P20 High Hard Steel 34-38 HRC & XPM Steel 39-44 HRC Supplier
Product description
P20 High Hard Steel – The Leading Plastic Mould Steel from MILANO SPECIAL STEEL
Introduction to P20 High Hard Plastic Mould Steel
P20 High Hard Plastic Mould Steel stands as one of the world’s most popular mold steels, well-known for its excellent combination of hardness, toughness, machinability, and versatility.
At MILANO SPECIAL STEEL, India’s trusted supplier and importer since 1972 with over 50 years of metallurgical expertise, we specialize in offering a comprehensive range of premium steel grades, including top-quality P20 High Hard Steel in multiple hardness levels (34 HRC to 38 HRC and 39 HRC to 44 HRC), specifically designed for high-demand plastic molding applications.
With locations and supply chains extending across Gurugram, Kundli, Sonipat, Manesar, Bawal, Bhiwadi, Faridabad, Haryana, Delhi NCR, and throughout India—from Bangalore, Pune, and Surat to every major industrial state—Milano Special Steel delivers the highest-grade P20 steel plates and rounds, cut-to-size as per customer requirements. Our commitment to stock quality, technical support, and competitive pricing cements us as the best P20 steel supplier and importer in India.
Table of Contents
Why Choose MILANO SPECIAL STEEL for P20 High Hard Steel?
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Founded in 1972: Over 50 years of experience in steel import, supply, and technical service.
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Premium Quality: Direct import of the world’s best brands and strict quality control (EN 10204/3.1 mill test certified).
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Vast Inventory: Ready-to-dispatch stocks of P20 in plates and rounds for swift delivery.
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Custom Sizing: Precision cutting and supply of custom shapes/pieces as per client drawings.
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Competitive Pricing: Wholesaler and retailer, giving you the best price in India.
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Pan-India Presence: Serving Indian manufacturers and toolmakers from Gurugram to Chennai, Surat to Bangalore, and across all states.
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Industry Expertise: Our clientele includes top companies in aluminum die casting, pressure and sheet metal die industries, plastic mold production, automotive, forging, defense, and machinery manufacturing.
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Technical Support: Expert guidance from metallurgists and engineers for steel selection, cutting, and heat treatment.
What is P20 High Hard Steel? [Plastic Mould Steel Explained]
P20 High Hard Steel is a premium alloy tool steel developed primarily for manufacturing plastic mold bases, injection molds, tool holders, die casting dies, and related precision tool applications. It belongs to the family of cold work/mould steels and is renowned for its:
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Consistent hardness throughout large and small cross sections
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Enhanced polishability, making it ideal for mirror-finish molds
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Good dimensional stability during machining and heat treatment
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Excellent machinability compared to higher-alloyed tool steels
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Reliable toughness, minimizing the risk of cracking or chipping during molding operations
P20 is typically supplied in the pre-hardened condition, saving time and cost on hardening heat treatments. High Hard grades—like 34 HRC to 38 HRC and 39 HRC to 44 HRC—offer superior wear resistance and durability, essential for long production runs and engineering safety.

Buy The best P20 High Hard Steel 34-38 HRC, XPM Steel 39-44 HRC Supplier
Types of P20 High Hard Steel Offered by MILANO SPECIAL STEEL
MD Xtra P20 High Hard Steel Grade 34 HRC to 38 HRC
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Target Use: Precision plastic molds, moderate wear die blocks, mold holders.
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Features: Great toughness, excellent machinability, good through-hardness for reliable mold production with fine finishing and polishability.
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Standard Specifications: Supplied pre-hardened, typically in plate or round bar.
XPM Grade P20 High Hard Steel Grade 39 HRC to 44 HRC
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Target Use: Large moulds requiring higher wear resistance, thermoplastic and thermosetting molds, long-life and high-volume die casting, and injection mold tools.
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Features: Increased surface hardness without significant loss of toughness, greater wear resistance for abrasive polymers or high-run production.
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Standard Specifications: Pre-hardened to a higher HRC range, available in precision plates and rounds, cut to size.
Product Forms: Plates and Round Stock
At MILANO SPECIAL STEEL, we supply P20 High Hard Steel in:
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Plates: Large block, pre-hardened, ready for machining. Ideal for mold bases, cavities, cores, and tool holders.
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Rounds: Versatile bar stock for turned and ground components, shafts, pins, etc.
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Cut-to-Size: Each order can be custom-cut—small pieces for repair work or large blocks/rounds for major tooling projects.
All products are imported or sourced from reputed mills and delivered with mill test certificates for total traceability and confidence.
