Cr12(1.2080)
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With the core advantages of "ultra-high wear resistance + micro-deformation", Cr12 is a classic material for precision cold-working dies, but carbide segregation needs to be strictly controlled.
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Product Information
Model:Cr12
Germany 1.2080,
British BD3,
France Z200Cr12,
Italy X250Cr12
Product parameter
Steel grade(GB) | Comparison of Steel Grades by Country | Technical Conditions | Chemical Constituents | ||||||||||||||
Cr12
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Germany(1.2080) British (BD3) France(z200Cr12) Italy(x250Cr12)
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GB/T 1299-2014
| C | Cr | Mo | V | S | P | Si | Mn | Ni | W | Al | Cu | Nb | Co | B |
2.00 ¦ 2.30 | 11.50 ¦ 13.00 |
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| ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.025 |
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With the core advantages of "ultra-high wear resistance + micro-deformation", Cr12 is a classic material for precision cold-working dies, but carbide segregation needs to be strictly controlled. The upgrading direction is: ESR purification + multi-directional forging (forging ratio ≥ 20) + cryogenic treatment → life can exceed 200,000 times; Alternative materials: Cr8Mo2VSi (30% higher toughness) or PM HSS is recommended for high impact scenarios.
Smelting method
Mainstream process:
Traditional process: electric furnace return oxygen blowing method (small tonnage electric furnace, tapping quantity ≤ 20 tons), but the composition fluctuates greatly and the cost is high; Modern process: EBT electric furnace + LF refining + VD vacuum treatment: deep desulphurization (S ≤ 0.030%), dephosphorization (P ≤ 0.030%), gas content O ≤ 20 ppm, the cost per ton of steel is reduced by 787 yuan; Continuous casting and rolling process (innovation): high temperature homogenization treatment (1460 ~ 1470 ℃ ladle temperature) to improve carbide segregation and increase yield; Upgrading process: electrostatic remelting (ESR) for further purification, inclusions A/B/C ≤ 1.0 grade (ASTM E45);
Process characteristics
Key process parameters
Process | Parameter | Function |
Forging | multi-direction upsetting and drawing (six-side upsetting and drawing method)forging ratio ≥ 15-20,he initial forging temperature is 1050-1150 deg C, the final forging temperature is more than or equal to 850 deg C | the network carbide is crushed, and the zonal segregation is eliminated;,If the tonnage is insufficient, it is easy to cause the carbide in the core not to be broken (need ≥ 700 kg empty hammer) |
Annealing | at 850 ~ 870 ℃ → isothermal at 730 ~ 750 ℃ → tapping at 500 ℃ | with hardness ≤ 255 HB to obtain spherical pear-lite + granular carbide |
Quenching | Primary hardening by oil quenching at 980 ℃ (hardness 62 ~ 65 HRC),Condary hardening: oil quenching at 1050-1100 deg C (retained austenite is more than 60%) | low-temperature quenching to retain the wear resistance of carbide;high temperature quenching to activate secondary hardening; |
Cryogenic treatment | Tempering at -198℃×24h + 400℃ | retained austenite → martensite to improve toughness/hardness (+ 1 ~ 3 HRC); |
Innovative technology
Solid solution and double refinement: high temperature solid solution (1150 ℃) + cyclic quenching → carbide rounding, grain ultra-refinement, and toughness doubling; Surface strengthening: boronizing (service life ↑ 20 times), vanadizing (hardness ≥ 2800 HV) to solve the problems of mold sticking and wear;
Purity
Impurity control:
Element | Limit | Effect on process |
S/P | ≤0.030% | LF refining deep removal |
O | ≤20 ppm | VD vacuum degassing (ESR grade ≤ 12 ppm) |
Inclusions
conventional A/B/C ≤ grade 1.5, ESR process optimized to ≤ grade 1.0 (ASTM E45);
Micro-structure
As-cast: network eutectic carbide (mainly Cr 7C3, hardness 2100 HV), accounting for ~ 20% volume fraction;
Annealed state: sorbite matrix + granular carbide (ideal hardness 207 ~ 255 HB); Quenched state: Primary hardening: martensite + undissolved carbides (retained banded segregation);
Secondary hardening: martensite + retained austenite (> 60%) + dispersed carbide; Impact work Conventional process: poor toughness (brittleness caused by banded distribution of carbide), easy to fracture;
Optimize the process: Cryogenic treatment + tempering → impact toughness increased by 30% -50%; Solid solution double refining → toughness doubled, life increased by 8 ~ 10 times.
Ultrasonic flaw detection
Standard: GB/T 6402-2008, SEP 1921, ASTM A388;
Level:
Type | Defect limit | Application scenario |
Ordinary grade | ≤Φ2 mm equivalent | General purpose cold working die |
Premium grade(ESR) | ≤Φ1 mm equivalent(full section inspection) | Aviation/medical precision parts |
Ex-Factory status
Annealed state: hardness 207 ~ 255 HB (smooth round/black fur round);
Pres-hardening state: 30 ~ 40 HRC (to be customized by protocol);
Size specification
Type | Size range | Note |
Round steel | Φ5.5~650 mm × customized length ≤18 m | Precision punch/tool blank |
Plate steel | Thickness 4~300 mm ×W 1000~2500 mm | large formwork (length ≤ 12 m) |
Forging module | ≤35t(ESRingot ≤25t) | special for heavy die |
Main features
High wear resistance: the quenching hardness is 62 ~ 65 HRC (the highest for cold work die steel), and Cr 7C3 carbide improves the wear resistance;
Micro-deformation characteristics: high-temperature quenching retained austenite counteracts phase transformation stress, and the dimensional change rate is less than 0.1%;
Excellent hardenability: hardenable by air cooling (critical diameter ≥ 200 mm);
Process limitations: low toughness due to carbide segregation (sharp drop in zonal zone impact energy); Poor thermal conductivity, easy to crack during forging (strict temperature control is required);
Product application area
Area | Typical component | Key points of process adaptation |
Precision blanking die | silicon steel sheet die,、IC blanking die | hardness 62 ~ 64 HRC + boronizing treatment (life ↑ 20 times) |
Cold work tool | wire drawing die, thread rolling plate and cold shear knife | one-time hardening method (980 ℃ quenching) |
Wear parts gauge | stamping die, metal stamping die | pr-hardened (38 ~ 42 HRC) direct processing |
Surface strengthening scene | Toothpaste tube cold extrusion die, flanging die | vanadizing/sulfurizing treatment to solve the problem of die sticking (service life ↑ 6 times) |
Packing and shipping
Generally, we will arrange the packing and shipping according to the customer's requirements, whether to pack and arrange the suitable transportation mode and vehicle, such as whether to directly load the truck for transportation, whether to bring the packing steel belt, whether to pack the spray mark and so on.



