Schmolz + Bickenbach,Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Tube,Pipe

Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Tube Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Tube Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Thermodur® 2343 EFS (Extra Fine Structure) | Premium Hot Work Die Steel (H-11 Type)** ## **Overview** SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH **Thermodur® 2343 EFS (Extra Fine Structure)** is a premium-grade, chromium-based hot work die steel representing the pinnacle of metallurgical refinement for the AISI H11 (DIN 1.2343) alloy class. The **"EFS"** designation signifies production via advanced secondary refining processes—most notably **Electroslag Remelting (ESR)**—resulting in an exceptionally homogeneous, isotropic microstructure with ultra-fine grain size and minimal non-metallic inclusions. This material is engineered for the most demanding hot work applications where **superior thermal fatigue resistance, high-temperature toughness, and consistent performance** are critical to die life and process reliability. ## **Key Features:** * **Extra Fine Structure (EFS):** Achieved through ESR refining, delivering unmatched microstructural homogeneity, isotropy, and cleanliness, directly translating to improved mechanical properties and die life. * **Exceptional Thermal Fatigue Resistance (Heat Checking):** The optimized 5% Cr-Mo-V chemistry combined with the fine structure provides outstanding resistance to the initiation and propagation of thermal cracks under cyclic heating/cooling. * **High Toughness at Elevated Temperatures:** Maintains excellent impact strength and fracture toughness even at operating temperatures up to 600°C (1112°F), crucial for withstanding mechanical and thermal shocks. * **Good Wear Resistance & Hot Hardness:** Retains sufficient hardness at high temperatures to resist erosion, soldering, and deformation. * **High Thermal Conductivity:** Facilitates efficient heat extraction from the die surface, reducing thermal gradients and associated stresses. * **Excellent Polishability & Machinability:** The clean, fine structure allows for superior surface finishes and more predictable machining behavior compared to conventionally produced H11. * **Minimal Distortion:** Predictable and uniform response during heat treatment due to the isotropic nature of the ESR material. --- ## **Material Specifications: Thermodur® 2343 EFS** ### **1. Chemical Composition (wt%)** | Element | Content Range (wt%) | Function & Benefit in Hot Work | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.37 - 0.42 | Provides base hardness and strength. Balanced for optimal toughness. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.90 - 1.20 | Increases tempering resistance and high-temperature strength. Enhances oxidation resistance. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.30 - 0.50 | Supports hardenability and strength. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 4.80 - 5.50 | **Primary alloying element.** Provides hardenability, high-temperature strength, and resistance to oxidation & softening. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 1.20 - 1.50 | Enhances hardenability, hot strength, and resistance to tempering. Mitigates temper embrittlement. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.30 - 0.50 | Forms fine, stable carbides that increase wear resistance, hot hardness, and grain refinement. | | **Sulfur (S)** | **≤ 0.005** (EFS) | **Extremely Low.** Essential for maximizing transverse toughness and polishability. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | **≤ 0.015** (EFS) | **Very Low.** Minimized to prevent embrittlement. | **The "EFS" Metallurgical Advantage (ESR Process):** * **Dramatic Inclusion Reduction:** Sulfides and oxides are reduced to minimal levels, eliminating potential initiation sites for fatigue cracks. * **Extreme Chemical Homogeneity:** Eliminates micro-segregation (dendritic structure), ensuring uniform properties throughout the die block. * **Fine, Equiaxed Grain Structure:** Results in superior toughness and ductility in all directions (isotropy). * **Improved Density:** Reduces micro-porosity, enhancing thermal fatigue life and polishability. ### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** #### **Properties in Annealed Condition:** * **Hardness:** ~210 HB (max) * **Microstructure:** Spheroidized carbides in ferritic matrix. * **Machinability:** Good (for its alloy class). #### **Properties in Hardened & Tempered Condition (Typical for Hot Work):** | Tempering Temperature | Hardness (HRC) | 0.2% Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Impact Toughness (KV, J) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **540-560°C** | 48 - 50 | ~1450 - 1600 | ~1650 - 1800 | 35 - 45 | | **580-600°C** | 44 - 46 | ~1250 - 1400 | ~1450 - 1600 | 40 - 55 | | **620-640°C** | 40 - 42 | ~1100 - 1250 | ~1300 - 1450 | 50 - 65 | #### **High-Temperature Properties (Key Performance Data):** | Temperature | Hot Hardness (HV) | 0.2% Yield Strength (MPa) | Retained Room-Temp Hardness | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **400°C** | ~450 - 480 | ~1000 - 1150 | ~85% | | **500°C** | ~380 - 420 | ~700 - 850 | ~70% | | **600°C** | ~300 - 340 | ~450 - 550 | ~55% | #### **Thermal & Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 7.80 g/cm³ * **Thermal Conductivity:** **~28 W/m·K** (at 20°C) – Higher than many hot work steels, aiding heat transfer. * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 11.5 x 10⁻⁶ /K (20-400°C) * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 