DIN 1.2083 ESR Plastic Mold Steel – Properties, Applications & Benefits

April 27, 2026by pradeep shirvastav

DIN 1.2083 ESR plastic mold steel is a premium stainless tool steel widely used in the plastic injection molding industry. Known for its superior corrosion resistance, excellent polishability, and high wear resistance, this grade is ideal for manufacturing high-precision molds.

With enhanced purity achieved through the Electroslag Remelting (ESR) process, DIN 1.2083 ESR offers improved mechanical performance and longer service life compared to standard tool steels.

DIN 1.2367 ESR Hot Work Steel Supplier in Gurugram

What is DIN 1.2083 ESR Steel?

  • DIN 1.2083: A chromium-rich stainless mold steel (similar to AISI 420)
  • ESR (Electroslag Remelting): A secondary refining process that removes impurities and improves the internal structure of the steel

The result is a cleaner, more uniform steel with superior mechanical properties.

Features

  • Excellent corrosion resistance – ideal for humid or corrosive environments
  • High wear resistance – longer mold life
  • Superior polishability – suitable for mirror-finish molds
  • Good machinability – easier to process in annealed condition
  • High hardness – up to ~52 HRC after heat treatment

Why ESR Matters

The **Electroslag Remelting process improves steel by:

  • Eliminating non-metallic inclusions
  • Enhancing toughness and strength
  • Providing a consistent microstructure
  • Reducing internal defects

This makes ESR steel more reliable for precision tooling.

Common Applications

DIN 1.2083 ESR steel is widely used in:

  • Plastic injection molds
  • Medical and food-grade molds
  • Optical and transparent plastic components
  • Molds exposed to corrosive materials like PVC

 

Properties of DIN 1.2083 ESR Steel

DIN 1.2083 ESR is a premium stainless plastic mold steel, enhanced through the Electroslag Remelting (ESR) process. This refinement significantly improves its cleanliness, strength, and overall performance.

Chemical Composition (Typical)
Carbon (C): 0.38 – 0.45%
Chromium (Cr): 12.5 – 14.5%
Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.0%
Manganese (Mn): ≤ 1.0%

High chromium content provides strong corrosion resistance.
Performance Properties
✔ Corrosion Resistance
Excellent resistance to rust and moisture
Suitable for corrosive plastics like PVC
✔ Wear Resistance
High durability under continuous production
Ideal for long mold life
✔ Polishability
Can achieve mirror-like surface finish
Perfect for optical and transparent plastic parts
✔ Dimensional Stability
Maintains shape during heat treatment
Ensures precision in mold manufacturing

Applications of DIN 1.2083 ESR Steel

DIN 1.2083 ESR steel is widely used in industries that demand high corrosion resistance, excellent surface finish, and long tool life. Thanks to the Electroslag Remelting (ESR) process, this steel offers superior purity and performance, making it ideal for precision tooling applications.

1. Plastic Injection Molds
Used for manufacturing high-quality plastic components
Ideal for molds requiring smooth surfaces and long production runs
2. Medical Equipment Molds
Suitable for sterile and corrosion-resistant environments
Used in syringes, surgical tools, and medical plastic parts
3. Food-Grade Mold Tooling
Resistant to moisture and corrosion
Used in packaging molds for food containers and bottles
4. Optical and Transparent Parts
Excellent polishability allows mirror-finish molds
Used for lenses, light covers, and transparent plastic products
5. PVC and Corrosive Plastic Molds
High chromium content resists chemical corrosion
Ideal for molding PVC and other aggressive materials
6. Mold Inserts and Cavities
Used in critical mold areas exposed to wear and stress
Provides durability and precision
7. Blow Molds and Compression Molds
Suitable for plastic bottle manufacturing
Ensures consistent shape and finish

Advantages of DIN 1.2083 ESR Steel

DIN 1.2083 ESR steel is a premium stainless plastic mold steel known for its high performance in demanding industrial applications. Its properties are significantly enhanced by the Electroslag Remelting (ESR) process, which improves purity and consistency.

Key Advantages
✔ Excellent Corrosion Resistance
High chromium content provides strong resistance to rust and moisture
Ideal for molds used with corrosive plastics like PVC
✔ Superior Polishability
Can achieve mirror-like surface finishes
Perfect for optical parts, transparent plastics, and aesthetic products
✔ High Wear Resistance
Withstands continuous production cycles
Ensures longer mold life and reduced maintenance
✔ Enhanced Toughness (ESR Grade)
The Electroslag Remelting process removes impurities
Results in improved strength and resistance to cracking
✔ Excellent Dimensional Stability
Maintains shape during heat treatment
Ensures precision in mold manufacturing
✔ Clean and Uniform Microstructure
Reduced inclusions and defects
Consistent performance across the material
✔ Good Machinability
Easy to machine in annealed condition
Saves time and cost during mold fabrication
✔ Suitable for Hygienic Applications
Ideal for medical and food-grade molds
Resistant to contamination and corrosion

Heat Treatment Process of DIN 1.2083 ESR Steel

DIN 1.2083 ESR steel is a high-chromium stainless plastic mold steel, and its performance depends heavily on proper heat treatment. The controlled heating and cooling process improves hardness, toughness, and wear resistance for precision mold applications.

The Electroslag Remelting (ESR) refinement ensures a clean microstructure, which responds more uniformly during heat treatment

Typical heat treatment steps include:

  • Annealing: 750–800°C
  • Hardening: 980–1050°C
  • Tempering: 150–250°C

DIN 1.2083 ESR vs Standard 1.2083 Steel

Both DIN 1.2083 and DIN 1.2083 ESR are stainless plastic mold steels used widely in injection molding industries. The key difference lies in the manufacturing process—especially the Electroslag Remelting (ESR) used in the ESR grade.

This refining process significantly improves steel purity, structure, and performance.

Feature Standard 1.2083 ESR 1.2083
Purity Normal High
Toughness Moderate Improved
Surface Finish Good Excellent
Mold Life Standard Longer

Conclusion

DIN 1.2083 ESR plastic mold steel is a top choice for manufacturers requiring high-quality, corrosion-resistant, and high-polish mold materials. Its enhanced properties due to the ESR process make it ideal for demanding applications in plastic, medical, and optical industries.