Keywords:
Cr12(1.2080)
FAQ
Q How should I choose the right die steel material for my die?
Ans: There are several key factors to consider when selecting a die steel, including: Mold use: injection molding? Die casting? Stamping? Cold work? Hot work? Processing material: plastic type (including glass fiber?) , metal type, yield requirements. Performance requirements: wear resistance, toughness, corrosion resistance, high temperature strength, polishing, dimensional stability. Budget: The price of different material grades varies greatly. Processing conditions: working temperature, stress, cooling mode. Suggestion: Provide as much detail as possible about the application of the die, or contact our technical sales team directly, and we will recommend the most suitable material grade according to your specific needs.
Q Is the die steel provided by you genuine? How to ensure the quality of materials?
Ans: Yes, the die steel we provide is produced and processed independently. We have long-term cooperation with first-line brands at national and abroad to ensure that all materials are genuine. We provide a complete original warranty (material certificate), including key data such as chemical composition and physical properties. We will also carry out strict factory re-inspection of some materials to ensure that the quality meets the standards.
Q The price of die steel fluctuates greatly. What are the main factors affecting the price?
Ans: The price of die steel is mainly affected by the following factors: Raw material cost: market price fluctuation of alloy elements (such as chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, tungsten, etc.). Production process: ESR, VD/VAR and other special processes increase the cost. Grade and brand of material: The price of material with high performance and famous brand is higher. Specifications and sizes: Premium prices may apply for special sizes, large sizes, or small quantities. Market supply and demand: changes in supply and demand in global and regional markets. Processing state: the price of pre-hard state (such as P20, 718, NAK80, etc.) Is higher than that of annealed state. We will provide a transparent and reasonable quotation according to the market situation.
Q What is time for delivery?
Ans: The delivery time depends on: Material inventory status: Common brands and specifications We usually have in stock, can achieve faster delivery (for example: 1-3 working days). Material specification and status: special size, uncommon brand or special treatment (such as pre-hardening, deep processing) may need to be ordered, the cycle is relatively long (for example: 1-6 weeks). Order size: Large orders may require coordinated production scheduling. Please tell us your specific requirements (brand, specification, status, quantity) at the time of inquiry, and we will provide the most accurate delivery information.
Q Can you provide heat treatment or processing services after the purchase of die steel?
Ans: Yes, we provide complementary professional services: Heat treatment: With professional heat treatment equipment (vacuum quenching, cryogenic treatment, tempering, etc.) And strict process control, we can provide customers with precise heat treatment services (according to material brand and hardness requirements). Finish machining: We can provide precision machining services such as milling, grinding (surface grinding, internal and external grinding), wire cutting, EDM, etc. According to customer's drawings. Please provide your specific needs (drawings, technical requirements), and we will evaluate and provide quotations and service programs.
Q The mold cracks and wears too fast during use. What are the possible reasons? Is it related to the material?
Ans: The causes of mold failure are complex and diverse, which may be related to materials, but also involve many links such as design, processing, heat treatment, service conditions, etc.: Material factors: improper selection of materials (performance does not match the working conditions), internal defects of materials (inclusions, segregation), counterfeit and shoddy materials. Heat treatment factors: Improper process leads to poor structure, uneven hardness and excessive residual stress. Design/processing factors: stress concentration, poor surface roughness, too deep tool marks. Usage factors: overload, insufficient lubrication, poor cooling, improper maintenance. Suggestion: In case of failure, please provide detailed information as much as possible (material grade, heat treatment status, photos of failure location, description of working condition). Our technical team can assist you in preliminary analysis to determine whether it is related to the material or provide suggestions for improvement.
Q Do you have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirement for your die steel products?
Ans: For the stock of conventional grades and specifications, we usually do not have strict MOQ restrictions, and can be purchased according to the actual needs of customers. For materials requiring special orders (such as unusual grades, special sizes, customized heat treatment/processing), Certain MOQ requirements may be set to ensure the economy of production, usually a minimum of 8 tons. Please consult our sales staff for specific MOQ before placing an order.
Q In addition to standard grades, can you offer special die steels with custom compositions?
Ans: We mainly deal in standard grades of die steel, which are widely proven to meet the needs of most applications. For the development of customized alloys with special performance requirements, this usually involves a large amount of R & D investment and production coordination, which is costly and takes a long time. We recommend that priority be given to the material closest to the demand from among the existing mature grades, or to meet special requirements by optimizing the heat treatment and surface treatment. If there is a need for customization, please specify the technical requirements and we will evaluate the feasibility.
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