Iron-based
Iron-based powder is a raw material of alloy powder with iron as the main component, which is widely used in the fields of mechanical parts, 3C products, porous materials, tooling materials, magnetic materials, shielding materials, surface coatings, etc., and it is the raw material of powder metallurgy with a large dosage, and it has a high cost performance ratio.
S136 Plastic Mold Steel Powder · 4Cr13NiVSi
High corrosion resistance · Ultra‑mirror finish · Specifically designed for medical and optical molds 15–53 μm / 53–150 μm / -300 mesh ~ -500 mesh
S136 Mold Steel: Core Advantages of Powder Metallurgy
Excellent corrosion resistance
The high chromium content (approximately 13.6%) effectively resists corrosive media such as water vapor, weak organic acids, nitrates, and PVC, making it resistant to rust even in humid environments.
Ultra-mirror polishing
The microstructure is uniform and dense, achieving an ultra‑smooth surface finish with a Ra of ≤0.01 μm, which significantly reduces mold release resistance and enhances the surface quality of the molded parts.
Uniform composition · No segregation
The gas atomization pre-alloying process ensures a uniform microstructure, minimal distortion during heat treatment, and excellent dimensional stability.
Flexible manufacturing · Near-net shaping
It is compatible with a variety of processes, including L-PBF, MIM, PM compaction, and laser cladding, reducing the need for machining and lowering mold‑making costs.
Product Real-World Photos & Microscopic Morphology
15–53 μm powder SEM
High sphericity, narrow particle size distribution, and excellent flowability.
Real-life photos of the powder
Gray powder, packaged in vacuum‑sealed aluminum foil bags or iron drums.
Optical/Medical Molds
Optical lens molds, medical devices, food packaging molds
S136 plastic mold steel powder
S136 steel is a high-purity, electroslag remelting (ESR)-refined martensitic stainless steel developed by ASSAB. Featuring a high chromium content (Cr ≈ 13.6%), it is alloyed with appropriate amounts of carbon, silicon, manganese, and vanadium, resulting in a uniform, fine-grained microstructure after heat treatment. This material combines exceptional corrosion resistance, superior mirror‑polishability (Ra ≤ 0.01 μm), and excellent wear resistance, making it an ideal choice for high‑end plastic components such as optical‑grade molds, medical devices, and food‑packaging applications. TIJO produces S136 pre‑alloyed powder using an atomization process under vacuum, with chemical composition tightly controlled according to ASSAB, AISI, and GB standards. The powder exhibits excellent sphericity, low oxygen content, and outstanding flowability, making it suitable for L-PBF additive manufacturing, MIM injection molding, powder metallurgy compaction, and laser cladding repair. It is particularly well suited for plastics such as PVC, PP, EP, PC, and PMMA, delivering outstanding performance in high‑gloss finishes, corrosion resistance, and precision injection molding.
Corresponding grade
| Standard system | Corresponding grade |
|---|---|
| China GB/T | 4Cr13NiVSi (T25444) |
| Sweden ASSAB | S136 |
| American AISI | 420ESR |
| Japanese JIS | SKS538 |
| German DIN | X42Cr13 (1.2083) |
| Austria BOHLER | M310 |
* S136 is one of the most widely used grades in the high-end plastic mold steel sector, with corresponding designations in various standard systems as shown in the table above.
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| element | C | Yes | Mn | Cr | V | Ni | S ≤ | P ≤ | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content range | 0.36-0.45 | 0.90-1.20 | 0.40-0.70 | 13:00-14:00 | 0.25-0.35 | 0.15-0.30 | 0.003 | 0.010 | Bal. |
* The high chromium content (approximately 13.6%) is key to S136’s outstanding corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. Specific composition shall be subject to the batch inspection report.
Particle Size Specifications & Physical Properties
| Particle size specification | Tap density (g/cm³) | Hall flow rate (s/50g) | Oxygen content (ppm) | D10(μm) | D50(μm) | D90(μm) | Recommended Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15–53 μm | 4.4-4.9 | ≤25 | 300-500 | 17-22 | 30-34 | 48-55 | L-PBF laser printing, precision cladding |
| 53-150 μm | 4.5-4.8 | ≤25 | 300-500 | 56-66 | 90-102 | 135-155 | Laser Direct Deposition (DED), Hot Isostatic Pressing |
| 15–45 μm | 4.4-4.9 | ≤25 | 300-500 | 16-20 | 27-32 | 47-51 | Precision L-PBF, MIM |
| 20–60 μm | 4.4-4.9 | ≤25 | 300-500 | 20-25 | 32-37 | 51-61 | L-PBF, laser cladding |
| -500 mesh | 4.5-4.8 | — | 500-1000 | 4-5 | 12-13 | 20.5-24.5 | MIM ultra-fine injection, fine slurry |
* The 15–53 μm and 53–150 μm sizes are the standard stock specifications we prioritize. Physical properties shall be verified according to the batch test report.
