1.2083 ESR Material Detailed Information
1.2083 ESR (Electro-Slag Remelted) is a high-quality corrosion-resistant tool steel with exceptional purity and improved mechanical properties compared to the standard 1.2083. The ESR process significantly enhances the uniformity and cleanliness of the material by removing impurities, making it ideal for high-precision applications, particularly in the plastic molding, medical, and food industries.
This material is particularly suitable for use in applications requiring high corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and excellent polishability. ESR treatment ensures better consistency and less risk of defects like inclusions or air pockets, providing higher quality and performance.
Key Features
- Enhanced Purity: The ESR process significantly reduces impurities and non-metallic inclusions, improving overall material consistency and performance.
- Superior Corrosion Resistance: The high chromium content provides excellent resistance to acidic environments, corrosive plastics, and moisture.
- High Wear Resistance: Suitable for molds that experience frequent wear under high-pressure and high-heat conditions.
- Excellent Polishability: Ideal for plastic molds where high-quality surface finishes are required.
- Improved Mechanical Properties: ESR processing enhances strength, toughness, and wear resistance compared to standard 1.2083.
- Dimensional Stability: ESR-treated 1.2083 offers better dimensional consistency during manufacturing and after heat treatment.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.36 – 0.42 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.010 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.010 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.50 – 14.50 |
Note: The ESR process reduces impurities such as sulfur and phosphorus, resulting in cleaner steel with fewer defects.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Hardness (Annealed) | ≤ 235 HB |
| Hardness (Hardened & Tempered) | 48 – 52 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 950 – 1,200 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 750 – 1,000 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 15% |
| Impact Toughness | Good |
1.2083 ESR vs. 1.2083 vs. AISI 420
| Property | 1.2083 ESR | 1.2083 | AISI 420 |
| Purity | High (ESR) | Medium | Medium |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Wear Resistance | High | High | Medium |
| Hardness (After Tempering) | 48-52 HRC | 48-52 HRC | 50-55 HRC |
| Impact Toughness | Good | Good | Medium |
| Machinability | Medium | Medium | Good |
Applications
1.2083 ESR is primarily used in high-precision tool manufacturing and mold-making applications, including:
- Plastic injection molds, especially for corrosive plastics such as PVC, PET, and other challenging polymers.
- Medical molds and tools, where corrosion resistance and cleanliness are critical.
- Food-grade molds and equipment that come into contact with acidic or corrosive substances.
- Precision tools and dies requiring high wear resistance and exceptional surface finish.
- Chemical process equipment exposed to corrosive environments.
Heat Treatment Process
Annealing
- Heat to 750–800°C, followed by slow cooling in the furnace to relieve internal stresses.
Hardening
- Heat to 980–1,050°C, soak for a proper time, and then quench in oil or air.
Tempering
- Heat at 250–350°C to achieve a hardness range of 48-52 HRC.
- This step ensures a balance between hardness and toughness for optimal performance.
Alternative Materials
- 1.2316 – An alternative with slightly better corrosion resistance but lower hardness.
- HPM38 (Hitachi Metals) – A similar ESR-treated steel with enhanced polishability and toughness.
- STAVAX (Uddeholm) – A high-purity version of 1.2083, often used for high-precision mold applications.
- 1.2316 ESR – Another corrosion-resistant mold steel with ESR treatment, suitable for high-performance applications.
Conclusion
1.2083 ESR is a premium-grade corrosion-resistant tool steel that offers enhanced purity, superior corrosion resistance, and excellent wear resistance. Its ESR treatment improves mechanical properties and ensures cleaner, more uniform steel, making it ideal for high-precision, high-performance mold and tool applications.
