Latrobe,LSS™ H13 PQ Hot Work Tool Steel Rod/Bar

Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Hot Work Tool Steel Rod Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Hot Work Tool Steel Rod Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Hot Work Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Premium Quality Hot Work Tool Steel** ## **Enhanced Microstructure and Consistency for Critical Applications** Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ represents a premium quality variant of the industry-standard H13 hot work tool steel, engineered for applications demanding superior microstructural uniformity, enhanced mechanical properties, and exceptional consistency. Through advanced melting practices, precise composition control, and specialized processing techniques, this grade delivers improved performance characteristics while maintaining the fundamental advantages of standard H13 chemistry. The "PQ" designation signifies Premium Quality with enhanced reliability for critical tooling applications. --- ### **Key Features & Benefits** - **Enhanced Microstructural Uniformity**: Superior carbide distribution and finer grain structure through controlled processing - **Improved Mechanical Properties**: Enhanced toughness and thermal fatigue resistance compared to standard H13 - **Exceptional Consistency**: Batch-to-battle uniformity in both composition and microstructure - **Superior Surface Quality**: Enhanced surface conditions with minimal defects and improved decarburization control - **Extended Service Life**: Longer tool life in demanding applications due to improved material properties - **Predictable Performance**: Reduced variability in heat treatment response and in-service behavior --- ### **Chemical Composition (Typical %, ASTM A681 H13 with Enhanced Controls)** | Element | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Special Controls | |---------|------------|---------------|-----------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------| | **Content** | 0.37 - 0.42 | 5.00 - 5.30 | 1.30 - 1.50 | 0.90 - 1.05 | 0.90 - 1.10 | 0.30 - 0.50 | Low S, P
Micro-alloy optimization | *Note: LSS™ H13 PQ maintains the standard H13 composition within tighter tolerances with enhanced control of tramp elements. Sulfur and phosphorus are typically maintained below 0.005% each, and trace elements are carefully managed to optimize microstructural development.* --- ### **Physical & Mechanical Properties** | Property | Value / Description | |----------|---------------------| | **Density** | 7.80 g/cm³ | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 25-29 W/m·K at 20°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 0.46 kJ/kg·K at 20°C | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 10.9 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-400°C) | | **Hardness (Annealed)** | 192-221 HB (tighter range than standard H13) | | **Hardness (Heat Treated)** | **45-52 HRC** (with improved consistency) | | **High-Temperature Yield Strength** | ≥ 1050 MPa at 540°C (1000°F) – approximately 5-10% improvement | | **Tensile Strength** | 1,700-2,100 MPa (at 48 HRC) | | **Yield Strength** | 1,500-1,900 MPa (at 48 HRC) | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 205-215 GPa | | **Impact Toughness** | 15-20% improvement over standard H13 at equivalent hardness | | **Thermal Fatigue Resistance** | Enhanced through refined microstructure | --- ### **Heat Treatment Guidelines** #### **Annealing** - **Temperature**: 845-900°C (1555-1650°F) - **Method**: Controlled slow furnace cool with optimized cooling rates - **Resultant Hardness**: 192-221 HB (tighter control) - **Special Feature**: More predictable response due to uniform microstructure #### **Stress Relieving** - **Temperature**: 650-675°C (1200-1245°F) - **Hold Time**: 1-2 hours per inch of thickness - **Cooling**: Controlled cooling to minimize residual stresses #### **Hardening (Enhanced Characteristics)** 1. **Preheating**: 650-750°C (1200-1380°F) – thorough and uniform equalization 2. **Austenitizing**: **1000-1030°C (1830-1885°F)** – consistent response across cross-sections 3. **Soak Time**: 20-40 minutes per inch – may be slightly reduced due to finer structure 4. **Quenching**: Air cooling with excellent dimensional stability 5. **Immediate Handling**: Cool to below 65°C (150°F) with controlled procedures #### **Tempering** - **Temperature Range**: 540-650°C (1005-1200°F) - **Cycles**: Double tempering standard; triple recommended for maximum performance - **Duration**: 2 hours per cycle minimum - **Target Hardness**: 45-52 HRC with exceptional consistency - **Special Note**: More uniform hardness distribution throughout cross-sections --- ### **International Standards & Enhanced Specifications** | Standard | Grade Designation | Notes | |----------|-------------------|-------| | **ASTM** | A681 H13 (Premium Quality) | Enhanced version of standard specification | | **Customer Specifications** | Various OEM PQ Standards | Meets premium requirements of major manufacturers | | **ISO** | 40CrMoV5-1 (Enhanced) | With additional quality requirements | | **DIN** | 1.2344 ESQ | Extra Special Quality designation | | **Proprietary** | LSS™ H13 PQ | Latrobe Special Steel premium designation | | **NADCA** | #207-2003 (Premium) | Premium grade per North American Die Casting Association | --- ### **Typical Applications** #### **Critical Die Casting Components** - **High-Pressure Die Casting Dies**: For automotive structural components - **Thin-Wall Die Casting**: Applications requiring maximum thermal fatigue resistance - **Large Die Casting Dies**: Where consistency across large cross-sections is critical - **Precision Core Pins and Inserts**: For tight-tolerance applications #### **Demanding Extrusion Applications** - **Complex Profile Extrusion Dies**: With intricate details and thin sections - **High-Stress Extrusion Components**: Mandrels and backers for demanding conditions - **Precision Extrusion Tooling**: Where dimensional stability is paramount #### **Premium Forging Applications** - **Precision Forging Dies**: For aerospace and automotive critical components - **High-Volume Forging Tooling**: Requiring extended service life - **Forging Die Inserts**: Subject to severe thermal and mechanical stresses #### **High-Performance Plastic Molding** - **Engineering Plastic Molds**: For materials like PEEK, PPS, PEI - **Optical Lens