40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 vs P20 / 40CrMnMo7: 100% composition overlap. Very similar materials, likely interchangeable for most applications.
40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 vs P20 / 40CrMnMo7
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
40CrMnNiMo8-6-4
1.2738
Pre-hardened mould steel with nickel addition for uniform hardness through large cross-sections. Delivered at 280-325 HB. The Ni addition (0.90-1.20%) provides better through-hardening than 1.2311/1.2312, making it suitable for large moulds with sections >400mm. Used for large injection moulds for automotive, household appliance, and furniture industry. The standard choice for large, complex mould frames. Similar to AISI P20+Ni.
P20 / 40CrMnMo7
1.2311
Pre-hardened plastic mold steel (usually delivered at 28-34 HRC). The most widely used mold base steel globally. Good machinability in pre-hardened condition, good polishability. Used for injection molds, die-casting dies, extrusion tooling, and structural mold components.
| 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 | P20 / 40CrMnMo7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.2738 | 1.2311 |
| Category | Tool Steel | Tool Steel |
| Standard | EN ISO 4957 | EN ISO 4957 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 | P20 / 40CrMnMo7 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.35–0.45% | 0.35–0.45% | OK |
| Si | 0.2–0.4% | 0.2–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 1.3–1.6% | 1.3–1.6% | OK |
| P | ≤ 0.03% | 0–0.03% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 | P20 / 40CrMnMo7 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| hardness_hb | 280–325 | — | HB |
| tensile_strength | 900–1100 | 900–1100 | MPa |
| density | ≥ 7.83 | ≥ 7.85 | g/cm3 |
Compatibility Assessment
40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 and P20 / 40CrMnMo7 have very similar compositions (100% overlap) and are likely interchangeable for most applications. Verify mechanical properties for your specific use case.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 the same as P20 / 40CrMnMo7?
40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 and P20 / 40CrMnMo7 have a 100% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 with P20 / 40CrMnMo7?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (100%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 and P20 / 40CrMnMo7?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. 40CrMnNiMo8-6-4 is a Tool Steel grade, while P20 / 40CrMnMo7 is a Tool Steel grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.