Meaning
High-chromium tool steel provides the necessary corrosion resistance for processing chemically aggressive polymers. Using stainless tool steel 1.2083 is standard practice when moulding materials that release corrosive gases during heating. It is a martensitic grade that achieves high hardness after quenching.
This material protects the polished surfaces of the mould from pitting and oxidation.
Material Sourcing
Choosing the correct alloy involves balancing toughness and wear resistance. While stainless tool steel 1.2083 resists rust, its thermal conductivity is lower than that of non-stainless grades. This lower conductivity can lead to longer cycle times if the cooling circuit is not optimized.
Polishing Quality
Medical and optical parts require a mirror finish that remains stable over millions of cycles. The fine carbide distribution in stainless tool steel 1.2083 allows it to reach extremely high gloss levels. It resists the dulling effect caused by moisture in the shop environment or condensation on the tool face.
This property reduces the frequency of bench work needed to maintain the aesthetic quality of the part.
Heat Treatment
Achieving the target hardness requires a precise vacuum furnace cycle. This steel grade is typically hardened to 48 to 54 Rockwell C to withstand the pressures of injection.