Molds**: Requiring superior surface quality - **Medical Device Molds**: Where reliability and consistency are critical #### **Specialized Applications** - **Glass Molding Tools**: For precision optical components - **Powder Metal Compaction Tools**: For advanced materials - **Semiconductor Processing Tools**: Requiring exceptional consistency --- ### **Machining & Fabrication Notes** #### **Machinability (Annealed Condition)** - **Rating**: 65-75% of B1112 free-machining steel - **Special Advantage**: More consistent machining characteristics due to uniform structure - **Recommended Tools**: HSS or carbide tools with predictable performance - **Cutting Speeds**: 25-35 m/min (80-115 SFM) for turning operations - **Surface Finish**: Improved surface quality achievable #### **Grindability** - **Relative Rating**: 75-85 (vs. 100 for annealed O1 tool steel) - **Special Feature**: More consistent grinding response with reduced wheel loading - **Surface Integrity**: Superior ground surface quality with reduced risk of thermal damage #### **EDM Machining** - Excellent EDM characteristics with consistent removal rates - Superior surface finish with optimized parameters - Reduced white layer thickness compared to standard grades - Enhanced dimensional control #### **Polishing and Texturing** - Superior polishability achieving finer surface finishes (Ra < 0.05 μm achievable) - Excellent for optical and mirror finishes - Consistent response to texturing processes - Reduced polishing time due to uniform microstructure --- ### **Quality Assurance & Enhanced Metallurgical Standards** #### **Microstructural Requirements (Enhanced)** - **Carbide Distribution**: Extremely uniform with fine, evenly dispersed carbides - **Carbide Size**: Maximum carbide size controlled to finer limits - **Grain Size**: ASTM 7 or finer (typically ASTM 8-9) - **Decarburization**: ≤0.15 mm per side on finished products (enhanced control) - **Non-Metallic Inclusions**: ASTM E45 Method D, ≤1.0 total rating (premium standard) - **Microcleanliness**: Enhanced standards with controlled oxide and sulfide inclusions #### **Testing & Certification (Comprehensive)** - Complete chemical analysis with tighter tolerance verification - Enhanced hardness testing with multiple point verification - Comprehensive microstructural evaluation including carbide analysis - Ultrasonic testing standard for detection of internal discontinuities - Magnetic particle inspection for surface quality - Full traceability with enhanced documentation - Statistical process control data available --- ### **Available Product Forms** | Form | Standard Sizes | Condition | Surface Finish | Special Features | |------|---------------|-----------|----------------|------------------| | **Round Bars** | 15mm - 500mm diameter | Annealed | Precision Ground | UT tested, certified | | **Flat Bars and Plate** | 10-300mm thickness | Annealed | Ground & Machined | Enhanced flatness | | **Blocks** | Custom dimensions | Annealed | Precision Machined | Stress relieved | | **Forged Blanks** | Customer specifications | Annealed | As-forged, Machined | Optimized grain flow | | **Pre-Machined Components** | To print specifications | Annealed | Finished surfaces | Ready for heat treatment | --- ### **Technical Comparison: PQ vs. Standard H13** | Property | LSS™ H13 PQ | Standard H13 | Improvement | |----------|--------------|--------------|-------------| | **Microstructural Uniformity** | **Excellent** | Good | Significant | | **Impact Toughness** | 15-20% higher | Baseline | 15-20% | - **Thermal Fatigue Life** | 10-15% longer | Baseline | 10-15% | - **Hardness Consistency** | ±1 HRC typical | ±2-3 HRC | Improved consistency | - **Machining Predictability** | **Excellent** | Good | Enhanced | - **Surface Quality** | Superior | Good | Noticeable improvement | - **Cost Premium** | 15-25% higher | Baseline | - | --- ### **Surface Treatment Compatibility** LSS™ H13 PQ provides enhanced performance with surface treatments: - **Nitriding**: Superior nitride layer uniformity and adhesion - **PVD Coatings**: Enhanced coating adhesion and performance - **CVD Coatings**: Excellent results with proper pretreatment - **Surface Engineering**: Predictable response to various treatments --- ### **Economic Considerations** 1. **Material Cost**: 15-25% premium over standard H13 2. **Tool Life**: Typically 10-20% improvement in demanding applications 3. **Reduced Scrap**: Improved consistency reduces manufacturing losses 4. **Extended Maintenance Intervals**: Longer time between repairs 5. **Total Cost of Ownership**: Often lower despite higher initial cost --- ### **Technical Support & Value-Added Services** Latrobe provides premium technical support for LSS™ H13 PQ: - **Application Engineering**: Specialized support for critical applications - **Heat Treatment Optimization**: Custom protocols for PQ material - **Performance Validation**: Testing and analysis services - **Failure Analysis**: Enhanced investigation capabilities - **Training Programs**: Specialized training for premium material applications --- **Select Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Premium Quality Hot Work Tool Steel** when standard H13 cannot meet the stringent requirements of your critical applications. This enhanced grade delivers superior microstructural uniformity, improved mechanical properties, and exceptional consistency that translates to longer tool life, reduced variability, and enhanced performance in demanding applications. Whether for high-pressure die casting of automotive structural components, precision extrusion of complex profiles, or critical forging applications, LSS™ H13 PQ provides the reliability and performance assurance that premium applications demand. When failure is not an option and consistency is critical, LSS™ H13 PQ represents the intelligent choice for discerning tooling professionals. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Hot Work Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7169 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. -: Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Hot Work Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Hot Work Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ Hot Work Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe LSS™ H13 PQ 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 3640 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