210 GPa * **Specific Heat Capacity:** 460 J/kg·K ### **3. Special Performance Characteristics** * **Thermal Fatigue Resistance:** The **EFS structure is the defining advantage**. The fine, clean microstructure dramatically increases the number of cycles before heat checking initiates, often providing **20-40% longer life** than conventional H11 in cyclic thermal applications. * **Isotropic Toughness:** Transverse impact values are nearly identical to longitudinal values, a critical feature for dies loaded in multiple directions. * **Polishability:** Capable of achieving very fine surface finishes, reducing sticking and improving part release. ### **4. Machining & Finishing** * **Machining (Annealed):** Good. Use positive geometry carbide tools. * **EDM:** Excellent performance. The clean structure allows for stable machining and good surface integrity. * **Grinding:** Very good. Use appropriate wheels and avoid excessive heat input. * **Polishing:** Excellent for a hot work steel. Can achieve fine finishes to reduce soldering and sticking. --- ## **International Standards & Cross-References** | Standard | Designation | Note | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH** | **Thermodur® 2343 EFS** | Proprietary premium grade. | | **DIN / EN / W-Nr.** | **1.2343** (ESR Quality) | Base standard. "EFS" denotes the highest quality tier. | | **AISI / ASTM** | **H11** | Standard equivalent. | | **ISO 4957** | **X37CrMoV5-1** | | | **Uddeholm** | **ORVAR® 2M** (ESR Microdized) | Direct competitor, similar ESR-refined H11. | | **Böhler / voestalpine** | **W302** (ESR) | | | **Japanese (JIS)** | **SKD6** | | | **Chinese (GB)** | **4Cr5MoSiV1** | | --- ## **Heat Treatment Guidelines** 1. **Soft Annealing:** 840-860°C, slow cool in furnace. Hardness ≤ 210 HB. 2. **Stress Relieving (after rough machining):** 650-700°C. 3. **Preheating:** Essential. Stage at 500°C and 850°C. 4. **Austenitizing (Hardening):** * **Temperature:** **1000-1030°C.** Use vacuum or controlled atmosphere. * **Soak Time:** 20-30 min per 25mm thickness. 5. **Quenching:** In **air** (for simple shapes) or **high-pressure gas** (vacuum furnace, preferred for complex shapes and minimal distortion). 6. **Tempering:** * **Must be performed immediately** after quenching. * **Temperature:** Typically **540-640°C** (depending on required hardness/toughness balance). * **Double or Triple Tempering is mandatory.** Hold for at least 2 hours per temper, air cooling between tempers. * **Note:** A slight secondary hardness peak occurs around 500-550°C. --- ## **Product Applications** Thermodur® 2343 EFS is designed for **high-stress, high-temperature tooling** where thermal fatigue is the primary failure mode. **Primary Application Areas:** * **Aluminum Die Casting:** Core pins, ejector pins, shot sleeves, gooseneck nozzles, inserts for high-stress areas. Especially suited for thin-wall casting with high cycle rates. * **Hot Forging Dies:** Inserts for hammer and press forging of steels and non-ferrous alloys. Punches, dies, and wear rings. * **Hot Extrusion Tools:** Dies and mandrels for aluminum and copper alloys. * **Hot Stamping (Press Hardening) Dies:** Tools for forming ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) components. * **Plastic Molds for High-Temperature Engineering Plastics:** E.g., PEEK, PEI. Runner systems and hot manifold plates. * **Glass Molding Tools.** **Ideal for Dies Experiencing:** * Severe thermal cycling (rapid heating/cooling). * High mechanical/thermal shock. * Where die failure is due to heat checking (crazing) rather than gross wear or plastic deformation. **Less Suitable for:** Applications requiring extreme wear resistance or operating continuously above 650°C, where higher-alloyed steels like H13 (1.2344) or nickel-based alloys might be better. --- ## **Why Choose 2343 EFS over Standard H11/H13?** * **vs. Standard H11:** The **EFS** refinement provides significantly better thermal fatigue life, toughness, and consistency. It is a direct, superior upgrade. * **vs. H13 (1.2344):** H13 has higher V content for more wear resistance but slightly lower toughness and thermal conductivity. **2343 EFS is often preferred where thermal fatigue and toughness are more critical than pure abrasion resistance.** Its higher thermal conductivity is also beneficial for heat extraction. **Selection Rule of Thumb:** For dies failing primarily from **heat checking**, choose **2343 EFS**. For dies failing from **abrasion or gross softening**, a higher vanadium grade like H13 may be considered. --- **Disclaimer:** The information provided is based on typical data for SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Thermodur® 2343 EFS. Properties can vary within specification ranges and are highly dependent on precise heat treatment. This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee. For critical applications, always consult the official manufacturer's documentation. The "EFS" quality is essential for achieving the stated performance advantages, particularly in thermal fatigue resistance. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7129 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. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Tube -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Tube -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2343 EFS Extra Fine Structure (H-11)- Hot Work Die Steel Tube -:- 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 Tube 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 3600 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