Category Archives: Plastic mould steel

Let me ask you a straight question: Are you overpaying for corrosion protection you don’t need—or under-buying and risking mold failure?

That’s the real battle between DIN 1.2083 and DIN 1.2316. Both are stainless mold steels. Both resist rust. But they are not twins—more like cousins with different personalities.

At Dongguan Otai Special Steel, we see customers hesitate between these two every single week. So let me cut through the confusion. Here is the honest, side-by-side comparison.

Quick Overview: DIN 1.2083 vs DIN 1.2316

Chemical composition compare

Both grades contain high chromium for rust protection. But DIN 1.2316 adds molybdenum. That single change shifts the battlefield entirely.

Think of molybdenum as the bodyguard of the steel. It fights off pitting corrosion from acidic gases (like PVC or POM) and chloride ions. 1.2083 has no bodyguard—just a good raincoat.

Corrosion Comparison: DIN 1.2083 vs DIN 1.2316

Here’s the short answer: Both resist rust. But 1.2316 fights harder, especially in aggressive environments.

Think of it this way:

• 1.2083 = A good raincoat. Fine for a shower.

• 1.2316 = A full storm jacket with a hood. Better for a downpour.

Why the difference? It comes down to chemistry. Let me show you.

The Practical Bottom Line

Mechanical & Physical 

Stronger doesn’t always mean better. Let me show you the trade-offs.

So 1.2083 gets harder and resists abrasion better. 1.2316 is tougher and less likely to crack under impact.

Application Guide: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Let me save you time and money.

Choose DIN 1.2083 if:

• Your workshop stays dry and climate-controlled.

• You process standard plastics (ABS, PP, PE, PS).

• You need maximum hardness and wear resistance.

• Your budget is tight.

• Mold life requirement is under 500,000 shots.

Choose DIN 1.2316 if:

• You run PVC, POM, or flame-retardant plastics.

• Your factory or storage area has high humidity.

• You want longer maintenance intervals (less polishing/staining).

• The mold must stay mirror-bright for years.

• You can accept slightly lower hardness for better toughness.

Price vs. Value

1.2316 typically costs 30–50% more than 1.2083 per kilogram. Is it worth it? That depends entirely on your application.

Ask yourself these two questions:

1. How much would one rust-related mold failure cost you in downtime?

2. How many production cycles do you need before the next maintenance?

If the answer to question #1 is “thousands of dollars,” buy 1.2316.

If you need 2 million shots from a PVC mold, 1.2316 pays for itself.

If you run ABS in a clean room? 1.2083 is your smart, economical choice.

Final Verdict: No Absolute Winner—Only the Right Fit

I won’t tell you one grade always beats the other. That would be dishonest.

• 1.2083 wins on: Hardness, wear resistance, and price.

• 1.2316 wins on: Corrosion resistance, toughness, and polish durability.

So here’s my closing question for you: What environment will your mold live in, and what plastic will it digest?

Answer those two questions honestly, and the choice between 1.2083 and 1.2316 becomes crystal clear.

Need help deciding? At Dongguan Otai Special Steel, we supply both grades in rounds, flats, and plates—cut to size, heat-treated if needed. Contact us with your application details, and we’ll recommend the grade that saves you money without cutting corners.

Name: Joann

E-mail:joann@otaisteel.com

WhatsApp:+8613128068365

Have you ever watched a stainless steel kitchen knife resist rust after hundreds of washes? That’s the kind of reliability we build into 1.2083 steel. At Dongguan Otai Special Steel, we see this material as the bodyguard of the plastics industry—tough, clean, and ready for harsh conditions.

Let’s cut to the chase. DIN 1.2083 is a martensitic stainless mold steel, widely known as the go-to choice for processing corrosive plastics. But what exactly makes it so special? Think of it as the gym trainer of steel grades: high hardness, good wear resistance, and outstanding resistance to acidic byproducts.

In simple terms,DIN 1.2083 is the German DIN standard ISO EN 4957  steel grade. It is a stainless and mold steel . Globally, you might hear it called by different names:

Chemical Composition of 1.2083 steel and it’s equivalent grade

Why does it fight rust so well? Let’s look at its DNA—the chemical composition. Every element plays a role, like musicians in a band.

Mechanical Properties (How It Behaves Under Load)

Here’s the trade-off: When you harden DIN 1.2083 , it becomes incredibly strong—like turning soft clay into ceramic tile. But you lose ductility. That’s perfectly fine for molds. Molds don’t bend; they resist wear and pressure.

Physical Properties (The Hidden Constants)

These numbers rarely change with heat treatment. They are the steel’s fingerprint—essential if you’re simulating cooling rates, ejection pin friction, or cycle times.

