Steel selection is never only about hardness. P20 is often the right answer for medium-volume molds that need reliable machining speed and predictable delivery. H13 becomes more attractive when the tool will face higher heat load, abrasive materials or frequent maintenance pressure.
For export projects, we compare expected annual output, resin type, surface finish requirements and customer spare-part strategy. If the buyer wants interchangeable inserts or long service life in multiple factories, the steel decision should be made before the cooling layout is frozen.
A short steel note inside the quotation can prevent weeks of rework later. That is why our DFM feedback usually states both the recommended steel and the reason we are proposing it.
