Global Sourcing Comparison: 1.2316 vs. The World
Matching 1.2316 tool steel across global markets is rarely straightforward. Suppliers often suggest AISI 420 as a direct substitute, or Asian productions require JIS grades. But are they truly equivalent?
The short answer: Not always. This guide navigates the confusion between EN, AISI, JIS, and GB standards. We analyze how grades like X38CrMo16, SUS420J2, and 4Cr16 align with 1.2316 specs, identifying the subtle chemical differences that impact corrosion resistance and approval.
| Standard System | Grade / Designation | C (wt.%) | Cr (wt.%) | Mo (wt.%) | Ni (wt.%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIN / EN | 1.2316 / X38CrMo16 | 0.33–0.45 | 15.5–17.5 | 0.8–1.3 | ≤1.0 |
| EN | X36CrMo17 | 0.38–0.39 | 15.5–17.5 | 0.8–1.3 | ≤1.0 |
| AISI (USA) | 422 | 0.20–0.25 | 11–12.5 | 0.9–1.3 | 0.5–1.0 |
| AISI (USA) | 420 / 420H | 0.15–0.40 / 0.28–0.40 | 12–14 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.75 |
| JIS (Japan) | SUS420J2 | 0.26–0.40 | 12–14 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.6 |
| GB (China) | 4Cr16 | 0.35–0.42 | 15–17 | ≤0.6 | ≤0.6 |
| GB (China) | 3Cr17NiMo | 0.26–0.34 | 16–18 | 0.1–0.3 | 1.0–1.5 |
| AFNOR (France) | Z38CD16-01 | ~0.38 | ~16 | ~1.0 | ≤1.0 |
| BS (UK) | X38CrMo16 | 0.33–0.45 | 15.5–17.5 | 0.8–1.3 | ≤1.0 |
| Commercial Names | S136H / RaMax S / M300 | ~0.38 | ~16 | ~1.0 | varies |
Summary
Only European grades 1.2316, X38CrMo16, and X36CrMo17 are truly the same steel, sharing nearly identical chromium (~16%) and molybdenum (~1%) chemistry. Most AISI, JIS, and GB grades are functional alternatives, not exact matches. AISI 422 comes closest in alloy design but has lower chromium.
AISI 420, SUS420J2, and 4Cr16 rely on higher carbon for hardness, which limits corrosion resistance. Understanding chemical composition—not just grade names—is critical for predicting corrosion behavior, polishability, and long-term mold performance.
Comparative Mechanical Performance
| Grade | Hardness Range | Tensile Strength | Fatigue Strength | Max Mechanical Service Temp | Dimensional / Structural Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN 1.2316 / X38CrMo16 | Pre-hardened ~28–32 HRC; oil hardened ≥46 HRC | Typical mold service >900 MPa (after HT) | Stable under long-cycle molding (industry benchmark) | Stable for injection mold thermal cycling | Uniform hardness across large sections; low distortion without post-machining HT |
| AISI 422 | 260–330 HB (≈27–35 HRC) | ~1080 MPa | 410–500 MPa | 650 °C | Nickel + Mo improve toughness; tighter mechanical window than AISI 420 |
| GB 3Cr17NiMo | Comparable to 30–34 HRC after HT | Noted stable for mold duty | Improved vs 4Cr16 due to Ni | Suitable for humid molding environments | Better toughness; slightly reduced polish uniformity |
| AISI 420H | 50–55 HRC (after HT) | Up to ~1720 MPa (HT dependent) | Not specified; brittle at high hardness | ~620 °C | High hardness sacrifices machinability and dimensional stability |
| GB 4Cr16 | Matches 1.2316 hardness potential | Comparable tensile to 420 series | Lower than 3Cr17NiMo | Injection mold range | Hardness variation ±2 HRC across large ingots |
| JIS SUS420J2 | Post-quench >52 HRC | 880–1030 MPa | Not specified | General tooling range | Carbon-driven hardness; less uniform in large sections |
| JIS SUS420 / J1 | Lower hardness (annealed) | ≤650 MPa | Poor under cyclic load | Limited | Designed for machinability, not endurance |
Corrosion Resistance & Polishability
Understanding the chemical trade-offs is critical. While 1.2316 is the benchmark, beware of “free-machining” substitutes (like 1.2085) or lower-grade generic stainless steels.
