Purohit Steel is a leading Grade VR 400 Stockist and Exporter in India, supplying premium NLMK Verona pre-hardened plastic mould steel with verified chemical composition, mechanical properties and full traceability for mould makers, OEMs and tooling houses.
As an ISO-certified company established in 1965 and an authorized NLMK Verona stockist, we maintain ready stock of Grade VR 400 in round bar, flat bar and block form, with in-house bandsaw cutting, machining, grinding and EDM support for fast turnaround across India and export markets.
Table of Contents
- 1. What is Grade VR 400 Steel
- 2. Why Purohit Steel for VR 400
- 3. Comparison: VR 400 vs VR 400 ESR vs 1.2738
- 4. Chemical Composition
- 5. Mechanical Properties
- 6. Physical & Thermal Properties
- 7. Grade Positioning vs Standard Grades
- 8. Heat Treatment Guidelines
- 9. Available Forms & Sizes
- 10. Machining & Selection Notes
- 11. Applications & Uses
- 12. Industries We Serve
- 13. Related Products
- 14. Authorized Stockist Brands
- 15. Cities We Supply in India
- 16. Our Services
- 17. Frequently Asked Questions
- 18. About Purohit Steel
- Our Certifications
- Countries We Export Worldwide
- Export Packaging & Shipping
- Quality Inspection & Testing
- Latest Price List
- MOQ & Payment Terms
- People Also Search For
What is Grade VR 400 Steel?
Grade VR 400 is a proprietary pre-hardened chromium-manganese-molybdenum plastic mould steel developed by NLMK Verona, of which Purohit Steel is an authorized stockist. It is positioned as an advanced upgrade over conventional P20-family grades such as 1.2311 and 1.2738, achieved through a higher molybdenum content and added vanadium and nickel in its chemistry — giving finer carbide dispersion, higher supply hardness and better through-section uniformity than the base P20 grades.
The grade is supplied in a quenched-and-tempered (pre-hardened) condition of approximately 360-390 HB (38-42 HRC), which removes the need for further heat treatment before machining and maintains excellent hardness uniformity even in large sections up to 600 mm thickness — useful for large and complex mould tooling where consistent core-to-surface hardness matters.
Despite its higher hardness, VR 400 retains good toughness and machinability, along with outstanding polishability suited to mirror-finish and textured mould surfaces, laser and chemical texturing response, and good weldability for repair and modification. It can also be gas or plasma nitrided to raise surface hardness to roughly 58-60 HRC while keeping the core tough.
Note: VR 400 is an NLMK Verona proprietary grade designation, not a DIN, AISI or GB standardized grade — see Grade Positioning below for how it relates to standard P20 grades, and the comparison table for how it differs from its ESR-refined sibling, VR 400 ESR.
Why Purohit Steel for Grade VR 400
- Authorized NLMK Verona Stockist: Genuine VR 400 sourced directly through NLMK Verona's authorized supply chain
- Ready Stock: Round bar, flat bar and block sizes held in inventory for immediate dispatch
- ISO-Certified Quality: Documented quality management since 1965
- Value-Added Machining: In-house bandsaw cutting, precision machining, grinding, drilling, gun drilling, EDM and wire-cut
- Technical Support: Assistance with grade selection, heat treatment guidance and positioning against standard P20 grades
- Pan-India & Export Supply: Warehousing in Vasai with a sales outlet in Mumbai, serving customers across India and international markets
- Export-Ready Packaging: Palletised, moisture-protected packing suitable for both domestic transport and export shipment
Comparison: VR 400 vs VR 400 ESR vs 1.2738
Buyers often need to choose between a standard P20+Ni grade, the higher-hardness VR 400, and its electroslag-remelted (ESR) sibling. The table below compares all three to help select the right material for the application.
| Factor | 1.2738 (P20+Ni) | VR 400 | VR 400 ESR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refinement process | Conventional air melt | Conventional air melt, higher-alloy chemistry | Air melt + Electroslag Remelting (ESR) |
| Supply hardness | 300-340 HB | 360-390 HB (38-42 HRC) | 360-390 HB (38-42 HRC) |
| Cleanliness / inclusion content | Standard commercial cleanliness | Standard commercial cleanliness | Significantly reduced non-metallic inclusions, ultra-clean microstructure |
| Toughness & impact behaviour | Good, standard for the grade | Improved vs. standard P20, from finer vanadium-carbide dispersion | Further improved impact toughness and fatigue resistance from the fine, homogeneous ESR grain structure |
| Hardness uniformity (section) | Good to large blocks | Excellent, verified up to 600 mm thickness | Excellent, up to 600 mm thickness with improved batch-to-batch consistency |
| Polishability / surface finish | Good | Outstanding, mirror-finish capable | Superior, mirror and optical-grade finish capable |
| Nitriding capability | Up to ~55-60 HRC | 58-60 HRC | 58-60 HRC |
| Best suited for | Large mould blocks needing uniform core hardness at moderate cost | High-hardness large moulds needing mirror finish or texturing | High-gloss, optical-grade and fatigue-critical precision moulds |
| Relative cost | Lowest of the three | Higher than 1.2738 | Highest of the three |
Grade VR 400 Chemical Composition
Typical composition per NLMK Verona manufacturer technical literature (weight %):
| Element | Symbol | Composition (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | 0.25 - 0.35 |
| Silicon | Si | 0.10 max |
| Manganese | Mn | 1.40 - 1.60 |
| Chromium | Cr | 1.20 - 1.40 |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 0.55 - 0.75 |
| Nickel | Ni | 1.00 - 1.20 |
| Vanadium | V | 0.10 - 0.15 |
| Iron | Fe | Balance |
VR 400 is a proprietary NLMK Verona grade, not a DIN/AISI/GB standardized designation, so figures above should be confirmed against the mill test certificate for critical applications. Mill test certificates (EN 10204 2.2 / 3.1) are available on request.