Where Should You Use DIN 1.2083 ? (Applications)

Here’s where this steel truly shines. It’s not for heavy-impact parts like a hammer—but for precision, wet, or acidic environments? Absolutely.

• Molds for corrosive plastics – PVC, POM, and flame-retardant materials (they release aggressive gases).

• Medical equipment molds – Because hygiene and rust-resistance are non-negotiable.

• Food-contact molds – Think yogurt cups, bottle caps, and kitchenware.

• Injection nozzles and extrusion screws – Where wear meets acid.

• Optical lens molds – Thanks to its superior polishability.

Still wondering: Can I use standard tool steel here instead? You could… but expect rust spots within weeks. That’s like using a paper umbrella in a typhoon.

DIN 1.2083 Available Sizes from Otai Special Steel

We stock 1.2083 in multiple forms to save you time on machining:

Need a specific length? We cut to order—no waste, no waiting.

Price & Cost Considerations

Let’s talk money honestly. 1.2083 is mid-priced in the mold steel family. It costs more than regular mould steel (like 1.2311) but significantly less than high-performance powder metallurgy steels (like 1.2083 VICTORY ESR).

• Budget range: ~$1.8–$3.5 USD per kg, depending on size, quantity, and heat treatment.

• Value tip: For large molds, we recommend ESR (Electro Slag Remelting) grade—higher cost but fewer inclusions and better mirror polish.

Think of it this way: Standard 1.2083 is a reliable sedan. ESR version is a luxury sports car. Both drive; one just handles corners better.

Why Buy DIN 1.2083 from Dongguan Otai Special Steel?

Because we don’t just sell steel—we solve problems. Every batch comes with a mill certificate. We offer cutting, heat treatment (pre-hardening to 280-320 HB or full hard to 50 HRC), and delivery worldwide from our Dongguan warehouse.

One final question: Is your current mold failing due to rust or poor polish? Then why keep patching the problem when 1.2083 can erase it?

Ready to upgrade? Contact Otai Special Steel today—we’ll help you choose the right size, condition, and price for your next precision mold project.

Name: Joann

E-mail:joann@otaisteel.com

WhatsApp:+8613128068365

When we talk to  choosing the right steel for mould making, the most important is consider the precision and performance . Two popular options of mould steel are 1.2311 and 1.2738 steel. In this article, we’ll  analyzes from the chemical composition, physical properties and mechanical properties,  price, and applications of these two steels , hope to help you make an informed decision.

Chemical Composition 1.2311 VS 1.2738 steel:

1.2311 and 1.2738 steel belong to the category of plastic mould steels and exhibit different chemical compositions that influence their properties.

1.2311 steel, equivalent ASTM P20 steel.In contrast, 1.2738 steel, often referred to as P20+Ni steel, it easlier to find 1.2738 add 0.90%-1.20%  Nickel  base on 1.2311 , it means 1.2738 have a better strength than 1.2311.

Physical Properties 1.2311 VS 1.2738 steel :

Both steels have excellent machinability and polishability, therefore , both  1.2311 and 1.2738 steel are all suitable for mould making.

The little difference is the hardness between them. 1.2311 and 1.2738 steel both are pre-harden steel , but 1.2311 hardness is 28-34HRC , 1.2738 is 30-36HRC.

Mechanical Properties 1.2311 VS 1.2738 steel :

1.2311:

• Tensile Strength: 1050-1200 MPa.
• Yield Strength: 950-1100 MPa.
• Elongation: 15-20%.

1.2738:

• Tensile Strength: 1000-1150 MPa.
• Yield Strength: 900-1050 MPa.
• Elongation: 15-20%.

In summary, both 1.2311 and 1.2738 steel grades have similar tensile and yield strength along with comparable elongation properties, the key difference is their hardness, toughness, and impact resistance. 1.2311 steel offers good wear resistance and dimensional stability with slightly lower hardness, while 1.2738 steel provides improved toughness and impact resistance due to the addition of nickel, making it suitable for applications requiring enhanced mechanical properties under high-stress conditions.

Price compare :

Considering  prices, 1.2311 steel is generally more cost-effective than 1.2738 steel due to differences in their chemical compositions . However, the overall cost may vary depending on factors such as market demand and supplier pricing.

Applications :

1.2311 Steel:

• Widely used for low to medium-volume production of plastic molds, particularly for injection molding applications.
• Suitable for making prototypes and master models due to its good machinability and polishability.
• Often employed in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and electronics for producing various plastic components and parts.
• Ideal for applications where moderate mechanical strength and wear resistance are required, making it a cost-effective choice for molding applications with lower stress and impact requirements.