| Grade | Chromium / Alloy Basis | Corrosion Indicator | Polishability (Ra) | Critical Warning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2316 (ESR) | 16% Cr + 1% Mo | High (resists PVC acid) | ≤0.05 μm (Mirror) | Must be ESR grade for optical parts. |
| 1.2085 (Substitute) | High Sulfur (0.05%+) | Moderate | Poor (Black spots) | DO NOT POLISH. Only for mold bases. |
| AISI 420 | 12–14% Cr, No Mo | Low (PREN ≈14) | ~0.1 μm | Requires heat treatment (sold annealed). |
| GB 3Cr17NiMo | 16–18% Cr + Ni | High | ~0.08 μm | Good corrosion/cost balance. |
| GB 4Cr16 | 15–17% Cr, Low Ni | Moderate | Excellent | Sold pre-hardened; cost-effective. |
“Pro Tip: Never assume ‘Stavax equivalent’ means 1.2316. Many suppliers offer 1.2083 (AISI 420) instead. While 1.2083 is good steel, it lacks the corrosion resistance of 1.2316 and usually requires heat treatment after machining.”
Certification & Quality Documentation Comparison
| Region | Standard | Typical Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10204 | 3.1 / 3.2 |
| USA | ASTM A681 | Mill Test Report |
| Japan | JIS G4303 / G4305 | JIS Inspection Certificate |
| China | GB/T 1220 | GB Mill Certificate |
| Global Projects | ISO 10474 | Third-party verified (TÜV / SGS) |
Key Takeaways for Buyers
1. “AISI 422” is rare in mold/die markets.
While chemically similar, AISI 422 is a turbine blade steel. In the USA, request “AISI 420 Modified (Pre-hardened)” for the closest commercial equivalent to 1.2316.
2. Beware of the “Sulfur Trap” (1.2085 vs. 1.2316).
Some suppliers substitute 1.2316 with 1.2085. While 1.2085 machines faster due to added sulfur, it cannot be mirror polished (black spots will appear). Always specify “Non-Sulfur / ESR Grade” for high-gloss molds.
3. Delivery Condition Matters.
1.2316 is typically sold Pre-hardened (28-32 HRC), ready to cut.
AISI 420/1.2083 tool steel is usually sold Annealed (Soft) and requires heat treatment after machining. Check this on your quote to avoid unexpected heat treatment costs.
4. European equivalents are effectively identical in performance
X38CrMo16 and X36CrMo17 differ only slightly in carbon range. In real production, there is no measurable impact on mold life, polishability, or corrosion resistance.
5. Chinese GB grades offer cost-effective alternatives with trade-offs
4Cr16 excels in polishability and cost, while 3Cr17NiMo provides better corrosion resistance due to nickel and molybdenum. Both are viable when quality control is verified.
Grade Selection Guide:
Material performance makes or breaks your mold project. Your work environment, part design, and production needs decide which 1.2316 equivalent works best. Match the steel grade to your exact conditions using tested selection rules.
Selection by Processing Environment
Corrosive plastic processing needs full 1.2316 specification steel. PVC molding releases hydrochloric acid during injection cycles. This acid eats away at mold surfaces. Standard grades rust after weekend shutdowns. The 16-17.5% chromium in 1.2316 (and equivalents X38CrMo16, AISI 422, SUS420J2) creates a protective oxide layer. This layer stops acid from getting through. Chinese 3Cr17NiMo performs even better. Its 1.0-1.5% nickel addition increases acid resistance by 20-30% in humid facilities.
Wet cooling systems need higher chromium content. Molds with cold water channels face constant rust risk. Choose 1.2316 over lower-chromium options. The >16% Cr specification stops rust in water contact zones. Basic AISI 420 (12-14% Cr) fails this test within months.
