Bohler-Uddeholm,ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod/Bar

Bohler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Bohler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Datasheet: Böhler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel** ## **Product Overview** **Böhler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13** is a **high-purity, electro-slag remelted (ESR) premium H13 hot work tool steel** specifically engineered for **demanding die casting and hot work applications requiring exceptional directional properties and microcleanliness**. Unlike conventional H13, ISOBLOC® H13 undergoes the specialized **electro-slag remelting (ESR) process**, which significantly reduces non-metallic inclusions and segregation, resulting in **superior isotropy, enhanced fatigue resistance, and excellent polishability** in all directions. This material is the preferred choice for **critical aluminum die casting dies, extrusion tools, and precision hot work components** where reliability and consistent performance are paramount. ## **Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Exceptional Microcleanliness:** ESR process drastically reduces oxide and sulfide inclusions - **Superior Isotropy:** Nearly identical mechanical properties in longitudinal and transverse directions - **Enhanced Fatigue Resistance:** Significantly improved thermal and mechanical fatigue life - **Excellent Polishability:** Capable of achieving mirror-like surface finishes - **Reduced Risk of Internal Defects:** Minimized segregation, porosity, and banding - **Good Machinability:** Better than conventional ESR steels due to optimized processing - **Excellent Toughness:** Maintains high impact resistance at elevated temperatures - **Predictable Performance:** Consistent heat treatment response and dimensional stability ## **Standard Specifications & International Designations** | **Standard** | **Designation** | **Notes** | |--------------|-----------------|-----------| | **Böhler-Uddeholm** | **ISOBLOC® H13** | Premium ESR quality grade | | **AISI/ASTM** | **H13 ESR** | Electro-slag remelted version | | **DIN/EN** | **1.2344 ESR** | Enhanced ESR quality | | **JIS** | **SKD61 ESR** | Premium ESR classification | | **ISO** | **HTF 4 ESR** | Hot work tool steel, ESR quality | | **Manufacturing Process** | **Electro-Slag Remelting (ESR)** | Key differentiator | | **Quality Classification** | **Premium ESR** | Superior to vacuum arc remelted (VAR) for many applications | ## **Chemical Composition (Typical, Weight %)** | Element | Content (%) | Primary Function | ESR Process Benefit | |---------|-------------|------------------|---------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 0.38-0.42 | Matrix strength & carbide formation | More consistent carbide distribution | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 5.00-5.50 | Heat resistance & hardenability | Improved oxidation resistance uniformity | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 1.30-1.50 | Hot strength & secondary hardening | Enhanced high-temperature stability | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.90-1.10 | Carbide formation & grain refinement | Finer, more uniform carbide structure | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.90-1.10 | Deoxidizer & temper resistance | More effective deoxidation | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.30-0.50 | Hardenability | More consistent hardening response | | **Sulfur (S)** | **≤0.002** | **Ultra-low controlled level** | **Dramatically improved ductility & polishability** | | **Phosphorus (P)** | **≤0.012** | **Ultra-low controlled level** | **Significantly enhanced toughness** | | **Iron (Fe)** | **Balance** | Matrix | **Highly refined, homogeneous structure** | ***ESR Process Significance:** The Electro-Slag Remelting process involves remelting a consumable electrode through a molten slag layer. This refining action:* 1. *Dramatically reduces non-metallic inclusions (oxides, sulfides)* 2. *Improves chemical homogeneity and reduces segregation* 3. *Results in a denser, more uniform microstructure* 4. *Enhances directional properties (isotropy)* ## **Microstructural Characteristics** | Feature | Specification | Benefit of ESR Process | |---------|---------------|------------------------| | **Inclusion Content** | **ASTM E45 ≤ 0.5** | **Exceptional cleanliness** | | **Inclusion Types** | **Fine, globular (Type I)** | Reduced stress concentrators | | **Carbide Distribution** | **Highly uniform, no banding** | Consistent properties in all directions | | **Segregation** | **Minimal to none** | Improved isotropy | | **Grain Structure** | **Uniform, equiaxed** | Better mechanical properties | | **Porosity** | **Virtually eliminated** | Enhanced fatigue resistance | ## **ESR Process Advantages** 1. **Sequential Solidification:** Controlled solidification from bottom to top 2. **Slag Refining:** Molten slag absorbs impurities and inclusions 3. **Improved Density:** Reduced microporosity and shrinkage 4. **Enhanced Homogeneity:** More uniform chemical composition 5. **Superior Surface Quality:** Better ingot surface condition ## **Typical Heat Treatment** ### **1. Annealing** - **Temperature:** **850-880°C (1562-1616°F)** - **Cooling:** Controlled slow cool (20-25°C/hour) to 600°C, then air cool - **Annealed Hardness:** **185-210 HB** - **ESR Advantage:** More consistent annealing response throughout cross-section ### **2. Stress