1.2738 Steel:

• Preferred for applications requiring higher toughness and impact resistance, especially in large-sized injection molds and tooling for automotive components.
• Well-suited for molds subjected to high-stress conditions and impact loads, such as those encountered in automotive and aerospace industries.
• Due to its enhanced toughness and resistance to deformation under high-stress conditions, 1.2738 steel is commonly used in applications where reliability and durability are paramount.
• Offers superior performance in applications where the mold is subjected to frequent loading and unloading, as well as in situations where molds need to withstand abrasive wear and prolonged use.

In summary, both 1.2311 and 1.2738 steel grades have their respective applications in mold making, the key difference lies in the specific requirements of the application. 1.2311 steel is suitable for low to medium-volume production with moderate mechanical strength requirements, whereas 1.2738 steel is preferred for applications demanding higher toughness and impact resistance, particularly in large-sized molds subjected to high-stress conditions.

Conclusion:

In summary, both 1.2311 and 1.2738 steels offer excellent properties for mould making applications, with slight differences in their chemical compositions, hardness levels, and prices. The choice between the two ultimately depends on specific project requirements, budget considerations, and desired performance characteristics.

Otai special steel stock compelete size of 1.2311, 1.2738 steel, if there is any interest ,please contact below information to get the stock list.

Name: Joann

E-mail:joann@otaisteel.com

WhatsApp:+8613128068365

This week, I had a customer inquire with us about several mould steel NAK80, S136 and P20. We knew that these steels would be used in plastic molds, and he wanted to compare the prices of these materials. This article analyzes the differences between the above materials and helps customers choose the most suitable material.

Description of mould steel S136,NAK80 and P20:

S136 steel is chromium-nickel-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel. As a high-quality plastic mold steel, S136 is widely used in injection molds, extrusion molds, blow molds and other fields. This mold steel has excellent corrosion resistance, polishability, wear resistance, and machinability, making it an ideal choice for manufacturing high-quality, high-precision plastic products.
NAK80 steel  is a kind of pre-hardened plastic mold steel, it is from Japan ,Daido . NAK80 steel generally used for mirror polishing molds, dustproof, TV filter plates, cosmetic boxes, precision wrinkle treatment molds, office automation equipment, auto parts electrical discharge processing molds, etc.
P20 steel  is an American standard pre-harden plastic mold steel. Widely used in China, factory hardness HRC30~42, suitable for large and medium-sized precision molds, suitable for long-term production of high-quality plastic molds, and used for large mold bases. This steel has good machinability and can be generally polished.

Chemical composition difference

Characteristic between mould steel S136 , NAK80 and P20

S136 mold steel

1. Corrosion resistance: It has excellent corrosion resistance and apply  in humid environments for a long time without rusting.
2. High hardness: It has high hardness and can maintain good hardness and wear resistance at high temperatures.
3. Excellent cutting performance: It has good cutting performance and is easy to process and manufacture.
4. Good heat treatment performance: It has good heat treatment performance and can obtain the required hardness and strength through heat treatment.
5.  Excellent wear resistance: It has excellent wear resistance and can maintain good surface finish and dimensional accuracy during long-term use.

NAK80 steel

1.  High hardness: NAK80 mold steel is pre-hardened steel, and its hardness can reach 37-43HRC before leaving the factory.
2.  Excellent polishing performance: very suitable for molds with high surface requirements, such as optical devices or injection molded parts
3. Ease of processing: NAK80 has very good processing performance, is easy to cut, mill and drill, and can meet the requirements of mold processing.
4. Good thermal stability: NAK80 can still maintain stable performance in high-temperature working environments. It has a low thermal expansion coefficient and excellent thermal conductivity, and can effectively resist plastic mold deformation and thermal stress caused by high temperatures.

P20 steel

1. Hardness: Factory pre-hardened, hardness 29-33HRC. Uniform hardness, good polishing performance and photo-etching performance, and good processing performance
2. It has excellent cutting performance and wear resistance, and can withstand high pressure and impact. Suitable for long term mold use.
3. P20 mold steel also has high strength and toughness and can withstand long-term mold work.
4. It has good heat resistance and corrosion resistance, making it the first choice material for plastic injection molds.

Application between mould steel S136 , NAK80 and P20

NAK80  Steel application :

Mould steel NAK80 widely used in plastic injection molds, die-casting molds and precision molds also in industries such as auto parts, home appliances, electronic products, and medical devices.

It is suitable for flat panel displays, cameras, audio equipment, transparent covers, films and other shell molds with mirror polishing requirements.