P20 Steel Properties – Key Mechanical and Physical Features
| Property | Value (Range) | Typical Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 34 – 38 HRC / 39 – 44 HRC | HRC |
| Yield Strength | 850 – 1000 | MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 1000 – 1300 | MPa |
| Elongation | 15 – 20 | % |
| Impact Toughness | High | |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent (esp. High Hard) | |
| Machinability | Good – Excellent | |
| Polishability | Mirror-like achievable | |
| Dimensional Stability | Very good after machining | |
| Hardened Consistency | Uniform cross-section |
Note: The above properties may slightly vary depending on heat treatment condition, cross-sectional thickness, and steel manufacturer.
P20 Steel Chemical Composition (% Typical, may vary by variant)
| Element | Percentage | Function in Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.28 – 0.4 | Carbon – main hardening agent |
| Si | 0.2 – 0.8 | Silicon – improves strength and toughness |
| Mn | 0.6 – 1.0 | Manganese – assists hardenability, workability |
| Cr | 1.4 – 2.0 | Chromium – wear resistance, toughness |
| Mo | 0.3 – 0.55 | Molybdenum – deep-hardening, heat resistance |
| Ni | Up to 1.0* | Nickel (in some grades, like P20+Ni, adds toughness, through-hardening) |
| S | ≤ 0.035 | Sulphur–free machining additions |
| P | ≤ 0.035 | Phosphorus – minimised for toughness/ductility |
| V | 0.05 – 0.10* | Vanadium (sometimes) – grain/refinement |
(The exact range may differ between manufacturers. Always refer to the test certificate for your supplied batch.)
Advantages of P20 High Hard Steel [Why is P20 the best plastic mould steel?]
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Supplied Pre-Hardened: Eliminates the need for additional hardening treatments, reducing lead times and risk of distortion.
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Easy to Machine: Uniform hardness allows for fast, accurate machining and polishing.
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Good Through-Hardening: Consistent properties, even for large mold blocks.
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High Toughness: Reduces the likelihood of cracking/chipping under shock loads during molding.
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Great Polishability: Achieve high-gloss, mirror finish on mold surfaces—vital for clear or glossy plastic parts.
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Dimensional Control: Excellent stability during machining and service.
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Universally Recognized: Supported by global standards, equivalent grades, and cross-industry compatibility.
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Versatile Use: Can be nitrided, flame/surface hardened, coated (PVD, CVD) for enhanced performance.
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Cost-Effective: Extended tool and mold life reduces maintenance and downtime, lowering operational cost per part.
P20 High Hard Steel Applications – Where is P20 steel used?
P20 is the worldwide standard plastic mould steel and a reliable workhorse for many tooling applications. Our steel supports:
1. Plastic Injection Molding
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Mold bases, cavities, and cores for all thermoplastic and thermosetting resins
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Clear lens and optical part molds
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Multi-cavity and high-volume molds
2. Die Casting Tools
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Aluminum die cast dies, cores, and inserts
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Pressure die casting mold frames
3. Automotive Industry
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Bumper, dashboard, grille, lamp housing molds
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Precision tools for under-hood plastics, intake manifolds
4. Sheet Metal and Cutting Tools
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Punches, dies, blanking plates, cutting guide shoes
5. Forging & Forming Dies
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Die shoes, fixtures, and support plates for forming non-ferrous alloys
6. General Tooling
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Industrial machine parts, jigs, fixtures
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Defense industry components, aerospace tooling, measuring jigs
7. Special Applications
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Blow molds, extrusion dies, hot runner manifolds, medical component molds
Our main clientele spans the aluminum die casting industry, sheet metal forming, plastic toolmakers, automotive suppliers, OEMs, and more.
Difference Between P20 High Hard Steel Grades [34 HRC – 38 HRC vs. 39 HRC – 44 HRC]
The main difference between P20 High Hard Steel Grade 34–38 HRC and Grade 39–44 HRC is surface hardness and thus the mold’s durability.
| Feature | 34–38 HRC | 39–44 HRC |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Standard, medium-life molds | Long-life, high-volume, high-abrasion |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Superior |
| Machinability | Best | Still Good, but slightly lower |
| Polishability | Excellent | Still High |
| Molding Materials | General plastics | Highly abrasive plastics, glass-reinforced polymers |
| Life Span | Long | Extra Long |
| Processing | Easier to machine | May require more robust tooling |
When to Choose Each Grade:
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Use 34–38 HRC for: Complex tooling requiring maximum machinability, repair jobs, prototyping, medium-to-large runs.
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Use 39–44 HRC for: Highly abrasive or glass-filled material molds, high-production environments, components with tight tolerances on wear, or where dimensional integrity over long service is paramount.