Relieving** - **Temperature:** **600-650°C (1112-1202°F)** - **Duration:** 2 hours per 25 mm thickness - **Application:** After rough machining, before final hardening ### **3. Hardening** 1. **Preheating:** **650°C (1202°F)** and **850°C (1562°F)** 2. **Austenitizing:** **1000-1030°C (1832-1886°F)** - **Standard:** **1020-1030°C (1868-1886°F)** - **High Toughness:** **1000-1010°C (1832-1850°F)** - **Maximum Hot Strength:** **1025-1030°C (1877-1886°F)** 3. **Soaking Time:** 20-40 minutes (depending on section size) 4. **Quenching:** **Air** or **high-pressure gas** (oil for complex shapes) - **ESR Advantage:** More uniform response to quenching ### **4. Tempering** - **Immediate Requirement:** Temper immediately after cooling to 50-70°C - **Minimum Cycles:** **Double tempering** recommended - **Temperature Range:** **540-650°C (1004-1202°F)** - **Hardness Profile:** - 540°C (1004°F): 50-52 HRC - 560°C (1040°F): 48-50 HRC - 580°C (1076°F): 46-48 HRC - 600°C (1112°F): 44-46 HRC - 620°C (1148°F): 40-42 HRC ### **5. Nitriding (Optional but Recommended)** - **Process:** Gas or plasma nitriding - **Temperature:** 480-530°C (896-986°F) - **Case Depth:** 0.1-0.3 mm typical - **Surface Hardness:** 1000-1200 HV - **ESR Advantage:** More consistent nitride layer formation ## **Physical Properties** | Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | ESR Advantage | |----------|-------|------|------------|---------------| | **Density** | 7.80 | g/cm³ | At 20°C | More consistent | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 210 | GPa | At 20°C | More isotropic | | **Thermal Expansion Coefficient** | 11.5 | ×10⁻⁶/K | 20-100°C | More predictable | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 25.0 | W/(m·K) | At 20°C | More uniform | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 460 | J/(kg·K) | At 20°C | Consistent | ## **Mechanical Properties** ### **Standard Condition (1025°C Austenitize / 580°C×2 Temper)** | Property | Value Range | Unit | Test Direction | ESR Advantage | |----------|-------------|------|---------------|---------------| | **Hardness** | 46-48 | HRC | All directions | **More uniform** | | **Tensile Strength** | 1500-1600 | MPa | Longitudinal | 5-10% improvement | | **Yield Strength (0.2%)** | 1350-1450 | MPa | Longitudinal | More consistent | | **Elongation** | 12-14 | % | Longitudinal | **Improved** | | **Impact Toughness (Charpy V)** | 45-55 | J | Transverse | **Significantly better** | | **Fatigue Strength** | 650-750 | MPa | All directions | **20-30% improvement** | ### **Directional Property Comparison (ESR vs Conventional)** | Property | Longitudinal (L) | Transverse (T) | L/T Ratio | Conventional L/T Ratio | |----------|-----------------|----------------|-----------|------------------------| | **Tensile Strength** | 100% | 98-99% | ~1.01 | ~1.05-1.10 | | **Yield Strength** | 100% | 97-99% | ~1.02 | ~1.08-1.15 | | **Impact Toughness** | 100% | 90-95% | ~1.05 | ~1.20-1.40 | | **Fatigue Limit** | 100% | 95-98% | ~1.02 | ~1.10-1.25 | ## **Primary Applications** ### **A. Critical Die Casting Applications** - **Large Die Casting Dies:** Where directional properties are critical - **Thin-Wall Casting Dies:** Requiring high polish and fatigue resistance - **Structural Components:** Engine blocks, transmission cases - **Safety-Critical Parts:** Automotive steering, braking components - **High-Pressure Die Casting:** Where reliability is paramount ### **B. Precision Plastic Molding** - **Optical Lenses:** Requiring exceptional surface finishes - **Medical Device Molds:** Where cleanliness and reliability are critical - **High-Gloss Surface Molds:** Automotive interiors, consumer electronics - **Hot Runner Systems:** Manifolds and nozzles ### **C. High-Performance Forging** - **Precision Forging Dies:** For aerospace components - **Die Inserts:** For critical forging applications - **Punches and Mandrels:** Where fatigue resistance is crucial ### **D. Special Applications Requiring Isotropy** - **Thread Rolling Dies** - **Extrusion Dies** for critical profiles - **Tools for Isothermal Forging** - **Glass Molding Tools** ## **Processing Guidelines** ### **1. Machining** - **Annealed Condition:** 190-210 HB (optimal for machining) - **Machinability:** **Very good** (75-85% relative to 1% C-steel) - **ESR Advantage:** More consistent cutting forces, better surface finish - **Tool Materials:** HSS or carbide recommended - **Cutting Parameters:** Similar to standard H13 but with improved consistency ### **2. Grinding and Polishing** - **Grindability:** **Excellent** - responds well to grinding - **Polishing:** **Superior to conventional H13** - Can achieve **Ra < 0.05 μm** with proper technique - More consistent results across large surfaces - Reduced risk of "orange peel" or other surface defects - **Wheel Selection:** Standard aluminum oxide or silicon carbide wheels - **ESR Advantage:** Reduced risk of pulling out inclusions during polishing ### **3. Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)** - **Suitability:** **Excellent** - **Surface Finish:** Better as-edited surface compared to conventional grades - **White Layer:** Typically thinner and more consistent - **Post-EDM Treatment:** Standard stress relieving recommended ### **4. Welding** - **Weldability:** **Good** - similar to standard H13 - **ESR Advantage:** Reduced risk of weld defects due to cleaner base material - **Preheating:** 300-400°C (572-752°F) recommended - **Post-Weld:** Slow cool and re-temper ### **5. Surface Treatments** - **Nitriding:** **Excellent response** - more consistent case depth - **PVD Coatings:** Superior adhesion due to cleaner surface - **Texturing:** More consistent results across large areas ## **Quality Assurance** ### **ESR Process Advantages** 1. **Improved Cleanliness:** Significantly reduced oxide and sulfide inclusions 2. **Reduced Segregation:** More uniform chemical composition 3. **Better Density:** Reduced microporosity 4. **Enhanced Homogeneity:** More consistent properties throughout ### **Material Certification** - **Full Chemical Analysis:** Including trace elements - **Microcleanliness Report:** Per ASTM E45 with digital image analysis - **Ultrasonic Testing:** 100% inspection standard - **Directional Property Data:** Available upon request - **ESR Process Certification:** Documentation of remelting parameters ### **Available Forms** | Form | Typical Sizes | ESR-Specific Advantages | |------|---------------|-------------------------| | **Large Blocks** | Up to 1000×1000×500 mm | Consistent properties throughout | | **Round Bars** | Ø100-500 mm | Excellent transverse properties | | **Forged Shapes** | Custom configurations | Uniform properties in complex shapes | | **Pre-machined Blanks** | Customer specifications | Reduced risk of internal defects | ## **Comparative Performance** ### **vs. Conventional H13** | Property | ISOBLOC® H13 (ESR) | Conventional H13 | Improvement | |----------|-------------------|------------------|-------------| | **Transverse Toughness** | 100% | 70-80% | **25-40% better** | | **Fatigue Life** | 100% | 70-80% | **25-40% better** | | **Polishability** | Excellent | Good-Very Good | **Significantly better** | | **Surface Finish** | Superior | Good | **Much better** | | **Internal Soundness** | Excellent | Good | **Substantially better** | | **Cost** | 120-150% | 100% | Premium | ### **vs. Other ESR Hot Work Steels** | Grade | Best For | Relative Cost | Key Distinction | |-------|----------|---------------|-----------------| | **ISOBLOC® H13** | General premium applications | 100% | Balanced properties | | **Special ESR Grades** | Specific applications | 120-200% | Custom optimized | | **VAR H13** | Ultra-high vacuum applications | 110-130% | Different refining process | ## **Application Guidelines** ### **When to Select ISOBLOC® H13:** 1. **Critical die casting applications** requiring maximum reliability 2. **Large dies** where directional properties are important 3. **Applications requiring exceptional surface finish** 4. **Components subject to high cyclic loading** 5. **Safety-critical applications** where failure is not an option 6. **When extended tool life** justifies premium material cost ### **Economic Justification:** - **Material Cost:** 20-50% premium over conventional H13 - **Tool Life:** 30-100% improvement in demanding applications - **Reduced Scrap:** Better consistency reduces part rejection - **Maintenance Costs:** Less frequent polishing and repair - **Total Cost of Ownership:** Often favorable despite higher initial cost ### **Design Considerations:** 1. **Utilize isotropic properties** in design 2. **Can design more aggressive cooling channels** with reduced risk 3. **Thinner sections possible** due to better properties 4. **Reduced need for safety factors** in critical areas ## **Technical Support** ### **Available Services:** - **Material Selection Guidance:** When ESR is justified - **Heat Treatment Optimization:** For ESR-specific characteristics - **Application Engineering:** Design for isotropic properties - **Failure Analysis:** Specialized for ESR materials ### **Documentation:** - **ESR Process Certification** - **Directional Property Data** - **Application Case Studies** - **Processing Guidelines** specific to ESR material --- ## **Special Notes on ESR Process** ### **The ESR Advantage:** 1. **Process:** Electrode melted under protective slag layer 2. **Result:** Sequential solidification with refining action 3. **Benefits:** - Extremely low inclusion content - Excellent chemical homogeneity - Superior solidification structure - Reduced segregation ### **Limitations:** 1. **Cost:** Significant premium over conventional melting 2. **Availability:** Longer lead times possible 3. **Size Limitations:** Maximum dimensions constrained by ESR furnace size 4. **Application Specific:** Not justified for all applications ### **Industry Acceptance:** - **Widely accepted** for critical die casting applications - **Common in automotive** for safety-critical components - **Used in aerospace** for high-reliability tooling - **Growing adoption** in precision plastic molding --- **Disclaimer:** ISOBLOC® H13 is a premium ESR material that requires proper application evaluation to justify its cost premium. Consult with Böhler-Uddeholm technical specialists to determine if the ESR advantages are justified for your specific application. Performance data based on typical ESR processing; actual results may vary. Always follow current technical documentation and safety guidelines. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6869 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Bohler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Bohler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Bohler-Uddeholm ISOBLOC® H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Rod drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 3340 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition