Steel Solutions by ASIATOOLS

Complete and Reliable Supply chain： We have abundant raw material resources at competitive prices.
Samples available: We can provide samples for your testing and evaluation before bulk orders.
Custom Dimensions: We can customize dimensions to your exact needs--from large (up to 2800*1400*800mm) to small (as small as 7*7*7mm) blocks
Full Machining Service: With our own advanced machines, we go beyond material supply to provide full machining services, including milling, grinding, drilling, and precision CNC part processing.
Dedicated support: Our service team is always ready to assist and provide solutions to your specific need.

Furnace Capabilities at ASIATOOLS

At ASIATOOLS, we are equipped with electric arc furnace and induction furnace designed to handle demanding industrial applications. Our large-capacity Furnaces enable us to process wide range of high-performance steel materials.

Max Ingot Diameter:
Ø800mm (31.5 inches)
Max Length:
6000mm (236 inches)
Max Weight:
Up to 15 tons
Applicable Materials:
Carbon steel ,Mold steel, Tool steel, Alloy steel,Stainless steelsteel

What This Mean for You:

Lower Unit Cost for Large Orders

Shorter Lead Times for Large Components

Custom Production Flexibility

Mold Steel Materials

We offer various types of C45, 1.2311, 1.2312, 1.2738, 1.2343, 1.2344, 1.2083, 1.2085, 1.2714, and 1.2379—they are widely used in plastic mold manufacturing. Each material offers unique properties to meet various mold requirements. See the comparison below for key performance differences:

1045 | C45 | S45C | EN8

Category
Carbon structure steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & Hot forged
Supply form
Round bar, Flat bar, Square bar, Plate, Block, Tube

Introduction：

1045 steel is a medium-carbon steel under the AISI designation system. The “10” denotes plain carbon steel, and “45” indicates ~0.45% carbon content. It typically contains 0.60–0.90% Mn to enhance strength and toughness, 0.15–0.35% Si for deoxidation, and minimal P and S, which can cause cold or hot brittleness. Equivalent grades include EN/DIN C45E (1.1191), JIS S45C, and GB 45.

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
#45	1045	S45C	1.1730	HB≤229	0.42-0.48	0.15-0.35	0.60-0.90	≤0.03	≤0.035	0.4	≤0.2	≤0.2	-

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
#45	1045	S45C	1.1730	HB≤229

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.42-0.48	0.15-0.35	0.60-0.90	≤0.03	≤0.035	0.4	≤0.2	≤0.2	-

Characteristics:

Good weldability.
Good machinability.
High strength and impact properties.
But low in hardenability because of lack of suitable alloying elements.

Applications:

Compared with AISI 1020, it has lower alloy content but can be flame or induction hardened for higher strength.
Widely used in industries requiring greater strength and wear resistance.
Typical applications include: Axles,Bolts, Connecting Rods, Hydraulic Clamps ,Rams, Pins , Rolls, Studs, Shafts, Spindles, Sockets, Light gears etc.

Category
Plastic mold steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & forged
Supply form
Flat bar,Square bar,Plate/Block,Round bar

Introduction：

1.2311 is a pre-hardened plastic mold steel. It offers a well-balanced combination of toughness, strength, and machinability, making it one of the most widely used steels in the mold industry. With good polishability and uniform hardness across sections, it is suitable for general-purpose plastic molds and tooling.

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
3Cr2Mo	P20	HPM2	1.2311	HRC:28-36	0.3-0.5	0.2-0.4	1.3-1.6	≤0.03	≤0.03	1.8-2.1	-	0.1-0.3	-

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
3Cr2Mo	P20	HPM2	1.2311	HRC:28-36

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.3-0.5	0.2-0.4	1.3-1.6	≤0.03	≤0.03	1.8-2.1	-	0.1-0.3	-

Characteristics:

Pre-hardened plastic mold steel (typically 28–36 HRC).
Uniform hardness through large cross-sections due to good hardenability.
Good machinability in the supplied condition.
Good polishing and photo-etching properties.
Toughness and strength suitable for medium-size molds.

Applications:

Injection molds for plastics.
Compression molds.
Blow molds.
Suitable for mold bases and mold cavities that do not require very high hardness.

