Carpenter,No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel Wire (Red-Tough) (AISI H13)

Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel Wire (Red-Tough) (AISI H13) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel Wire (Red-Tough) (AISI H13) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel (Red-Tough) (AISI H13) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel (Red-Tough) (AISI H13)** ## **Premium Chromium-Molybdenum-Vanadium Hot Work Steel for High Temperature Toughness and Thermal Fatigue Resistance** --- ### **Product Overview** Carpenter No. 883® (commonly marketed as "Red-Tough") is a premium hot work die steel corresponding to the AISI H13 classification, renowned for its **exceptional combination of high temperature toughness, thermal fatigue resistance, and hot hardness**. This chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy represents the industry standard for aluminum die casting, hot forging, and extrusion tooling applications operating in the 540-650°C (1000-1200°F) temperature range. Characterized by excellent resistance to heat checking, thermal shock, and hot wear, No. 883 is engineered to withstand the severe thermal cycling and mechanical stresses encountered in modern hot work processes while maintaining dimensional stability and prolonged service life. --- ### **Key Advantages** - **Superior Thermal Fatigue Resistance**: Excellent resistance to heat checking and thermal cracking - **High Temperature Toughness**: Maintains impact strength and fracture toughness at elevated temperatures - **Good Thermal Conductivity**: Efficient heat dissipation reduces thermal gradients and stress - **Excellent Dimensional Stability**: Minimal distortion during heat treatment and in service - **Good Hardenability**: Through-hardening capability for large cross-sections - **Resistance to Softening**: Maintains hardness at elevated operating temperatures - **Good Machinability**: Better than many hot work steels in the annealed condition - **Versatile Performance**: Suitable for a wide range of hot work applications --- ### **Chemical Composition (%)** | Element | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | |---------|------------|---------------|-----------------|--------------|--------------|----------------| | **Content** | 0.32-0.42 | 4.75-5.50 | 1.10-1.75 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.20-0.50 | *Additional Elements:* - Nickel (Ni): ≤0.25% - Copper (Cu): ≤0.25% - Phosphorus (P): ≤0.030% - Sulfur (S): ≤0.030% - Tungsten (W): ≤0.50% *Note: The balanced chemistry provides optimal carbide formation for thermal fatigue resistance while maintaining toughness through moderate carbon content and alloy distribution.* --- ### **Physical & Mechanical Properties** #### **Physical Properties** - **Density**: 7.80 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³) - **Melting Point**: 1427°C (2600°F) - **Thermal Conductivity**: 28.0 W/m·K at 20°C - **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion**: 11.2 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20-100°C) - **Modulus of Elasticity**: 210 GPa (30.5 × 10⁶ psi) at 20°C (reduces with temperature) - **Specific Heat**: 460 J/kg·K at 20°C - **Electrical Resistivity**: 0.42 μΩ·m at 20°C #### **Mechanical Properties** **Annealed Condition (typical):** - Hardness: 185-220 HB - Ultimate Tensile Strength: 650-750 MPa (94-109 ksi) - Yield Strength: 380-480 MPa (55-70 ksi) - Elongation: 20-25% - Reduction of Area: 40-50% - Machinability Rating: 65% (relative to 1% carbon steel, 100%) **Hardened and Tempered Condition (at 590-610°C / 1095-1130°F):** - **Typical Hardness Range**: **44-48 HRC** (optimal 45-47 HRC for most hot work applications) - Ultimate Tensile Strength: 1500-1700 MPa (218-247 ksi) - Yield Strength: 1350-1550 MPa (196-225 ksi) - Elongation: 10-15% - Reduction of Area: 35-45% - **Impact Toughness (Charpy V-notch)**: 30-45 J (22-33 ft-lb) at room temperature - Compressive Strength: 2000-2300 MPa (290-334 ksi) **Elevated Temperature Properties:** - **Hot Hardness at 540°C (1000°F)**: 40-42 HRC - **Hot Hardness at 650°C (1200°F)**: 32-35 HRC - **Tensile Strength at 540°C**: 850-1000 MPa (123-145 ksi) - **Yield Strength at 540°C**: 750-900 MPa (109-131 ksi) - **Creep Resistance**: Good for hot work applications - **Thermal Fatigue Life**: 2-4× better than H11-type steels **Hardenability Characteristics:** - Fully hardenable in air up to 150mm (6 inches) diameter - Surface hardness of 50-52 HRC