Description

P20 is a versatile, low-alloy tool steel known for its excellent machinability, toughness, and wear resistance. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of plastic injection molds and die casting dies.

Applications

P20 is widely used in the production of plastic molds for various industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and packaging. It is also used in the manufacturing of die casting dies, extrusion dies, and precision machine parts.

Blacksmith Applications

P20 can be utilized by blacksmiths in the production of tools such as punches, dies, chisels, and hammers. Its excellent toughness and wear resistance make it suitable for heavy-duty applications.

P20 Forging Temperature

Forging should be carried out between 1000°F - 1100°F (538°C - 593°C), followed by slow cooling in a furnace or insulating material to relieve internal stresses.

P20 Heat Treatment

P20 Annealing Temperature

Annealing is typically performed at 1600°F (871°C) for a sufficient amount of time, followed by slow cooling in the furnace to achieve desired hardness and machinability.

P20 Normalizing Temperature

Normalizing can be performed at 1600°F to 1700°F (871°C to 927°C) for a proper soak time, followed by air cooling to refine the grain structure.

P20 Hardening Temperature

Hardening is achieved by heating the steel to 1525°F to 1550°F (829°C to 843°C) and then quenching in oil or air to obtain maximum hardness.

P20 Tempering Temperature

Tempering should be done at 300°F to 800°F (149°C to 427°C) to achieve the desired balance between hardness and toughness.

Machinability

P20 has excellent machinability, especially in the annealed or pre-hardened condition, allowing for efficient machining operations and precise tooling.

Weldability

P20 has good weldability with proper preheating and post-weld heat treatment. It is important to minimize stress concentration and thermal distortion during welding.