P20 Tool Steel
P20 tool steel stands as a reliable workhorse in the mold and die-making industry. This low-alloy, molybdenum-vanadium steel offers a well-balanced combination of properties that make it suitable for a wide range of cold work applications. Its strengths lie in its excellent machinability, good wear resistance, and dimensional stability, making it a cost-effective and practical choice for tool and die makers.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of P20 tool steels is outlined in the following table..
| Element | Content (%) |
| C | 0.28-0.40 |
| Mn | 0.60-1.00 |
| Si | 0.20-0.80 |
| Cr | 1.40-2.00 |
| Mo | 0.30-0.55 |
| Cu | 0.25 |
| P | 0.03 |
| S | 0.03 |
Physical Properties
The following table shows the physical properties of P20 tool steels.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
| Density | 7.85 g/cc | 0.284 lb/in3 |
P20 tool steel boasts several key properties that make it a popular choice for cold work applications. Its low carbon content contributes to excellent machinability, allowing for efficient shaping and finishing with minimal equipment. This characteristic, combined with good weldability, makes it a practical and cost-effective option for tool and die makers. P20 also exhibits good wear resistance and dimensional stability, ensuring that tools maintain their shape and functionality over time. Additionally, its pre-hardened state (typically around 29-33 HRC) eliminates the need for complex heat treatment processes, further simplifying its use.
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of P20 tool steels are displayed in the following table.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
| Hardness, Brinell (typical) | 300 | 33 |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (typical) | 30 | 30 |
| Tensile strength, ultimate | 965-1030 MPa | 140000-150000 psi |
| Tensile strength, yield | 827-862 MPa | 120000-125000 psi |
| Elongation at break (in 50 mm (2")) | 20.0% | 20.0% |
| Compressive strength | 862 MPa | 125000 psi |
| Charpy impact (V-Notch) | 27.1-33.9 J | 20.0-25.0 ft-lb |
| Poisson's ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| Elastic modulus | 190-210 GPa | 27557-30457 ksi |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of P20 tool steels are given in the following table.
| Properties | Conditions | ||
| T (°C) | Treatment | ||
| Thermal expansion | 12.8 x 10-6/ºC | 20-425 | - |
P20 tool steel's combination of affordability, machinability, and well-rounded performance makes it a go-to option for a multitude of cold work applications. Its ease of use and reliable properties solidify its position as a trusted workhorse in the tool and die-making industry.
