Product Overview
1.2316 is a high-chromium martensitic stainless plastic mold steel, widely specified under DIN 17350 and EN ISO 4957 standards (designated as X36CrMo17 or X38CrMo16). This material is engineered for superior corrosion resistance against chemically aggressive plastics, such as PVC, and is suitable for environments prone to outgassing. It is typically supplied in a pre-hardened condition (280–325 HBW), allowing for immediate machining without the need for additional heat treatment, which minimizes the risk of dimensional distortion. The steel is recognized for its excellent polishability and suitability for high-surface-finish mold cavities, extrusion dies, and blow molds.
Chemical Composition
Chemical Composition (DIN EN ISO 4957 / 1.2316)
| C | Si | Mn | Cr | Mo | Ni | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.33-0.45% | ≤1.00% | ≤1.00% | 15.00-17.00% | 0.80-1.30% | ≤1.00% | ≤0.030% | ≤0.030% |
Mechanical Properties
Mechanical Properties (Pre-hardened Condition)
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (Rm) | 950-1100 | MPa |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥800 | MPa |
| Hardness (Pre-hardened) | 280-325 | HBW |
Mechanical Properties (Soft Annealed Condition)
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Soft Annealed) | ≤230 | HBW |
Mechanical Properties (Post-Quench & Temper)
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Achievable Hardness | 48-52 | HRC |
Physical Properties
Physical Properties
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.70 | g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 18.0-20.0 | W/(m·K) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~215 | GPa |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 10.5 x 10⁻⁶ | K⁻¹ |
Heat Treatment
1.2316 can be supplied in a pre-hardened condition (280–325 HBW) for immediate use. For applications requiring full hardening, the following thermal processing is recommended:
| Process | Temperature | Cooling / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hardening | 1000–1040 °C | Quench in oil, thermal bath, or vacuum/pressurized gas. |
Key Features & Advantages
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| High Chromium Content | Provides excellent corrosion resistance against chemically aggressive plastics and outgassing. |
| Pre-hardened Supply | Delivered at 280–325 HBW, allowing for direct machining without further heat treatment and reducing distortion. |
| High Polishability | Suitable for high-surface finish requirements and mirror-polishing applications. |
| Mechanical Strength | Offers high compressive strength and toughness for demanding mold environments. |
Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molds | Ideal for molds processing corrosive polymers such as PVC and aminoplasts. |
| Blow Molds | Used in the production of containers and parts requiring high surface finish and corrosion resistance. |
| Extrusion Dies | Suitable for extrusion processes involving chemically active or abrasive additives. |
| General Tooling | Used for mold frames and components exposed to humid or corrosive operating conditions. |
Standards & Designations
Standard Material Number: 1.2316
Chemical Symbol Designations: X36CrMo17 / X38CrMo16 / X38CrMo16-1
Applicable Standards: DIN 17350, EN ISO 4957
Important Notes
Chemical Variations: Standard ranges for carbon and other elements may vary slightly between DIN 17350 and EN ISO 4957 revisions. Always verify MTC chemical analysis against specific contract requirements.
Surface Finish: Maximum corrosion resistance is dependent on proper hardening, tempering, and achieving a fine ground or mirror-polished surface.
Quality Specification: Standard melt is suitable for general use. For optical clarity, high-polish mirror finishes, or photo-etching, specify ESR (Electroslag Remelted) quality.









