Formadur® PH X Superclean: Beyond 1.2316 for Polishing and Corrosion

Closing the circle of our “Specialty as Normality” column means talking about extreme aesthetics and durability. In the world of plastic molding, the demand for perfect surfaces (optical and automotive sectors) often clashes with aggressive environments (PVC, condensation, cooling). The historical standard, 1.2316 steel, is an excellent material, but it has physical limits when absolute mirror polishing is required. This is where Formadur® PH X Superclean comes into play: the steel born for those who cannot afford surface imperfections or corrosion.

The official technical brochure of Formadur® PH X Superclean.

Click here to download the full technical brochure in PDF.

If 1.2316 is the “all-rounder” quenched and tempered stainless steel, Formadur® PH X is the performance specialist. The substantial difference lies in the microstructure. Unlike quenched and tempered martensitic corrosion-resistant steels, PH X contains a minimal level of carbides . This metallurgical purity, obtained thanks to its chemical composition and the remelting process (Superclean), eliminates the risks of “pitting” or inhomogeneities during mirror polishing, which often afflict standard materials. The advantages compared to 1.2316 are clear and measurable :

• Polishability: Exceptional (++++ vs ++ for 1.2316).
• Corrosion resistance: Superior (++++ vs ++), ideal for PVC and corrosive plastics.
• Dimensional stability: Optimal thanks to the precipitation hardening process.

Another reason why PH X is becoming the “norm” for high-end mold makers is its supply condition. The steel is delivered already aged to a hardness of 38-42 HRC . What does this mean in the workshop?

• No heat treatment: It is machined and polished directly.
• No stress relief annealing: Thanks to the homogeneous structure, stress relieving is not needed after roughing.
• Safety: Risks of deformation or cracking related to quenching finished parts are eliminated.

Non più solo un acciaio di nicchia, il Formadur® PH X è oggi lo standard per componenti stampati che richiedono trasparenza o riflessione perfetta:

• Automotive: Riflettori dei fari, guide luce, componenti estetici interni.
• Ottica: Lenti, visiere, inserti ottici.
• Medicale e Chimico: Dove la resistenza agli acidi e il grado di purezza sono mandatorie.

Laboratory tests (visible in the weight loss graph in the brochure) demonstrate how PH X reacts drastically better than 1.2316 to immersion in aggressive acids like 5% sulfuric or nitric acid , ensuring prolonged mold life even in the presence of aggressive polymers or critical cooling channels

Il Formadur® PH X Superclean transforms the exceptional into the everyday. It is not just a “more polishable” steel: it is a process guarantee for those molding corrosive or optical materials. Switching from 1.2316 to PH X means raising the quality standard of the finished product. As the Italian partner of Swiss Steel Group, Bonomi Acciai is ready to provide you with technical data sheets and support to integrate this material into your “All Stainless” projects.