Category
Plastic mold steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & forged
Supply form
Flat bar, Square bar, Plate/Block, Round bar

Introduction：

1.2312 is a sulfur-alloyed modification of 1.2311, designed for enhanced machinability. The addition of sulfur improves cutting performance, making it ideal for machining large or complex molds with reduced tool wear and production time.

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
3Cr2Mo+S	P20+S	-	1.2312	HRC:28-36	0.35-0.45	0.3-0.5	1.4-1.6	≤0.03	≤0.1	1.8-2.1	-	0.15-0.25	-

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
3Cr2Mo+S	P20+S	-	1.2312	HRC:28-36

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.35-0.45	0.3-0.5	1.4-1.6	≤0.03	≤0.1	1.8-2.1	-	0.15-0.25	-

Characteristics:

Similar to 1.2311 but with added sulfur (~0.05–0.10%).
This improves machinability significantly, especially in large and complex molds.
Still supplied pre-hardened (28–36 HRC).
Slightly reduced toughness and polishability compared to 1.2311 due to sulfur inclusions.

Applications:

Large plastic injection molds where machining efficiency is critical.
Mold parts that do not require mirror polishing or high-grade surface finish.
Suitable for automotive parts, appliance housings, etc.

Category
Plastic mold steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & forged
Supply form
Flat bar, Square bar, Plate/Block, Round bar

Introduction：

1.2738 is a nickel-alloyed variant of 1.2311, engineered to provide improved toughness, hardness uniformity, and excellent polishability across large cross-sections. Supplied pre-hardened in the range of 33–38 HRC, it maintains consistent mechanical properties even in thick sections. Its high surface finish capability makes it especially suitable for molds used in transparent or high-gloss plastic products.

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
3Cr2MnNIMo	P20+NI	HPM7/PX5	1.2738	HRC:33-38	0.35-0.45	0.2-0.5	1.2-1.6	-	-	1.8-2.1	-	0.15-0.25	-

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
3Cr2MnNIMo	P20+NI	HPM7/PX5	1.2738	HRC:33-38

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.35-0.45	0.2-0.5	1.2-1.6	-	-	1.8-2.1	-	0.15-0.25	-

Characteristics:

Modified version of 1.2311 with added nickel (~0.9–1.2%).
Provides improved toughness and hardness uniformity in large cross-sections.
Pre-hardened to 33–38 HRC.
Excellent polishability and good suitability for surface treatments (nitriding, chrome plating).
Better wear resistance compared to 1.2311/1.2312.

Applications:

Large and complex plastic injection molds.
Mold tools for transparent plastics requiring high surface finish (optical parts, lenses, light covers).
Automotive exterior and interior moldings.
Suitable for plastic molds where long tool life and high toughness are needed.

Category
Hot Work Tool Steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & Hot forged, Soft annealed to max. 220HB
Supply form
Round bar, Flat bar, Square bar, Plate

Introduction：

Chromium hot-work tool steels are classified as group H (H1–H19) by AISI. H13 is the most widely used grade for hot and cold work tooling, valued for its toughness and fatigue resistance.
Equivalent grades include EN/DIN 1.2344 (X40CrMoV5-1), JIS SKD61, GB 4Cr5MoSiV1, and GOST 4Х5МФ1С.

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
4Cr5MoSIV1	H11	SKDG	1.2343	HR≤230	0.36-0.38	1	0.4-0.55	-	-	5.0-5.15	-	1.2-1.3	0.35-0.4

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
4Cr5MoSIV1	H11	SKDG	1.2343	HR≤230

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.36-0.38	1	0.4-0.55	-	-	5.0-5.15	-	1.2-1.3	0.35-0.4

Characteristics:

Excellent toughness.
Good tempering resistance and through-hardening properties.
Good performance under tempresure changes and themal stress fatigue.
Good high-temperature strength and resistance to thermal shock and thermal fatigue.
Excellent polishing performance of 12000# or above.
Good dimensional stability during heat treatment and surface treatment.

Applications:

Aluminum-zinc die-casting dies, light alloy pressure casting dies.
Aluminum alloy and copper alloy extrusion dies, long life hot forging dies.
Plastic hard molds with higher finish requirements such as car lamp mold, plastic mold with glass fiber and calcium powder added, bakelite molds.
Plastic hard molds with complex rib and high toughness requirements, and large&complex deep cavity molds.

