Product Overview
We supply a range of mold steel and tool steel grades for plastic injection molds, die-casting molds, hot-work tooling and cold-work tooling.
Our product range includes plastic mold steel, hot work die steel, cold work die steel and ESR mold steel, with grades such as 1.1730, 1.2311/1.2312, 1.2738, 1.2738HH, 1.2083, 1.2083 ESR, 1.2343, 1.2343 ESR, 1.2344, 1.2344 ESR, D2, SKD11, DC53 and M2.
Depending on the grade, materials are available in natural, pre-hardened or annealed conditions, with selected grades available in ESR versions.
For customers requiring specific sizes, our Leiria facility also provides steel sawing and milling services.
Key Features
1.1730 / C45 Mold Steel
1.1730 is listed in our product range as a mold base and stand steel for the plastic mold industry.
The material is supplied with a natural hardness of less than 229 HB and is referenced against:
- W.Nr. 1.1191 / 1.1730
- AISI 1045
- C45
- C45K
- C45C
- 45#
It is suitable for customers looking for a carbon steel grade for plastic mold bases and stands.
Pre-Hardened Mold Steel
Selected plastic mold steels are supplied in pre-hardened conditions, including:
- 1.2311 / 1.2312: 28–36 HRC
- 1.2738: 33–38 HRC
- 1.2738HH: 37–42 HRC
ESR Mold Steel Options
Selected grades are available in ESR versions, including:
- 1.2083 ESR
- 1.2343 ESR
- 1.2344 ESR
- FS136
- FS136H
- FT8407 ESR
- FT8418 ESR
Corrosion-Resistant Plastic Mold Steel
Grades such as 1.2083, 1.2083 ESR and FS136 are specified in the supplied product information for applications requiring corrosion resistance and good polishing properties.
They are used for applications including transparent plastic molds, PA/POM molds and precision plastic molds.
Hot Work Die Steel
Our hot-work range includes 1.2343, 1.2343 ESR, 1.2344 and 1.2344 ESR.
These grades are listed for applications including:
- Aluminum alloy die-casting molds
- Magnesium/aluminum alloy die-casting molds
- Hot extrusion dies
- Forging dies
- High-pressure die-casting applications
Cold Work Tool Steel
The cold-work range includes D2 / 1.2379, SKD11, DC53 and M2 / 1.3343.
Applications include:
- Stamping dies
- Drawing dies
- Cold extrusion dies
- Punches
- Thread rolling dies
- Sheet blanking dies
Mold Steel Grades & Technical Specifications
| Grade | Condition / Hardness | Reference Materials / Standards |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1730 | Natural hardness, <229 HB | W.Nr. 1.1191 / 1.1730; AISI 1045; C45; C45K; C45C; 45# |
| 1.2311 / 1.2312 | Pre-hardened, 28–36 HRC | AISI P20; DIN 1.2311 / 1.2312; 40CrMnMo7 |
| 1.2738 | Pre-hardened, 33–38 HRC | P20+Ni; 40CrMnNiMo7; 718H |
| 1.2738HH | Pre-hardened, 37–42 HRC | P20mod; 618T |
| 1.2083 | Annealed, ≤230 HB | DIN 1.2083; AISI 420; 2083 |
| 1.2083 ESR | Annealed, ≤230 HB | 1.2083 ESR; AISI 420 ESR; STAVAX S136 ESR |
| 1.2343 | Annealed, ≤230 HB | AISI H11; DIN 1.2343; SKD6 |
| 1.2343 ESR | Annealed, ≤230 HB | H11 ESR; DIN 1.2343 ESR; SKD6 ESR |
| 1.2344 | Annealed, ≤230 HB | AISI H13; DIN 1.2344; SKD61 |
| 1.2344 ESR | Annealed, ≤230 HB | H13 ESR; 8407 SUPREME; SKD61 ESR |
| D2 / 1.2379 | Annealed, ≤230 HB | AISI D2; XW-41; DIN 1.2379 |
| SKD11 | Annealed, ≤230 HB | XW-42; SKD11 |
| DC53 | Annealed, ≤230 HB | ASSAB 88; DC53 |
| M2 / 1.3343 | Annealed, ≤230 HB | AISI M2; KM-2; SKH51; DIN 1.3343 |
The chemical composition varies by grade. Please refer to the corresponding grade specification for the applicable chemical composition.
Applications
Plastic Mold Bases and Stands
1.1730 / C45 is listed for mold bases and stands in the plastic mold industry.
The grade is referenced as W.Nr. 1.1730, AISI 1045, C45, C45K, C45C and 45#, with a natural hardness of less than 229 HB.
Plastic Injection Molds
Our plastic mold steel range includes:
- 1.1730
- 1.2311 / 1.2312
- 1.2738
- 1.2738HH
- 1.2083
- 1.2083 ESR
Applications include:
- Plastic mold bases and stands
- Plastic injection molds
- Large plastic molds
- Automotive interior and exterior components
- Transparent plastic molds
- PA/POM plastic molds
- Precision plastic molds
Die-Casting Molds
Hot-work die steel grades such as 1.2343, 1.2343 ESR, 1.2344 and 1.2344 ESR are listed for die-casting applications, including aluminum and magnesium/aluminum alloy die-casting molds.
Hot Extrusion & Forging Dies
Selected hot-work grades are also used for hot extrusion dies and forging dies.
Stamping & Cold-Work Tooling
D2, SKD11, DC53 and M2 are available for cold-work applications such as stamping, drawing, extrusion, punching and sheet blanking.
Product Advantages for B2B Buyers
1. A Broad Range of Mold Steel Grades
The product range covers mold base steel, plastic mold steel, hot-work die steel and cold-work tool steel, allowing customers to select materials according to their tooling requirements.
2. 1.1730 / C45 for Mold Bases and Stands
For plastic mold bases and stands, 1.1730 provides a clearly specified material option, with a natural hardness of less than 229 HB and references including AISI 1045 and C45.
3. Different Material Conditions
Depending on the grade, materials are available in natural, pre-hardened or annealed conditions.
For example:
- 1.1730: natural hardness <229 HB
- 1.2311 / 1.2312: pre-hardened, 28–36 HRC
- 1.2738: pre-hardened, 33–38 HRC
- 1.2083: annealed, ≤230 HB
4. ESR Material Options
Selected grades are available as ESR steel, including 1.2083 ESR, 1.2343 ESR and 1.2344 ESR.
5. Stock and Processing Capability
The supplied company information lists 3000 tons of stock and processing capabilities including sawing and milling at the Leiria facility.
The facility information also states that processing is carried out in-house rather than being subcontracted.
6. Cutting and Milling Services
For customers who require steel in specific sizes, the Leiria facility provides sawing and milling capabilities for mold steel products.
Why Choose the Right Mold Steel?
The appropriate mold steel grade depends on the mold type, application, required hardness condition, processing method and material requirements.
Examples from our product range include:
- Mold bases and stands: 1.1730 / C45
- Plastic injection molds: 1.2311/1.2312, 1.2738 and 1.2083
- Large plastic molds: 1.2738 and 1.2738HH
- Corrosion-resistant plastic molds: 1.2083 and 1.2083 ESR
- Die-casting molds: 1.2343, 1.2343 ESR, 1.2344 and 1.2344 ESR
- Cold-work tooling: D2, SKD11, DC53 and M2
Our sales team can provide the applicable grade information based on your application, steel grade, dimensions, quantity, material condition and processing requirements.
Request a Mold Steel Quotation
Looking for 1.1730 / C45 mold base steel, P20 / 1.2311 /1.2312 plastic mold steel, 1.2738 / 1.2738HH tool steel, 1.2343 ESR / 1.2344 ESR /1.2083 ESR steel or die steel for your next tooling project?
Please send us:
- Steel grade or equivalent standard
- Required dimensions
- Quantity
- Required hardness or material condition
- Application
- Cutting or milling requirements
We can then check the applicable material and processing options for your project.
Contact us for a mold steel quotation and product specification.
Email: sales@shxsteels.com