achievable on quenching - Through-hardness typically 2-4 HRC points lower than surface - Dimensional change: typically -0.02% to +0.04% on hardening - Excellent resistance to quenching cracking #### **Heat Treatment Parameters** 1. **Annealing:** - Temperature: 845-870°C (1550-1600°F) - Cooling: Slow furnace cool to 540°C (1000°F) at 15°C (25°F)/hour, then air cool - Resulting hardness: 185-220 HB - *For best machinability: Spheroidize anneal at 790-815°C (1450-1500°F)* 2. **Stress Relieving (after rough machining):** - Temperature: 650-675°C (1200-1250°F) for 2 hours - Air cool 3. **Preheating (ESSENTIAL for complex shapes):** - First stage: 550-650°C (1025-1200°F) - Second stage: 800-850°C (1475-1560°F) - Soak time: 30-60 minutes per inch of thickness 4. **Austenitizing:** - Temperature: **995-1025°C (1825-1875°F)** - Soak time: 20-45 minutes per inch of thickness - *Critical: Avoid temperatures above 1050°C (1920°F) to prevent grain growth* 5. **Quenching:** - Medium: Air cooling (preferred) or high-pressure gas quenching - Alternative: Oil quenching for maximum hardness (increased risk of distortion) - Cooling rate: Moderate (10-25°C/min) to 150°C (300°F) - *For complex shapes: Use interrupted cooling at 450-550°C (840-1020°F)* 6. **Tempering:** - **Double tempering MANDATORY** for hot work applications - Temperature range: **540-650°C (1000-1200°F)** - Recommended: 590-610°C (1095-1130°F) for optimal toughness/hardness balance - Duration: 2 hours minimum per temper, 1-2 hours per inch of thickness - Between tempers: Cool to room temperature - Typical hardness after tempering: - 540°C (1000°F): 48-50 HRC - 560°C (1040°F): 46-48 HRC - 590°C (1095°F): 44-46 HRC - 620°C (1150°F): 40-42 HRC - 650°C (1200°F): 36-38 HRC --- ### **International Standards & Cross-References** | Standard System | Designation | Notes | |----------------|-------------|-------| | **Carpenter** | No. 883®, Red-Tough | Proprietary name for premium H13 steel | | **AISI** | H13 | Standard chromium hot work steel | | **UNS** | T20813 | Unified Numbering System | | **ISO** | 1.2344 | Hot work tool steel | | **European (EN)** | X40CrMoV5-1 | Equivalent designation (1.2344) | | **German (DIN)** | 1.2344 | Standard designation | | **British (BS)** | BH13 | British specification | | **Japanese (JIS)** | SKD61 | Equivalent hot work steel | | **French (AFNOR)** | X40CrMoV5 | French equivalent | | **Swedish (SS)** | 2242 | Swedish standard | | **Common Equivalents** | W302, Orvar Supreme, Dievar | Premium commercial equivalents | --- ### **Typical Applications** #### **1. Aluminum Die Casting** - **Cavity Inserts and Cores**: For automotive components, electronics housings - **Ejector Pins and Cores**: Standard and custom pins for die casting - **Shot Sleeves and Goosenecks**: For molten aluminum handling - **Nozzles and Sprue Bushings**: For metal transfer systems - **Overflow Wells and Runners**: Components subjected to extreme thermal cycling - **Complete Die Sets**: For high-volume production #### **2. Hot Forging and Forming** - **Forging Dies**: For steel, aluminum, brass, and titanium components - **Punches and Mandrels**: For hot extrusion and piercing operations - **Die Inserts**: For hammer, press, and upset forging equipment - **Hot Trimming Dies**: For flash removal from forged parts - **Hot Press Forming Tools**: For aerospace and automotive components #### **3. Extrusion Tooling** - **Aluminum Extrusion Dies**: For profiles, rods, tubes, and structural shapes - **Dummy Blocks and Backers**: For direct and indirect extrusion - **Container Liners**: For extrusion containers - **Extrusion Press Components**: Rams, stems, and pressure rings #### **4. Plastic Injection Molding** - **Hot Runner Systems**: Manifolds, nozzles, and heater bands - **Mold Inserts**: For high-temperature engineering plastics - **Three-Plate Mold Components**: Subject to thermal cycling - **Insulated Runner Molds**: Components operating at elevated temperatures #### **5. Other Hot Work Applications** - **Glass Molding Tools**: For container and specialty glass production - **Hot Stamping Dies**: For automotive high-strength steel parts - **Powder Metal Compaction Tools**: For high-temperature alloys - **Copper and Brass Extrusion**: Dies and tooling components --- ### **Machining & Fabrication Guidelines** #### **In Annealed Condition (185-220 HB)** - **Machinability**: Good (65% of 1% carbon steel) - **Recommended Cutting Tools**: High-speed steel or coated carbide - **Turning Speeds**: 