Medical and food-grade applications need cleaning with harsh sanitizers every day. 1.2316’s corrosion resistance handles repeated chemical contact. You keep surface quality intact through thousands of cleaning cycles. Standard P20 grades break down under this chemical stress.
Application-Specific Grade Selection
| Application Type | Best Grade Choice | Critical Specification |
|---|---|---|
| PVC/Corrosive molding | 1.2316 or 3Cr17NiMo | Cr >16%, Mo 0.8-1.3% |
| Large precision molds | 1.2316 or X38CrMo16 | Dimensional stability <0.01mm |
| Optical/Medical (Zero defects) | 1.2083 ESR | Inclusion index ≤2.5 |
| High-gloss mirror finish | 1.2316 or 4Cr16 | Uniform microstructure |
| Abrasive filled plastics | 1.2083 hardened | Req. 50-54 HRC post-treatment |
Mirror polishing performance changes between Chinese grades. 4Cr16 reaches Ra 0.05μm surface finish faster than 3Cr17NiMo. Lower nickel content stops microstructure separation. You get mirror finish with 15% less polishing time. Pick 4Cr16 for high-gloss cosmetic parts where looks matter most.
Essential Certification & Quality Assurance
Wrong paperwork stops shipments at the border. To ensure your 1.2316 steel clears customs and meets global project requirements, focus on these critical documents and designations. Forget the minor details—here is what actually matters for import/export.
1. The Only Two Certificate Types You Need (EN 10204)
Most global trade relies on EN 10204 standards. You will typically encounter two levels:
- Type 3.1 (Standard Use): This is the manufacturer’s declaration. It must verify the chemical analysis (Heat No.) and physical properties. Crucial: Ensure it clearly states “1.2316” alongside the local equivalent name. This covers 90% of general molding projects.
- Type 3.2 (High-Risk/Critical): Required for sensitive projects (medical, extensive offshore). It includes a third-party stamp from an independent inspector (SGS, TUV, DNV). If your client demands absolute verification, you need this.
2. Required Designation Names for Customs Clearance
Customs agents look for specific codes. If your invoice says “1.2316” but you are shipping to the USA where that grade isn’t standard, you invite delays. Ensure your Mill Test Report (MTR) lists the dual-certification name matching the destination:
| Destination Region | Essential Designation on Paperwork | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| USA / Americas | AISI 420 Modified (or UNS S42000) | “AISI 422” is rare; “420 Mod” covers the Mo/Ni additions commercially. |
| Europe (EU) | EN 1.2316 / X38CrMo16 | Standard DIN designation required for EU acceptance. |
| Japan / Asia | JIS SUS420J2 | Most recognized equivalent in Asian supply chains. |
| China (Economy) | GB 4Cr16 | For standard cost-effective molding projects. |
| China (Premium) | GB 3Cr17NiMo | Specify this EXACT grade for better corrosion resistance. |
Practical Applications of 1.2316:
Each industry picks 1.2316 equivalents based on what they need. The plastics sector wants pre-hardened stability. Automotive production needs tight dimensional control. Medical manufacturing demands top corrosion resistance. These preferences guide your grade selection for your application.
| Application | Core Grade Requirements |
|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molds | Pre-hardened for fast machining · High dimensional stability |
| High-Gloss Cosmetic Molds | Requires uniform microstructure for polishability |
| PVC & Flame-Retardant Plastics | Needs High Cr (>16%) to resist acid release |
| Medical & Pharma Tooling | Resistance to sterilization chemicals and pitting |
| Automotive & Stamping | Thermal stability under cycling · Wear resistance |
Conclusion
You need to understand global equivalent grades of 1.2316 tool steel. This helps you make smarter sourcing choices.They all work the same. Each offers corrosion resistance and high hardness. But certifications, availability, and costs differ by region.
Check material certifications before you order. Make sure they match your regional quality standards. Confirm your supplier can provide proper documentation. The right 1.2316 tool steel equivalent meets your specs. It also makes your supply chain smoother and keeps costs down.