1.2083 Material Detailed Information
1.2083 is a high-chromium corrosion-resistant plastic mold steel with excellent corrosion resistance, high wear resistance, and good polishability. Due to its high chromium content (up to 13%), it offers strong resistance to acid and oxidation, making it ideal for plastic molds, medical instruments, and the food industry, where high corrosion resistance is required.
Equivalent Standards:
- GB 4Cr13 (China)
- AISI 420 (USA)
- JIS SUS420 (Japan)
Key Features
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: The high chromium content ensures stability in humid, acidic, and corrosive environments.
- High Wear Resistance: Suitable for molds and parts requiring high wear resistance.
- Good Polishability: Ideal for high-gloss plastic mold applications.
- Decent Machinability: Easier to machine compared to some other high-hardness steels.
- Dimensional Stability: Minimal deformation after heat treatment.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.36 – 0.42 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.50 – 14.50 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Hardness (Annealed) | ≤ 235 HB |
| Hardness (Hardened & Tempered) | 48 – 52 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 850 – 1,100 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 600 – 850 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 15% |
| Impact Toughness | Good |
1.2083 vs. 420 vs. 1.2316
| Property | 1.2083 | AISI 420 | 1.2316 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good | Superior |
| Wear Resistance | High | Medium | Medium |
| Hardness (After Tempering) | 48-52 HRC | 50-55 HRC | 44-48 HRC |
| Polishability | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Machinability | Medium | Good | Medium |
Applications
1.2083 is widely used in plastic molding and high-precision applications, including:
- Plastic injection molds (especially for corrosive plastics like PVC)
- Medical and food-grade mold components
- Transparent plastic molds requiring high polishability
- Chemical processing equipment
- Wear-resistant mechanical parts

Heat Treatment Process
Annealing
- Heat to 750–800°C, then slowly cool in the furnace.
Hardening
- Heat to 980–1,050°C, hold for proper soaking time.
- Quench in oil or air for optimal hardness.
Tempering
- Heat at 250–350°C for a balance of hardness and toughness.
- Achievable final hardness: 48-52 HRC.
Alternative Materials
- 1.2316 – Higher corrosion resistance but lower hardness.
- 1.2085 – Pre-hardened version of 1.2083 (30-36 HRC).
- HPM38 (Hitachi Metals) – Enhanced polishability and toughness.
- STAVAX (Uddeholm) – High-purity version of 1.2083 for premium applications.
Conclusion
1.2083 is a high-performance plastic mold steel with a perfect combination of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and polishability. It is ideal for plastic injection molds, medical instruments, and high-gloss mold applications.