Mechanical Properties of Grade VR 400
Typical characteristics in the as-supplied, pre-hardened (quenched & tempered) condition:
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (supply condition) | 360 - 390 HB (approx. 36 - 40 HRC), pre-hardened |
| Hardness uniformity | Excellent through-thickness uniformity, verified up to 600 mm section thickness |
| Toughness | Improved toughness for its hardness class versus standard P20 grades, from a finer, more uniform microstructure |
| Machinability | Good, despite the higher pre-hardened hardness level |
| Polishability | Outstanding — mirror-finish and fine texturing / laser-etching capable |
| Weldability | Good, suitable for repair and modification with correct pre-heat and post-weld stress relief |
| Nitrided Surface Hardness | Up to 58 - 60 HRC |
Characteristics are typical for material supplied in the standard pre-hardened condition and can vary with section size and mill batch. As VR 400 is a proprietary NLMK Verona grade, exact tensile/yield/elongation figures should be confirmed via mill test certificate for critical design work; certificates (EN 10204 2.2 / 3.1) are available on request.
Physical & Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity (room temp., typical for this alloy class) | ~28 - 30 W/(m·K) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20-200°C) | ~12 × 10-6 /K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | ~460 J/(kg·K) |
| Electrical Resistivity (room temp.) | ~0.50 µΩ·m |
Values are typical for alloy tool steels of this composition class (higher Mo/Ni/V content than plain P20 grades). Confirm exact figures against mill documentation for critical thermal design.
Grade Positioning vs Standard Grades
VR 400 is an NLMK Verona proprietary grade — it does not carry a direct DIN (Werkstoffnummer), AISI/SAE or GB standardized equivalent, so we do not claim one. What can be stated with confidence, based on its manufacturer-published chemistry, is how it differs from the standard P20-family grades Purohit Steel also stocks:
| Grade | Molybdenum | Vanadium | Nickel | Typical Supply Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2311 (P20) | 0.15 - 0.25% | None | None | 280 - 325 HB |
| 1.2738 (P20+Ni) | 0.15 - 0.25% | None | 0.90 - 1.20% | 300 - 340 HB |
| VR 400 | 0.55 - 0.75% | 0.10 - 0.15% | 1.00 - 1.20% | 360 - 390 HB |
The higher molybdenum content and added vanadium in VR 400 are what allow it to reach a materially higher pre-hardened supply hardness than base P20 grades while retaining good through-section uniformity — this is a chemistry-based positioning, not a claim of standard-grade equivalence.
Heat Treatment Guidelines
| Process | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Supply condition | Quenched & tempered (pre-hardened) 360-390 HB — ready to machine, no further heat treatment normally required |
| Stress relieving (after heavy machining) | 550-600°C, hold approx. 2 hrs, furnace or air cool |
| Softening / annealing (if re-machining softer stock is required) | Heat to 710-740°C, cool slowly in furnace (≤20°C/hr) — consult mill data before annealing, as this removes the pre-hardened supply condition |
| Hardening (if a different hardness is required) | Preheat ~650°C, austenitize 840-870°C, hold 20-30 min, quench in oil, per mill technical datasheet |
| Tempering | Double temper per target hardness, 2 hrs each cycle, air cool between tempers |
| Nitriding (optional, for wear surfaces) | Gas or plasma nitriding to approx. 58-60 HRC surface hardness with a tough core |
Available Forms & Sizes
- Round Bars
- Flat Bars / Plates
- Blocks
- Custom sizes cut to drawing via in-house bandsaw cutting
Material is machined, ground, drilled and finished in-house through our precision machining, grinding, drilling, gun drilling, EDM and wire-cut facilities, so blocks can be supplied close to finished dimensions.
Machining & Selection Notes
- Cutting tools: At 360-390 HB, VR 400 machines well with coated carbide tooling at moderate cutting speeds; the higher hardness than standard P20 grades means adequate coolant and rigid setups are recommended to avoid heat build-up.
- Cavity work: Rough and semi-finish deep cavities before final finishing passes to reduce distortion from residual stress release.
- Welding / repair: VR 400 has good weldability for its hardness class; preheat to 150-200°C and stress-relieve after welding to reduce cracking risk.