Category
Hot Work Tool Steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & Hot forged, Soft annealed to max. 229HB
Supply form
Round bar, Flat bar

Introduction：

Chromium hot-work tool steels are classified as group H steels by the AISI classification system. This series of steels start from H1 to H19.
H11 tool steel equivalent material includes European EN, ISO, German DIN 1.2343/X37CrMoV5-1, Japanese JIS standard SKD 6, Chinese GB 4Cr5MoSiV, Rusia GOST 4Х5МФС, etc

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
4Cr5MoSIV1	H13	SKD61/DHA1	1.2344	HR≤230	0.32-0.45	0.8-1.2	0.2-0.4	-	≤0.03	4.7-5.5	-	1.1-1.5	0.8-1.2

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
4Cr5MoSIV1	H13	SKD61/DHA1	1.2344	HR≤230

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.32-0.45	0.8-1.2	0.2-0.4	-	≤0.03	4.7-5.5	-	1.1-1.5	0.8-1.2

Characteristics:

Good resistance to abrasion at both low and high temperatures
High level of toughness and ductility
Good machinability and polishability
Good high-temperature strength and resistance to thermal fatigue
Excellent through-hardening properties
Very limited distortion during hardening

Applications:

PLASTIC MOULDING: Injection moulds, Compression/ transfer moulds;
EXTRUSION: Backers, die holders, liners, dummy blocks, stems;
DIE CASTING: Fixed inserts, cores, Sprue parts, Nozzles, Ejector pins (nitrided), Plunger;
Others: Forming dies, die inserts, and tools for the manufacture of screws nuts, riverts and bolts.

Category
Stainless steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & forged
Supply form
Flat bar, Square bar, Plate/Block, Round bar

Introduction：

1.2083 is a martensitic stainless tool steel with high chromium content (~13%), giving it excellent corrosion resistance, high wear resistance, and good polishability. It is typically supplied in the quenched and tempered condition with hardness ranging from 48–52 HRC. Its ability to maintain a high surface finish and resist attack from chemically aggressive plastics makes it a premium choice for demanding mold applications.

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
4Cr13ESR	420ESR	S-STAR-A	1.2083ESR	HB≤240	0.36-0.45	≤0.8	≤0.8	≤0.03	≤0.003	12-14	-	≤0.3	≤0.3

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
4Cr13ESR	420ESR	S-STAR-A	1.2083ESR	HB≤240

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.36-0.45	≤0.8	≤0.8	≤0.03	≤0.003	12-14	-	≤0.3	≤0.3

Characteristics:

Stainless tool steel (~13% Cr)
Excellent corrosion resistance
High wear resistance
Good polishability (mirror finish possible)
Supplied quenched & tempered, hardness ~48–52 HRC
Resistant to aggressive plastics (PVC, acetates, flame-retardant materials)

Applications:

Molds for corrosive plastics (PVC, acetates, plastics with flame retardants)
Molds requiring high surface finish (optical lenses, medical tools, packaging)
Plastic molds exposed to humid environments or corrosive cooling channels
Components requiring high polishability and wear resistance

Category
Stainless steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & forged
Supply form
Flat bar, Square bar, Plate/Block, Round bar

Introduction：

1.2085 is a stainless mold steel similar to 1.2083 but with sulfur added (~0.05–0.10%), which significantly improves machinability. It maintains good corrosion resistance and reasonable hardness (typically 30–36 HRC in pre-hardened condition). While it does not reach the same polishability level as 1.2083 due to sulfur inclusions, it is a cost-effective solution for medium-grade stainless mold applications where machining speed and corrosion resistance are both required.

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
3Cr16NIMoVS	420+S	ROYALLOY	1.2085	HRC:30-36	0.38	0.3	0.8	-	-	15	-	-	-

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
3Cr16NIMoVS	420+S	ROYALLOY	1.2085	HRC:30-36

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.38	0.3	0.8	-	-	15	-	-	-

Characteristics:

Pre-hardened stainless mold steel (~30–36 HRC)
Good corrosion resistance
Sulfur alloyed → excellent machinability
Moderate polishability (not as high as 1.2083)
Moderate polishability (not as high as 1.2083)

Applications:

Medium-quality plastic injection molds exposed to corrosive environments
Mold parts where faster machining is important
Components in the packaging and household appliance industries
General molds with moderate polish requirements

Category
Hot Work Tool Steel
Delivery condition
Hot rolled & Hot forged, Soft annealed to max. 220HB
Supply form
Round bar, Flat bar, Square bar, Plate

