 | — |
3Cr17Mo (近似) | 0.36–0.45 | ≤0.80 | ≤0.80 | 0.035 | 0.030 | 16.00–18.00 | 0.80–1.20 | — | — |
420Mo Mod (企业) | 0.33–0.40 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.030 | 0.020 | 15.00–16.50 | 1.00–1.20 | 0.50 | — |
Main characteristics of 1.2316 tool steel
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance - Performs well in humid environments
- Superior Polishability - Supports high-quality surface finishes
- High Hardenability - Provides consistent hardness after heat treatment
- Strong Toughness - Resists cracking and mechanical stress
1.2316 tool steel applications
1.2316 steel for Corrosion-Resistant Plastic Mold
High chromium and molybdenum content provide exceptional resistance to acidic gases from PVC, POM, and flame-retardant plastics, significantly extending mold life.
1.2316 steel for High-Gloss & Optical Mold
Excellent polishability and high cleanliness enable 1.2316 to achieve flawless mirror finishes for high-gloss surfaces and precision optical components.
1.2316 steel for Food & Medical Packaging Mold
Superior corrosion resistance and hygienic surface quality ensure clean, easy-release molding for food containers and medical device packaging.
Our Production Technology For 1.2316 (X36CrMo17) Corrosion-Resistant Plastic Mold Steel
- EAF
- LF
- VD
- ESR
- Forged or Hot Rolled
- Prehardened (Quenched and Tempered) – standard delivery
- Annealed (upon request)
- Machined surface / Peeled / Black finish
-
Quality Control:
Ultrasonic testing (UT) 100% as per ASTM A388 or SEP 1921 (upon request)
Micro Cleanliness as per ASTM E45
Oxygen content ≤ 18 ppm (vacuum degassed)
Grain size 7–8 (per ASTM E112) -
Delivery condition options:
Prehardened (+QT): 280 – 325 HB (29 – 35 HRC) – standard
Soft annealed (+A): max. 250 HB
Quenched and tempered (higher hardness): 46 – 49 HRC (oil quenched) - Mechanical properties as per DIN 17350-1980
mechanical properties & heat treatment of 1.2316 steel
| Heat temperature | Start forging temperature | Finish forging temperature | Cooling method |
| 1100 – 1150 °C | 1050 – 1100 °C | ≥ 850 °C | Dry ash, sand, pit, or furnace cooling |
Annealing
-
Annealing temperature: 760 – 820°C.
Meusburger range: 760 – 800°C.
General range: 780 – 820°C - Holding time: 4 – 5 hours (or sufficient time according to section thickness)
- Cooling method: Slow controlled cooling in furnace at 10 – 20°C/h down to approx. 650°C; further cooling in air
- Hardness after annealing: max. 230 – 250 HB
- Annealing in a protective atmosphere is recommended to reduce decarburization and surface scaling
Hardening
- 1.2316 is typically used in the prehardened condition and does not require additional heat treatment. The following hardening parameters apply only when rehardening is required (e.g., after annealing or when higher hardness is needed)
- Pre-heating (recommended): Preheat to 600 – 700°C
-
Austenitizing temperature: 1000 – 1050°C.
Alternative: 1030 – 1050°C.
Alternative: 1020 – 1050°C - Holding time: 15 – 30 minutes after temperature equalization
-
Quenching media:
Oil (preferred) — provides maximum hardness.
Water — for maximum hardness (increased distortion risk).
Air — for reduced distortion, lower hardness.
Hot bath (500 – 600°C) — for martempering complex shapes -
Hardness after quenching:
Oil quenched: 46 – 49 HRC.
Air quenched: 42 – 48 HRC.
Maximum achievable: 49 – 55 HRC (with optimized process)
Stress relieving
- Perform after rough machining, heavy stock removal, or EDM to reduce residual stresses
- Heat carefully to 550 – 650°C
- Hold at temperature for 1 – 2 hours (minimum)
- Air cool after holding
- This operation reduces the risk of distortion during final finishing and improves dimensional stability
Tempering
- Temper immediately after the workpiece cools to handwarm temperature (approx. 50–70°C). Delayed tempering may cause cracking
- Number of tempers: Minimum 1 time; 2 times recommended for critical components
- Holding time: 1 hour per 20mm of section thickness (minimum 2 hours)
- Cooling method: Air cool after each tempering cycle
- Tempering temperature range: 600 – 700°C
Why Choose NSPM as Your 1.2316 Tool Steel Supplier
Source Direct
Direct mill cooperation ensures stable supply, competitive pricing, and consistent quality. Global resource integration and strong supply chain management guarantee reliable material sourcing and long-term availability.
Stock Ready
50,000+ tons inventory across 11 warehouses enables fast delivery. Flexible cutting, short lead times, and ready stock support urgent demands and improve customers’ production efficiency.
Expert Team
600+ professionals, including R&D specialists and technical engineers, provide application-driven support. Fast response and deep tooling knowledge ensure accurate solutions for diverse industrial needs.
Fully Inspected
Strict quality control system with full traceability, UT testing, and heat treatment records. Certified standards (ISO, CE) ensure every material meets high-performance and reliability requirements.
Full-Chain Machining
From steel supply to precision machining, heat treatment, and equipment manufacturing, NSPM offers integrated solutions that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and overall tooling performance.