- Polishing & texturing: The refined microstructure gives outstanding polishability and consistent response to laser and chemical texturing.
- Grade selection: Choose VR 400 where a higher pre-hardened hardness than standard 1.2311/1.2738 is needed with good toughness; step up to VR 400 ESR where ultra-clean, optical-grade finish and superior fatigue resistance are essential — see the comparison table above.
Applications of Grade VR 400 Steel
VR 400 steel is used across plastic mould manufacturing in India and export markets. Its combination of higher hardness, toughness and polishability makes it suitable for demanding, high-value tooling applications.
- Large and medium-size injection moulds
- Blow moulds and PET moulds
- High-performance mould bases
- Automotive interior and exterior tooling
- Home appliance moulds
- Precision moulds requiring high polish or textured surfaces
- Packaging and consumer product moulds
Grade VR 400 for Mould Making
In mould making, VR 400 is preferred where a higher pre-hardened hardness than standard P20 grades is needed across large sections, without sacrificing machinability, toughness or the mirror-finish polishability required for cosmetic and precision surfaces.
Automotive Industry
VR 400 is used for interior and exterior trim moulds and other precision plastic components where surface finish, dimensional stability and mould life under high-volume production are critical.
Industries We Serve
- Automotive industry
- Plastic injection moulding industry
- Packaging manufacturing
- Consumer goods production
- Home appliance manufacturing
- Engineering & tooling workshops
Authorized Stockist
Grade VR 400 Supply Locations Across India
We supply Grade VR 400 steel across major industrial cities including Mumbai, Pune, Khopoli, Nashik, Aurangabad, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Umbergaon, Vapi, Valsad, Daman, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Gurgaon, Manesar and Sonipat — as well as to export markets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Purohit Steel
Purohit Steel was established in 1965 by Shree Bherumalji Rajpurohit, a visionary in metallurgy. Over the decades, we have built a strong reputation as a trusted stockist and exporter of tool steel, plastic mould steel and engineering steel products across India.
As an ISO-certified company, we source premium materials from globally reputed manufacturers, including our authorized stockist relationship with NLMK Verona for grades such as VR 400, and operate a modern warehousing facility in Vasai along with a sales outlet in Mumbai, enabling efficient storage, fast processing and timely delivery across India and export markets.
With decades of relationships with tool & die manufacturers and a customer-focused approach, Purohit Steel continues to deliver reliable, technically supported steel solutions for the mould-making industry.
Read more about Purohit Steel, view our certifications, or get in touch with our technical sales team.
Our Certifications
Purohit Steel operates as an ISO-certified company, backed by documented quality management, safety and compliance certifications that support reliable supply to domestic and export customers.
View all certificates in detail on our Certifications page.
Countries We Export Worldwide
Beyond India, Purohit Steel exports tool & mould steel grades to customers across the following countries and regions:
| Export Destinations | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | Saudi Arabia | Oman | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka | Nepal |
| Vietnam | Thailand | Indonesia | Kenya | Nigeria | South Africa |
For export enquiries and destination-specific documentation, please contact our sales team.
Export Packaging & Shipping
Bars, flats and blocks are packed to withstand handling, transit and marine shipment, whether for domestic dispatch or export orders.
- Palletised and strapped packing for round bars, flat bars and blocks
- Moisture-protected wrapping to prevent surface corrosion in transit
- Seaworthy export packing with clear shipping marks and material identification
- Documentation support including packing lists, invoices and mill test certificates for customs clearance
- Shipment by road, rail or sea freight as per order requirement and destination
Quality Inspection & Testing
Every batch held in our stock is checked through documented inspection procedures before dispatch, so mould makers and OEMs receive material with verified, traceable quality.
- Chemical composition verification against mill certificates
- Hardness testing (Brinell / Rockwell) on received stock
- Dimensional inspection as per standard bar and block tolerances
- Visual and surface defect inspection
- EN 10204 2.2 / 3.1 mill test certificates provided on request
- Third-party inspection coordination available for export orders
Full material traceability is maintained from incoming stock through to dispatch for every order.
Latest Price List
Pricing depends on section size, quantity, form (round bar / flat bar / block) and current raw material rates. Indicative guidance is below — contact us for a firm, up-to-date quotation.
| Form | Typical Price Basis |
|---|---|
| Round Bar | Per Kg, based on diameter & length — contact for latest rate |
| Flat Bar / Plate | Per Kg, based on thickness & size — contact for latest rate |
| Block (cut to size) | Per Kg / Per Piece, based on drawing — contact for latest rate |
Prices are subject to change with raw material and freight costs. Share your required size and quantity via the quotation form or WhatsApp for the latest price.
MOQ & Payment Terms
Minimum Order Quantity: Flexible MOQ depending on size and form — from small trial quantities for tooling houses up to bulk orders for OEMs, subject to confirmation at enquiry stage.
Payment Terms: Advance payment / part-advance with balance before dispatch for domestic orders; T/T (bank transfer) or Letter of Credit (LC) for export orders, depending on order value and destination.