Specialty Grade Plate

2311 Plastic Mould Steel

DIN 1.2311 (40CrMnMo7) · AISI P20 · GB 3Cr2Mo

DIN 1.2311 (commonly referred to simply as "2311") is a pre-hardened chromium-manganese-molybdenum plastic mould steel that has become one of the most widely used grades in injection mould tooling worldwide. Its most commercially significant feature is that it is supplied in the pre-hardened condition (280–320 HB, equivalent to 28–34 HRC) — meaning that moulds can be machined directly to final dimensions without any subsequent hardening or heat treatment.

Available Forms Plate
International Equivalents DIN 1.2311 (40CrMnMo7) · AISI P20 · GB 3Cr2Mo
Hardness 280 – 320 HB (28 – 34 HRC)
Lead Time ✓ In Stock

Material Properties

In the pre-hardened condition, 2311 exhibits a uniform hardness of 280–320 HB (approximately 28–34 HRC) throughout the cross-section. Machinability is good — typical cutting speeds for carbide tooling are 80–120 m/min. The steel has adequate polishability for general industrial mould applications, though it does not reach the mirror-finish capability of higher-purity grades like 2738 or TGP80. Weldability is acceptable with appropriate preheating (200–250°C). The alloy composition provides sufficient corrosion resistance for normal indoor toolroom environments.

This pre-hardened delivery condition dramatically simplifies the mould manufacturing workflow: it eliminates the risk of distortion or dimensional change during heat treatment, removes the need for costly heat treatment operations after machining, and ensures predictable machinability throughout the entire block. For mould shops producing medium-complexity injection tools where optical-quality surface finish is not required, 2311 is typically the most cost-effective choice.

PT. Precision Special Steel supplies 2311 in plate form in a range of thicknesses. The plates are produced to consistent through-hardness, ensuring uniform machinability regardless of machining depth.

Chemical Composition (%)

Element Content (%)
C 0.28 – 0.40
Si 0.20 – 0.80
Mn 1.40 – 2.00
Cr 1.80 – 2.10
Mo 0.30 – 0.55
P ≤ 0.030
S ≤ 0.030

Mechanical Properties

Property Value
Hardness (Supply Condition) 280 – 320 HB (28 – 34 HRC)
Tensile Strength 965 – 1 100 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2%) 825 – 960 MPa
Impact Toughness (KU2) ≥ 63 J
Density 7.85 g/cm³

Typical Applications

Injection mould bases and frames
Medium-complexity injection mould inserts
Blow mould tooling
Compression mould dies
Prototype and low-volume injection moulds
Structural components of larger mould assemblies
Die casting shot sleeves and plungers
General industrial tooling requiring moderate hardness

Frequently Asked Questions

What forms is 2311 available in?
2311 is available from PT. Precision Special Steel in Plate form. Contact us for current available sizes and dimensions.
What are the international standard equivalents for 2311?
2311 is equivalent to: DIN 1.2311 (40CrMnMo7) , AISI P20 , GB 3Cr2Mo. These designations are interchangeable specifications.
Do you offer cutting and machining services for 2311?
Yes. PT. Precision Special Steel offers same-day band saw and circular saw cutting for all stocked grades including 2311. CNC milling and surface grinding are also available in-house. Orders for cutting placed before 12:00 WIB are ready the same day.
Is 2311 supplied with a mill test certificate?
Yes. Mill test certificates are available for 2311 on request. Please specify your documentation requirements when placing an order.

Need 2311 in Indonesia?

Get a competitive quote within 1 business day. Material in stock at our Cikarang warehouse — available for same-day cutting and in-house CNC machining.