EVOLUTION OF STAINLESS MOULD STEEL:
From 1.4057 to 1.2316 for Superior PVC Moulding
Technical Brochure • Materials Engineering | PT. Steelindo Persada | Bandung, Indonesia | Rev.01 Nov 2026
INTRODUCTION
The selection of mould steel is critical for the durability and performance of injection moulds, especially when processing corrosive plastics like PVC. This brochure outlines the evolution from 1.4057 (AISI 431) to 1.2316 (X38CrMo16), highlighting why 1.2316 is now the industry standard for PVC moulding applications.
WHAT IS 1.4057 (AISI 431)
- Martensitic stainless steel, hardened grade
- Composition: ~16% Cr, ~2% Ni, low carbon
- Good mechanical strength 45-50 HRC
- Commonly used for general-purpose moulds
THE CHALLENGE WITH PVC – HCl Gas Corrosion
- PVC releases hydrochloric acid (HCl) >180°C
- Causes severe pitting and corrosion
- Leads to surface rust, mould damage
- Reduced mould lifetime & increased cost
THE SOLUTION: 1.2316 (X38CrMo16) – THE PVC SPECIALIST
High chromium + Mo content, excellent HCl resistance
Mirror polish for high-gloss PVC parts & optics
Hardness 28-32 HRC, machinability, protected against HCl
COMPARISON TABLE: 1.4057 vs 1.2316
| Property | 1.4057 (AISI 431) | 1.2316 (X38CrMo16) |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate – susceptible to HCl | Excellent – high Mo for HCl |
| Hardness (HRC) | 45-50 HRC | 28-32 HRC |
| Key Composition | Cr 16% + Ni 2% (No Mo) | Cr 16% + Mo 1.2% (Anti-HCl) |
| Mould Life in PVC | 200-300k shots | >800k – 1M shots |
COST-BENEFIT
- Higher initial cost 15-20% more
- 3-5x longer mould service life
- Reduced downtime & maintenance
- Lower total cost of ownership
RECOMMENDATION
For PVC injection moulding, 1.2316 is strongly recommended. While 1.4057 may be suitable for non-corrosive plastics, its poor resistance to HCl leads to premature failure. 1.2316 ensures reliability, better surface finish, and long-term productivity.
Butuh 1.2316 untuk Mould PVC Anda?
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