S136 steel application

S 136 is suitable for plastic molds with high corrosion resistance and mirror polish requirements.

Therefore  the highly smooth surfaces of S136 steel for the production of optical products, such as cameras, sunglasses, chemical instruments and plastic products;

P20 Steel application

• P20 is suitable for plastic molds and mold bases such as TV front casings, telephones, water dispensers, vacuum cleaners, etc.
• Thermoplastic plastic injection molds, extrusion molds.
• Thermoplastic blow molds. Heavy duty mold main components.
• Cold structural parts.
• Commonly used in manufacturing TV casings, washing machines, refrigerator inner casings, buckets, etc.

The difference of price between mould steel S136 , NAK80 and P20

P20 ＜ S136 ＜ NAK80

In conclusion

S136 , NAK80  and P20 are all good material widely used for steel mould.

But there are some application  differences.

• If you need a mold with good polishability and relatively high requirements, you can choose NAK80 steel.
• If you want to produce injection molds or extrusion molds with certain corrosion resistance but also have certain surface requirements, you can choose S136 steel.
• If you have a budget Limited, if the surface requirements are not high, you can choose the more cost-effective P20 steel.

Otai special steel stock more than 1500tons for S136 , NAK80  and P20 steel. If you want to get the stock list and the price details , please contact below information:

Name: Joann

E-mail:joann@otaisteel.com

WhatsApp:+8613128068365

1.2085 steel, also known as 420FM stainless steel, is a high-carbon stainless steel.It offers a good hardness, corrosion resistance, and affordability. In this artical, we will explore the performance and applications of 1.2085 .

Chemical Composition

Performance of 1.2085 steel

Hardness and Wear Resistance

One of the key characteristics of 1.2085 is its excellent hardness. It harden through heat treatment processes, making it suitable for applications that require a sharp cutting edge or resistance to wear. This property makes 1.2085 steel a popular choice for knife blades and cutting tools.

Corrosion Resistance

While not as corrosion-resistant as some other stainless steels like 304 or 316, 1.2085 still offers good resistance to corrosion, especially in environments with low to moderate levels of moisture and exposure to corrosive elements. Proper maintenance and care can help enhance its longevity in corrosive conditions.

Toughness

1.2085  exhibits good toughness, which is important for applications where the material may be subjected to impact or sudden loads. This quality ensures that the steel can withstand moderate levels of stress without fracturing or chipping.

Long-lasting cutting edge performance

Due to its higher carbon content, its hardness properties are better. In this way , when 1.2085 use in cutting steel, the sharpness of the cutting edge can be maintained for a long time, which makes it less frequent and more environmentally friendly.

Applications of 1.2085 Steel

Knife making

1.2085  is most commonly used in tool production. Its higher hardness, better corrosion resistance and edge retention ability make it outstanding in tool production. Particularly used as kitchen knives and outdoor tools, 1.2085  provides reliable performance.

Cutting tools

1.2085  can also used to make cutting tools such as blades, scissors, and saws. Its hardness and wear resistance make it ideal for tools that are subject to constant wear and tear

Surgical Instruments

In the medical field, 1.2085  utilize for surgical instruments. Its ability to  sterilize, along with its hardness and corrosion resistance, make it an appropriate material for tools used in surgical procedures.

Industrial Applications

Beyond the mentioned applications, 1.2085 finds use in various industrial settings where a combination of hardness and corrosion resistance is required. This can include components for machinery, valves, and other mechanical parts.

Conclusion

1.2085 steel, the combination of its properties of hardness, corrosion resistance, and affordability, finds wide-ranging applications in industries such as cutlery, toolmaking, and medical instruments. Its performance characteristics make it a good choice for various applications.

FAQs

1. Is 1.2085  suitable for outdoor knives?

Yes, 1.2085  is a popular choice for outdoor knives due to its hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention.

2. How should I maintain 1.2085 steel tools to ensure longevity?

Regular cleaning and proper storage in a dry environment can help prolong the life of 1.2085 steel tools.

3. Can 1.2085  be heat treated at home?

While it is possible to heat treat 1.2085  at home, it recommend to consult a professional for best results.

4. What industries commonly use 1.2085 steel in their applications?

1.2085  commonly use in industries such as cutlery manufacturing, toolmaking, and medical instrument production.

5. Is 1.2085 steel magnetic?

Yes, 1.2085  is magnetic, as it belongs to the martensitic stainless steel family which is generally magnetic in nature.

Want to know more about the details ?

Pls contact : Joann

E-mail:joann@otaisteel.com

WhatsApp:+8613128068365