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Injection Mold Steel Comparison: P20 vs 718H vs H13 vs NAK80

Published: April 27, 2026 | Category: Materials

Choosing the right steel for your injection mold is one of the most important decisions in the tooling process. The steel grade affects mold cost, production lifespan, part quality, and maintenance requirements. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of the most common mold steels used in injection molding.

P20 (1.2311 / 3Cr2Mo)

Pre-hardened to 28-32 HRC. Cost-effective for production runs up to 500,000 cycles. Good machinability and polishing properties. Best for: general-purpose molds, automotive interior parts, consumer goods. Typical cost: baseline.

718H (1.2738 / 40CrMnNiMo)

Pre-hardened to 38-42 HRC. Higher hardness than P20, good for 1,000,000+ cycles. Better wear resistance and through-hardening. Best for: automotive exterior parts, high-volume production, glass-filled materials. Typical cost: 15-25% more than P20.

H13 (1.2344 / 4Cr5MoSiV1)

Hot-work tool steel for demanding applications. Good for 2,000,000+ cycles. Excellent wear resistance, high temperature strength. Best for: die casting molds, highly abrasive plastics, high-cavitation molds. Typical cost: 30-50% more than P20.

NAK80 (1.2738 modified)

Pre-hardened to 37-43 HRC with excellent polishability. Good optical surface finish. 1,000,000+ cycle capability. Best for: optical parts, transparent components, medical devices requiring mirror finish. Typical cost: 30-40% more than P20.

Contact Taize for recommendations on the optimal steel grade for your specific application.