Round bar 

Diameter(mm)

   Length (mm)

    50-800

   2000~5800

   plate/sheet /flat   

Thickness(mm)   

    Width (mm)       

  Length (mm)    

     50-800

     80~2300

   2000~5800

This tool steel grade is ideally suited for the production of plastic moulds. Typical applications include die holders, zinc die casting dies, backers, bolsters and injection moulds. The versatility of 1.2311 tool steel with its high tensile characteristics enables uses for a variety of other applications such as shafts, rails and wear strips

Heat the steel slowly, allowing sufficient time for it to become heated through. Begin forging at 1050°C. Do not forge below 930°C reheating if necessary. After forging, cool very slowly.

Heat uniformly to 770-790°C.  Soak well, cool slowly in the furnace.

When dies are heavily machined, we recommend stress relieving just before finish machining in order to relieve machining strains. Heat to 460-500°C. Soak well and allow to cool in the air.

Heat uniformly to 820-840°C until heated through. Quench in oil.

Heat uniformly and soak at the tempering temperature for at least one hour per 25mm of section. Allow to cool in still air.

1.2311 steel may be nitrided to give a wear resistant case of approximately Rockwell C60 surface hardness with a case depth of between 0.35mm to 0.5mm. Nitriding 1.2311 tool steel also increases the corrosion resistance. After nitriding at 525°C in ammonia gas the surface hardness of the 1.2311 will be approximately 650HV.

In order to obtain maximum surface hardness, moulds machined from 1.2311 tool steel may be case hardened, which can achieve a surface hardness of 55 to 59 HRc.

At 570ºC tufftriding of 1.2311 tool steel will give a surface hardness of approximately 700HV. Allowing 2 hours treatment the surface hard layer will be approximately 0.01mm.

To avoid hydrogen embrittlement 1.2311 should be tempered for 4 hours at 180°C for 4 hours after hard chromium plating. 

Flame or induction hardening will achieve a hardness of 50 to 55 HRc. Air cooling is preferable, though smaller components may require forced cooling. Temper immediately after hardening.

Heat treatment temperatures, including rate of heating, cooling and soaking times will vary due to factors such as the shape and size of each steel component. Other considerations during the heat treatment process include the type of furnace, quenching medium and work piece transfer facilities. Please consult your heat treatment provider for full guidance on heat treatment of 1.2311 tool steel.