# P20 tool steel equivalents

P20 tool steel is nearest to EN 1.2311 (40CrMnMo7) and China GB 3Cr2Mo. There is no direct JIS equivalent. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | P20 |
| EN steel name | 40CrMnMo7 |
| EN steel number | 1.2311 |
| JIS | no direct equivalent |
| China GB | 3Cr2Mo |

Family: Pre-hardened mould steel

## What it is

A mould steel usually supplied pre-hardened, so mould cavities can be machined straight to size without a later heat treatment. There is no direct JIS equivalent; makers offer their own pre-hardened mould grades.

## Typical uses

Plastic injection mould cavities and cores, mould bases, holder blocks and machine parts that need moderate hardness without heat treatment.

## Machining notes

Machined in the pre-hardened condition with carbide tools. It polishes and textures well.

## Related grades

- H13 tool steel (1.2344): Hot-work steel for die casting and moulds
- 4140 steel (1.7225): Pre-hardened alloy steel

Equivalents are nearest matches, not identical grades. The governing standard or mill certificate decides.

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of P20 tool steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.2311, steel name 40CrMnMo7.

**What is the JIS equivalent of P20 tool steel?**
There is no direct JIS equivalent; Japanese makers sell their own pre-hardened mould steels.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of P20 tool steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is 3Cr2Mo.

**Is 1.2311 the same as P20?**
1.2311 (40CrMnMo7) is the nearest European equivalent of P20, not an identical grade. Composition limits and required properties differ in detail, so check the governing standard or the mill certificate when it matters.

**What is P20 used for?**
Plastic injection mould cavities and cores, mould bases, holder blocks and machine parts that need moderate hardness without heat treatment.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/p20-tool-steel/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)