P20 Steel Equivalent Grades – Worldwide Standards and Alternatives
Many international standards cover P20 or equivalent plastic mold steels. Here is a quick comparison of global equivalents and alternative grades:
| Standard | Grade / Designation | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM/AISI | P20, P20+Ni, P20MOD | U.S. – Standard and modified versions |
| DIN (Germany) | 1.2311, 1.2738 | 1.2311 = P20, 1.2738 = P20+Ni / HH |
| JIS (Japan) | SCM4, SCM440, NAK80 | SCM grades are often used for tooling |
| BS (UK) | ~40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 | |
| Chinese (GB) | 3Cr2Mo, 3Cr2MoNi | |
| Other | PX5, 2711, 2714 | Specialty grades for plastic molds |
P20 vs. Alternative Steels
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NAK80, 718/S, and 1.2738 are popular alternatives with added nickel for deeper through-hardening, improved toughness, and better polishability.
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For even more complex surfaces, grades like H13, S136, and other high-hardened tool steels are recommended, but at the expense of machinability.
Always consult with our experts to select the right grade for your specific application, balancing hardness, polishability, and tool life.
Custom Cutting, Sizing & Wholesale/Retail Supply
At MILANO SPECIAL STEEL:
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We supply both wholesale and retail quantities, with no minimum order.
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Plates and rounds are available in all standard sizes, and we can deliver precisely cut pieces to your drawings and requirements.
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Each order is supplied with a Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204/3.1) showing heat, chemistry, and mechanical property compliance.
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Large stocks available for immediate dispatch PAN-India.
Major Service Locations Across India
With our head office and major stockists in Gurugram, Kundli, Sonipat, Manesar, Bawal, Bhiwadi, Faridabad, Haryana, Ghaziabad, Noida, Delhi, and NCR, we serve and quickly dispatch to:
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North India: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh
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West India: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu
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East India: Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh
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South India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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Leading industrial cities: Bangalore/Bengaluru, Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Noida, Ghaziabad, and more
No matter your location in India, our logistics network ensures a quick, safe, and cost-effective supply of premium P20 High Hard Steel to your factory floor.
Why Buy P20 Steel from MILANO SPECIAL STEEL?
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Over 50 years of legacy: Established in 1972, our name stands for knowledge, reliability, and technical leadership in premium tool and mold steels.
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Best Import Quality: Verified, traceable, and authenticated by mill certificates.
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Expert Technical Support: Every order is supported by our in-house metallurgists’ expertise, helping you select and process P20 steel for maximum die/mold life and minimal cost.
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End-to-End Service: From initial inquiry, technical guidance, cutting and finishing, to after-sales support, your satisfaction is our priority.
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Clients across all sectors: Automotive OEMs, die casting and forging companies, plastic mold makers, electronics, defense contractors, and machinery manufacturers.
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Best Price Guarantee: We strive to offer the best price in India for the highest quality P20 High Hard Steel. Call or email us for the latest offers.
Contact Us – The Leading P20 High Hard Steel Importer and Supplier in India
For orders, technical queries, or a best-price quote on P20 Steel in plates or rounds (cut to size), reach us at:
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Website: milanospecialsteel.com
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P20 Product Site: p20highhardsteel.com | p20steel.com | p20steelsupplier.com
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Email: [email protected]
We are ready to serve your business needs—delivering excellence, expertise, and efficiency to every corner of India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – P20 High Hard Steel
Q: Is P20 steel suitable for high-gloss or optical molds?
A: Yes! P20’s fine microstructure and quality polishability allow mirror finishes crucial for clear plastic lens, optical, or decorative molded parts.
Q: Can I order small quantities or single cut pieces?
A: Definitely. MILANO SPECIAL STEEL supplies both bulk and one-off requirements—no order is too small or too large.
Q: Are your products certified?
A: Every batch is supplied with a mill test certificate (EN 10204/3.1) stating chemical and mechanical properties.
Q: Can P20 High Hard Steel be nitrided or surface-hardened?
A: Yes, nitriding or surface coating (e.g., PVD/CVD/TD) is commonly used to enhance wear properties for high-volume or abrasive applications.
Q: Do you supply modified grades like P20+Ni?
A: We supply the full range of P20 steel, including nickel-enriched and modified variants (like DIN 1.2738/P20+Ni), where deeper hardening and extra toughness are needed.
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Conclusion
With unmatched regional coverage, technical expertise, and deep inventory, MILANO SPECIAL STEEL is India’s foremost importer, supplier, and stockist of P20 High Hard Steel—your trusted partner for quality molds, dies, and industrial tooling. Whether you are building precision plastic injection molds, cutting tools, die casting dies, or special machine parts, our decades of experience, certified supply chain, and custom services empower you to achieve lasting value and efficiency.
Contact us today for the best price, technical advice, or to place your order—experience why leading Indian manufacturers trust only MILANO SPECIAL STEEL for their highly demanding tooling steel needs.
Last updated: July 2025. For live price/stock updates, as well as technical datasheets, visit www.milanospecialsteel.com.