Introduction：

L6 steel is widely used in fields such as tool manufacturing. Its main alloying elements include chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), etc., and the addition of these alloying elements endows L6 steel with unique properties.
L6 tool steel equivalent material includes European EN, ISO, German DIN 1.2714/55NiCrMoV7, Japanese JIS standard SKT4, Chinese GB 5CrNiMo, Rusia GOST 5ХНМ, etc

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
5CrNiMO	L6	SKTT4	1.2714	-	0.5-0.6	0.1-0.4	0.6-0.9	＜＝0.03	＜＝0.03	0.8-1.2	0.8-1.2	0.35-0.55	0.05-0.15

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
5CrNiMO	L6	SKTT4	1.2714	-

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
0.5-0.6	0.1-0.4	0.6-0.9	＜＝0.03	＜＝0.03	0.8-1.2	0.8-1.2	0.35-0.55	0.05-0.15

Characteristics:

Hot work steel that can be used for a wide range of applications.
With good through hardenability, tempering resistance, toughness, pressure and heat resistance.

Applications:

Forging and swaging with very large dimensions, hot forming tools, hot shear blades, extrusion tools, punches, tools for forging machines, tool holders, die holders.

Category
Category Cold work tool steel
Delivery condition
Delivery condition Hot rolled&Hot forged,annealed to max.255HB
Supply form
Supply form Round bar,Flat bar,Sheet

Introduction：

AISI D2 steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium, tungsten-containing cold work tool steel. Its main alloying elements include carbon, silicon, manganese, chromium, and tungsten, while the phosphorus and sulfur contents are each limited to a maximum of 0.03%.
Equivalent grades of D2 cold work tool steel include:
● European/ISO: 1.2601 (X165CrMoV12), 1.2379 (X153CrMoV12)
● Japanese JIS: SKD11
● Chinese GB: Cr12MoV / Cr12Mo1V1

Chemical composition:

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness	Chemical Composition（%）
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
Cr12Mov	D2	SKD11	1.2379	-	1.4-1.6	0.1-0.6	0.1-0.6	＜＝0.03	＜＝0.03	11.0-13.0	-	0.7-1.2	0.5-1.1

Corresponding international common brands				Hardness
CHINA	US	JAPAN	GERMNAY	Hardness
Cr12Mov	D2	SKD11	1.2379	-

Chemical Composition（%）
C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	V
1.4-1.6	0.1-0.6	0.1-0.6	＜＝0.03	＜＝0.03	11.0-13.0	-	0.7-1.2	0.5-1.1

Characteristics:

High-carbon, high-chromium (≈12%) steel designed for high-performance cutting tools. It offers better toughness than D3
Nitridable.
Particularly suitable for air hardening.
Dimensionally stable.
High-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel
The steel is smelt by EAF+LF+VD or EAF+LF+VD+ESR.
UT as per SEP 1921-84 D/d level,ESR material E/e level.
Nitridable,high-alloy steel for through-hardening with moderate machinability. Good tensile strength and wear resistance.
Good machinability and hardenability.
Better toughness than Cr12MoV.
Better size stability.

Applications:

High-duty cutting tools (dies and punches); blanking and punching tools; woodworking tools;
Shear blades for cutting light-gauge materials; thread rolling tools; tools for drawing, deep drawing, and cold extrusion; pressing tools for the ceramics and pharmaceutical industries;
Cold rolls (working rolls) for multi-roll stands; measuring instruments and gauges;
Petrochemical and refinery equipment operating under high pressure and temperature
Small molds for the plastics industry where excellent wear resistance is required.

Machining Service

Mold & Die Machining Service

When you order our mold steel, machining is included free of charge. Backed by our self-manufactured CNC machines, we offer reliable and cost-effective processing for every steel block we deliver.

To explore more, visit our MOLD AND DIE Service Page or Contact Us for personalized consultation and processing solutions.

Mold & Die Service Personalized Consultation

Precision Machining Service

We understand that mold construction is complex and involves more than just the processing of large modules, mold frames, and bases. It also requires precision parts such as mold inserts, ejection pins, locating rings, slides, and more. To meet these needs, we offer small precision machining services as well as custom component machining for the mold industry. For more details, visit our Precision Machining Service page to upload your part files, or contact us directly for personalized, one-on-one support.

Precision Machining Service Personalized Suport