Steel 3Cr2Mo Normalized
Heat-treated state
GB 3Cr2Mo · AISI/SAE P20
Used for bar stock and for grain refinement before final quench and temper.
Values for the Normalized condition
Other 3Cr2Mo tempers and conditions
3Cr2Mo is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at 3Cr2Mo.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
soft annealed for deep machining/EDM before hardening | Pick when the mould will be through-hardened after roughing, or for maximum machinability. | 450 | 700 | 22 | 210 HB | — |
NormalizedThis page air cooled from austenitizing, intermediate strength | Used for bar stock and for grain refinement before final quench and temper. | 570 | 860 | 18 | 24 HRC | 8 % IACS |
PH 28-32 HRCDefault Pre-hardened 28–32 HRC | Default stock condition: machine the cavity directly, no further heat treatment or distortion risk. | 830 | 1,000 | 15 | 30 HRC | — |
Pre-hardened then gas/plasma nitrided surface | Pick for abrasive glass-filled resins: hard nitrided case on a 30 HRC tough core, minimal distortion. | 830 | 1,000 | 13 | 30 HRC | 8 % IACS |
Electroslag-remelted, pre-hardened 28–32 HRC | Choose when optical or high-gloss polish and low inclusion content are required in large cavities. | 850 | 1,020 | 17 | 30 HRC | 8 % IACS |
Pre-hardened 33–38 HRC | Choose for higher wear resistance and better texture/polish on large moulds where machining power allows. | 1,000 | 1,180 | 13 | 36 HRC | — |
Quenched and tempered to 40–44 HRC | For inserts and small cores needing extra wear resistance; machine soft, then harden and finish-grind/EDM. | 1,150 | 1,350 | 11 | 42 HRC | — |
Quenched and low-tempered to 48–52 HRC | Maximum attainable hardness for small sections; toughness and machinability drop sharply, EDM/grinding only. | 1,450 | 1,700 | 8 | 50 HRC | — |
What is 3Cr2Mo Normalized?
3Cr2Mo Normalized is 3Cr2Mo heat treated to Normalized — used for bar stock and for grain refinement before final quench and temper. 3Cr2Mo Normalized has a yield strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 860 MPa (125 ksi) — stronger than 74% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). 3Cr2Mo Normalized has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). PH 28-32 HRC is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Normalized is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 62/100, better than 89% of steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 87% of steel grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 34 W/m·K (19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 77% of steel grades
- Limited formability — 22/100, worse than 76% of steel grades
3Cr2Mo Normalized properties
Typical room-temperature values for 3Cr2Mo Normalized; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 3Cr2Mo reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
3Cr2Mo Normalized has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical16
3Cr2Mo Normalized has a yield strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 860 MPa (125 ksi) — stronger than 74% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
3Cr2Mo Normalized is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 34 W/m·K (19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 77% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.5 µm/m·K (6.94 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
3Cr2Mo Normalized conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (14/100), better than 70% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 3Cr2Mo Normalized takes about 34 MJ of energy and emits 2.4 kg of CO₂ — more than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability6
3Cr2Mo Normalized's machinability is good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability poor (22/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 3Cr2Mo Normalized
Is 3Cr2Mo easy to machine?
Cuts well at 28–32 HRC with coated carbide (roughing ~120–180 m/min); use rigid setups and avoid dwell to prevent work-hardened glazing, EDM finishing is routine.
Can 3Cr2Mo be welded?
Weldable for mould repair with matching low-alloy or 420-type filler at 200–300 °C preheat plus post-weld temper 20–30 °C below the original tempering temperature.
Can 3Cr2Mo be formed, bent or molded?
Not a cold-forming steel; hot forge 1050–850 °C followed by slow cool and annealing, then quench from 850–880 °C in oil and temper 550–650 °C for the pre-hardened level.
What surface finishes work on 3Cr2Mo?
Takes a good but not mirror polish (ESR quality is better), responds well to photo-etch texturing, and is commonly hard-chrome or nickel plated for corrosive resins and gloss surfaces.
3Cr2Mo chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.28 – 0.4 | 0.35 |
| Si | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.4 |
| Mn | 0.6 – 1 | 0.8 |
| Cr | 1.4 – 2 | 1.7 |
| Mo | 0.3 – 0.55 | 0.45 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Smax; free-machining variants (3Cr2MnNiMo/718S) add S ~0.05-0.10 | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Fe | balance | — |
3Cr2Mo Normalized — frequently asked
What is 3Cr2Mo Normalized used for?
3Cr2Mo Normalized is typically used for injection mold cavities, mold bases and die-casting dies. In short: industry-standard mold block steel; pre-hardened, no heat treatment; cheaper than stainless mold steels.
What is the yield strength of 3Cr2Mo Normalized?
3Cr2Mo Normalized has a typical yield strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 860 MPa (125 ksi) — stronger than 74% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is 3Cr2Mo Normalized easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 89% of steel grades). Cuts well at 28–32 HRC with coated carbide (roughing ~120–180 m/min); use rigid setups and avoid dwell to prevent work-hardened glazing, EDM finishing is routine.
Can 3Cr2Mo Normalized be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). Weldable for mould repair with matching low-alloy or 420-type filler at 200–300 °C preheat plus post-weld temper 20–30 °C below the original tempering temperature.
What surface finishes work on 3Cr2Mo Normalized?
Takes a good but not mirror polish (ESR quality is better), responds well to photo-etch texturing, and is commonly hard-chrome or nickel plated for corrosive resins and gloss surfaces.
Can 3Cr2Mo Normalized be formed, bent or molded?
Not a cold-forming steel; hot forge 1050–850 °C followed by slow cool and annealing, then quench from 850–880 °C in oil and temper 550–650 °C for the pre-hardened level.
What is the maximum service temperature of 3Cr2Mo Normalized?
3Cr2Mo Normalized is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM A681 Standard Specification for Tool Steels Alloy (P20) — ASTM (2022)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook — Tool Materials — ASM International (1995)
- Pre-hardened plastic mould steel (P20/718 class) datasheet — Uddeholm / ASSAB (2021)
- P20/3Cr2Mo — Mysteel / 1688 (2025)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.