| Project | Typical value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Density (dense state) | 7.75-7.85 g/cm³ | — |
| Annealing hardness | ≤225 HB | Factory condition |
| Quenching + tempering hardness | HRC 48-54 | Can be hardened to approximately HRC 52–53. |
Heat Treatment Process Reference
| Heat treatment stage | Process parameters | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Stress-relief annealing | 650–700°C, hold at temperature, then cool slowly. | Eliminate forming or printing residual stresses |
| Quenching | 1000–1050°C, hold at temperature, oil quenching or gas quenching | Obtain a martensitic microstructure |
| Tempering | 200–600°C, twice | Select the tempering temperature based on the target hardness; the best corrosion resistance is achieved after tempering at 250°C. |
* After quenching, it can reach HRC 52–54; the typical service hardness is HRC 48–52. The standard delivery condition is usually pre‑hardened (HRC 21–22).
Typical application areas
High-gloss mold
Optical lenses, transparent components, and mirror-finish appliance housings—ultra‑mirror polishing with Ra ≤ 0.01 μm.
Medical device
Medical injection-molded parts and surgical instrument molds—corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
Food packaging
Food containers and packaging molds, resistant to steam and mild acid corrosion.
Precision injection molding
Electronic product connectors, miniature gears, connector molds
Additive manufacturing
3D printing of complex cavities, conformal cooling channels, and rapid prototype parts
Corrosion-resistant mold
PVC processing molds, chemical vessel molds, acid-resistant gases
* Particularly suitable for plastic materials such as PVC, PP, EP, PC, and PMMA, as well as thermoplastic plastics that have not been formulated with flame retardants.
S136 vs. Related Powder Metallurgy Tool Steels
| Material Type | Key Features | Typical Hardness (HRC) | Main applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| S136 | Excellent corrosion resistance, ultra‑mirror polishing, and good wear resistance. | 48-54 | Optical/Medical/Anti-Corrosion Molds |
| H13 | Excellent high-temperature strength, thermal fatigue resistance, and good toughness. | 47-55 | Die-casting dies, hot-forging dies |
| 18Ni300 | Ultra-high strength, good toughness | 50-54 | Plastic molds, high-stress structural components |
| 316L | Excellent corrosion resistance and good ductility | ≤25 | Corrosion-resistant structural components, medical devices |
S136 combines exceptional corrosion resistance, superior mirror‑finish polishability, and excellent wear resistance among plastic mold steels, making it the material of choice for high‑end optical and medical molds.
Process Recommendations and Component Selection
| Craftsmanship | Recommended particle size | Key parameters | Post-processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-PBF additive manufacturing | 15–53 μm | Laser power: 150–300 W; layer thickness: 30–50 μm. | Stress relief + quenching + tempering |
| Laser Direct Energy Deposition (DED) | 53-150 μm | Power: 1.5–3 kW; powder feed rate: 15–30 g/min | Stress relief + heat treatment |
| MIM injection molding | -300 mesh / -500 mesh | Catalytic degreasing + sintering at 1280–1320°C | Quenching + Tempering |
| Powder metallurgy pressing | -300 mesh / -400 mesh | Press at 500–800 MPa, sinter at 1280–1320°C. | Heat treatment |
* Specific process parameters must be optimized based on the equipment and workpiece; TIJO can provide heat‑treatment process guidance.
End-to-end testing capability
Each batch of S136 powder is tested for major elements (C, Si, Mn, Cr, V, Ni), impurities (P, S), particle size distribution, oxygen content, flowability, and bulk/ tapped density. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided.
Packaging & Delivery
Powder packaging
Vacuum-sealed in a double-layer aluminum foil pouch (to prevent oxidation), with an outer iron or plastic drum.
Specifications: 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, 50 kg per drum
Export packaging
Export orders are packed in wooden crates or palletized and reinforced to protect against moisture and impact.
Compatible with sea, air, and international express shipping.
Delivery time
15–53 μm and 53–150 μm are usually in stock; shipment will be arranged within 3–7 days after order confirmation.
Custom particle size or minor formulation adjustments: 7–15 days
Batch Traceability
For each batch, a sample is retained, and the COA report is shipped with the goods.
Supports third-party testing (e.g., SGS)
Free sample
Provide samples for process validation of L-PBF, DED, MIM, and PM.
Bulk supply upon quality confirmation.
Customized Services
Grain size customization
Pre-alloyed powders can be customized with fine-tuned compositions to meet specific corrosion‑resistance or polishing requirements.
Shipping documents
COA, MSDS, ingredient list, packing list
Meets export customs clearance requirements and customer in-plant inspection standards.
Technical Support
Provide process recommendations.
Assist customers in resolving issues that arise during the production process.
Inquire Now for Free Samples
Fill out the form on the right or contact us directly; we will provide product samples, technical data sheets, and price quotes to help you quickly complete your additive manufacturing process validation.
Address: No.39, Liandong Yougu lnd. Park, Bachelor Street,Changsha City,Hunan Province, China.
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Address: No.39, Liandong Yougu lnd. Park, Bachelor Street,Changsha City,Hunan Province, China.
