Meaning
Pre-hardened tool steel containing chromium and nickel is designed for large injection moulds. Using tool steel 1.2738 eliminates the need for post-machining heat treatment, which reduces the risk of distortion in massive plates. It is delivered in a hardened and tempered state.
This grade is widely used for automotive bumpers and large household appliances.
Core Hardness
Nickel additions ensure that the hardness remains consistent even in the center of very thick blocks. Tool steel 1.2738 provides better through-hardening properties than the simpler 1.2311 grade. This consistency allows for uniform machining behavior across the entire depth of the cavity and prevents the soft spots that can lead to premature wear or deformation.
Texturing Performance
Visual quality for moulded parts often relies on chemical etching to create specific patterns. The clean melting process used for tool steel 1.2738 results in a low inclusion count. This purity ensures that the etch reacts evenly across the surface.
It prevents the visual defects that occur when the acid hits clusters of impurities.
Economic Advantage
Rapid tool builds benefit from the use of pre-hardened materials. The absence of a quenching step allows the workshop to meet tight delivery schedules for large automotive components.
