1.2767 / 45NiCrMo16 – High-strength tool steel with extreme toughness and excellent polishability
Steel 1.2767 (45NiCrMo16) is a highly alloyed tool steel with an increased nickel content (Ni approx. 1.5%), which gives it exceptional toughness, high strength and excellent resistance to fracture.
It is considered a premium grade for highly demanding tools, large moulds and components that must withstand high pressure, fatigue and impact loading over a long service life.
Properties of 1.2767
🔩 Exceptionally high toughness
One of the toughest tool steels, ideal for massive tools and large moulds.
⚙️ High strength after quenching and tempering
The tensile strength Rm can reach up to 1800–2000 MPa without loss of stability.
✨ Excellent polishability
Mirror-like surfaces can be achieved, making it suitable for moulds used for optical and precision parts.
🛡️ Excellent fatigue resistance
Very stable even under long-term cyclic loading.
🔥 Can be case hardened or nitrided
Surface hardness can be increased to around 800–1000 HV while maintaining a tough core.
Chemical composition of 1.2767 (45NiCrMo16)
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.40 – 0.50 |
| Ni | 1.30 – 1.70 |
| Cr | 1.20 – 1.50 |
| Mo | 0.20 – 0.30 |
| Mn | 0.25 – 0.80 |
| Si | ≤ 0.40 |
| P | ≤ 0.030 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
Typical applications of 1.2767
🧩 Plastic moulds
- large moulds operating under high pressure
- moulds for the rubber and plastics industry
- core components and highly polished surfaces
🔧 Tooling parts exposed to high load
- cold work dies
- cutting tools for thicker materials
- pressing and forming components
⚙️ Massive and safety-related components
- highly stressed holders
- tie rods and clamping parts
- durable machine components
🛡️ Applications requiring extreme toughness
- components exposed to high fatigue and vibration
- parts with increased risk of fracture
Heat treatment (guideline values)
| Process | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Quenching and tempering | 830 – 870 °C + 550 – 650 °C | target: 48–54 HRC |
| Soft annealing | 650 – 700 °C | hardness approx. 220 HB |
| Nitriding | 480 – 520 °C | surface 800–1000 HV |
| Case hardening | 880 – 940 °C | when a hard surface is required |
| Preheating before hardening | 650 – 700 °C | recommended for large parts |
Mechanical properties
- Hardness after quenching and tempering: 48–54 HRC
- Hardness in annealed condition: approx. 220 HB
- Hardness after nitriding: 800–1000 HV
- Tensile strength Rm: up to 1800–2000 MPa
- Exceptional toughness and fracture resistance
- High dimensional stability
