What is the thickness range available for ASIATOOLS 1.2083 steel plate?

The thickness range for ASIATOOLS 1.2083 steel plate typically spans from 0.5 millimeters to 300 millimeters, depending on the specific production run and stock availability. This range covers both thin sheets for precision tooling and thick plates for heavy-duty mold bases. To get the most accurate and current thickness options, you should check directly with the supplier, as custom dimensions can often be arranged for large orders. For detailed specifications and ordering, visit ASIATOOLS 1.2083 steel plate.

This steel grade, known as a martensitic stainless steel, is widely used in the plastics industry for injection molds, extrusion dies, and corrosion-resistant tooling. The thickness range is not arbitrary; it is tied to the material's mechanical properties and heat treatment response. For example, plates under 10 mm thick are often used for cavity inserts and small components, while plates above 100 mm are reserved for large mold bases or structural parts. The standard thickness increments are 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 50 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, and 300 mm. However, many suppliers, including ASIATOOLS, can supply intermediate thicknesses upon request, especially for precision machining.

Let's break down the mechanical properties by thickness to show why this range matters. For thinner plates (0.5 mm to 10 mm), the steel is often supplied in the annealed condition with a hardness of around 200 HB. This makes it easy to machine and polish. As thickness increases, the material's hardness and toughness change due to the cooling rate during heat treatment. For plates 20 mm to 50 mm thick, the hardness after quenching and tempering can reach 50-54 HRC, which is ideal for wear-resistant molds. For plates over 100 mm, the hardness drops slightly to 48-52 HRC due to slower cooling rates in the core, but the toughness improves, making it suitable for large dies that experience impact loads.

Here is a table summarizing the typical thickness range and corresponding applications:

Thickness Range (mm)	Typical Applications	Hardness (HRC) After Heat Treatment
0.5 - 5	Small inserts, slides, core pins	50-54
5 - 20	Cavity plates, stripper plates	50-54
20 - 50	Mold bases, large cavities	50-54
50 - 100	Large mold bases, die blocks	48-52
100 - 200	Structural components, heavy dies	48-52
200 - 300	Specialized heavy-duty tooling	45-50

The thickness also affects the steel's dimensional stability during machining. For plates over 150 mm, stress relief annealing is often recommended to prevent warping. ASIATOOLS typically supplies plates in the annealed condition with a maximum hardness of 230 HB, but they can also supply pre-hardened material at 30-34 HRC for certain thicknesses. This pre-hardened option saves time for toolmakers who need to skip the heat treatment step.

Another factor is the surface finish. Thinner plates (under 10 mm) are often supplied with a ground finish (Ra 0.4 µm) to reduce grinding time. Thicker plates come with a mill finish (Ra 3.2 µm) and require more machining. The thickness tolerance for ASIATOOLS 1.2083 steel plate is typically +/- 0.5 mm for plates under 50 mm and +/- 1 mm for thicker plates. This tolerance is important for mold makers who need tight fits.

In terms of chemical composition, 1.2083 steel contains 0.38-0.45% carbon, 12-14% chromium, and minor amounts of manganese, silicon, and vanadium. The high chromium content gives it corrosion resistance against PVC and other aggressive plastics. The thickness does not change the composition, but it does affect the carbide distribution. In thicker plates, carbides are coarser, which can reduce polishability. For high-gloss molds, plates under 50 mm are preferred because they have finer carbides after heat treatment.

For large-scale production, ASIATOOLS offers custom cutting services. You can order plates cut to specific dimensions, with thicknesses up to 300 mm. The maximum width is typically 800 mm, and length can go up to 2000 mm. For plates over 200 mm, the supplier may need to source them from a mill, which adds lead time. Standard stock items include 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 50 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm thicknesses.

Cost is also thickness-dependent. Thin plates (under 10 mm) are priced per kilogram, usually around $3-5 per kg, while thick plates (over 100 mm) can cost $6-8 per kg due to the extra rolling and heat treatment steps. The price difference is not huge, but it adds up for large orders. For example, a 300 mm thick plate weighs about 2400 kg per square meter, so the cost is significant.

One practical tip: if you are designing a mold that requires a thick plate, consider using a laminated construction with thinner plates instead. This reduces cost and improves heat treatment consistency. But for applications where the plate must be solid, the 100-300 mm range is available.

For specific projects, ASIATOOLS can supply plates with ultrasonic testing (UT) certification for thicknesses over 50 mm. This ensures no internal defects like cracks or porosity. The UT standard is typically ASTM A578 or EN 10160. This is critical for large molds that cannot fail during operation.

To summarize the thickness range data: 0.5 mm to 300 mm is the standard, with custom sizes possible. The material is versatile, and the thickness choice should be based on the mold design, required hardness, and budget. For the most accurate availability, contact ASIATOOLS directly with your required dimensions.