1.2343 ESR Material Detailed Information
1.2343 ESR (Electro-Slag Remelted) is an enhanced version of the standard 1.2343 hot work tool steel. The ESR process significantly improves the purity, uniformity, and mechanical properties of the material by removing impurities, such as sulfur and phosphorus, resulting in a cleaner and more reliable steel with fewer inclusions and defects. The material is well-suited for high-temperature tooling applications, including die-casting, forging, and plastic injection molds that are exposed to thermal stresses.
The ESR treatment makes 1.2343 ESR ideal for applications requiring superior toughness, thermal fatigue resistance, and high hot hardness under extreme temperatures.
Key Features
- Improved Purity: The ESR process results in a cleaner material, reducing impurities such as sulfur and phosphorus, and improving overall mechanical properties.
- Superior Heat Resistance: Excellent resistance to thermal fatigue and heat checking in high-temperature environments.
- Good Toughness: Excellent toughness and impact resistance, making it suitable for applications exposed to high thermal and mechanical stresses.
- Excellent Wear Resistance: Offers good wear resistance, especially in applications involving metal-forming or plastic molding processes.
- Enhanced Hot Hardness: Retains hardness at elevated temperatures, providing superior performance in hot work applications.
- Improved Machinability: ESR-treated 1.2343 offers better machinability compared to the standard 1.2343, allowing for more precise and easier machining.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.35 – 0.45 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 0.60 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.75 – 5.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.00 – 1.50 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.20 – 0.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.010 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.010 |
Note: The ESR process reduces non-metallic inclusions and improves the uniformity and properties of the steel.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Hardness (Annealed) | ≤ 235 HB |
| Hardness (Hardened & Tempered) | 48 – 52 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | ~1,200 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~950 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 15% |
| Impact Toughness | Excellent |
1.2343 ESR vs. 1.2343 vs. H11 (AISI)
| Property | 1.2343 ESR | 1.2343 | H11 (AISI) |
| Purity | High (ESR Process) | Medium | Medium |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Toughness | Excellent | Good | Medium |
| Wear Resistance | Good | Good | Medium |
| Thermal Fatigue Resistance | Good | Good | Good |
| Machinability | Good | Good | Moderate |
Applications
1.2343 ESR is widely used in high-temperature tool steel applications, such as:
- Hot work tools, including die-casting molds, forging dies, and extrusion dies.
- Plastic injection molds for high-temperature plastics, where thermal fatigue and corrosion resistance are critical.
- Die-casting molds for aluminum, magnesium, and zinc die-casting.
- Hot shear blades, stamping dies, and forging tooling.
- Metal forming tools exposed to high pressure and high heat.
Heat Treatment Process
Annealing
- Heat to 850–900°C and slow cool in the furnace to relieve internal stresses.
Hardening
- Heat to 1,000–1,050°C, soak for the necessary time, and then quench in oil or air for uniform hardness.
Tempering
- Heat to 500–600°C for the desired hardness, typically in the range of 48-52 HRC for die-casting and forging applications.
Surface Treatment
- Nitriding or PVD coating may be used to further improve wear resistance and extend the lifespan of the tool in high-pressure environments.
Alternative Materials
- 1.2344 ESR: A steel offering higher wear resistance and better toughness than 1.2343 ESR, often used in high-stress hot work applications.
- H13 (AISI): A popular alternative with good overall performance in hot working environments, though it may have slightly lower thermal resistance compared to 1.2343 ESR.
- 1.2714 ESR: Offers greater toughness and impact resistance for extreme conditions but is less suitable for high-temperature applications than 1.2343 ESR.
- 1.2767: Another hot work steel used in metal forming tools, with superior wear resistance but lower thermal fatigue resistance than 1.2343 ESR.
Conclusion
1.2343 ESR is a high-performance hot work tool steel that benefits from the ESR treatment, making it suitable for demanding high-temperature applications. With improved purity, superior heat resistance, excellent toughness, and wear resistance, it excels in die-casting, plastic molding, and forging applications.