50-70 SFM with HSS, 150-220 SFM with carbide - **Milling Speeds**: 40-60 SFM with HSS, 120-180 SFM with carbide - **Drilling Speeds**: 30-45 SFM with HSS drills - **Coolant**: Recommended for best results and tool life - **Chip Characteristics**: Produces manageable chips with proper tool geometry #### **In Pre-hardened/Hardened Condition** - **Machining**: Difficult - requires carbide or CBN tools - **Grinding**: Aluminum oxide or CBN wheels with light passes - **EDM**: Excellent results with proper parameters; stress relieve after - **Polishing**: Excellent mirror finishes achievable with diamond compounds - **Nitriding**: Commonly applied (gas, plasma, or salt bath) for enhanced surface properties --- ### **Surface Treatment Compatibility** #### **Recommended Surface Treatments** - **Nitriding**: Gas or plasma nitriding to achieve 65-70 HRC surface hardness - **Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)**: TiN, TiCN, CrN coatings for aluminum die casting - **Tufftriding/Melonite**: For combined wear and corrosion resistance - **Hard Chrome Plating**: For improved wear resistance in specific applications - **Electroless Nickel**: For corrosion protection in certain environments #### **Benefits of Surface Treatments** - **Extended Die Life**: 2-4× improvement with proper coatings - **Reduced Soldering**: Critical for aluminum die casting applications - **Improved Release Properties**: For plastic and metal molding - **Enhanced Corrosion Resistance**: For moisture-rich environments - **Reduced Friction**: Better material flow in forming operations --- ### **Comparison with Similar Hot Work Steels** | Property | No. 883 (H13) | H11 | H12 | H21 | H10A | |----------|---------------|-----|-----|-----|------| | **Thermal Fatigue Resistance** | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Excellent | | **Toughness at 540°C** | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Very Good | | **Hot Hardness** | Very Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent | | **Temper Resistance** | Very Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent | | **Machinability** | Good | Fair | Fair | Poor | Fair | | **Cost Factor** | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | High | | **Primary Application** | Die casting, forging | General hot work | Hot work with abrasion | High hot hardness | High performance | --- ### **Design and Manufacturing Considerations** #### **Optimal Design Practices** - **Uniform Wall Thickness**: To minimize thermal gradients and stress concentrations - **Generous Radii**: Minimum 3mm (0.125") on internal corners - **Proper Venting**: Essential for die casting applications - **Adequate Cooling**: Optimized cooling channel design (minimum 10mm from surface) - **Stress Relief Features**: To accommodate thermal expansion - **Avoid Sharp Transitions**: Gradual changes in cross-section #### **Heat Treatment Best Practices** 1. **Thorough Preheating**: Critical for complex shapes to prevent thermal shock 2. **Controlled Austenitizing**: Maintain temperatures within recommended range 3. **Proper Quenching Medium**: Air or gas quenching preferred for minimal distortion 4. **Adequate Tempering**: Double tempering essential for dimensional stability 5. **Temperature Uniformity**: Ensure even heating throughout the part 6. **Atmosphere Protection**: Prevent decarburization and oxidation #### **Common Failure Modes and Prevention** - **Heat Checking**: Controlled preheating and optimized cooling - **Thermal Fatigue**: Proper die design and operating parameters - **Erosion**: Surface treatments and proper gate design - **Soldering**: Coatings and proper die surface preparation - **Mechanical Fatigue**: Adequate die support and alignment --- ### **Economic Justification** #### **Cost-Benefit Analysis** - **Extended Die Life**: 30-100% longer than conventional hot work steels - **Reduced Downtime**: Fewer die changes and maintenance operations - **Higher Productivity**: Ability to run at higher temperatures and cycle rates - **Improved Part Quality**: Better surface finish and dimensional consistency - **Lower Maintenance Costs**: Reduced polishing and repair frequency **Typical ROI**: 3-9 months in high-volume die casting or forging operations #### **Total Cost of Ownership Factors** 1. **Initial Tooling Cost**: Moderate compared to specialty hot work grades 2. **Manufacturing Cost**: Lower due to good machinability 3. **Heat Treatment Cost**: Standard air hardening (moderate cost) 4. **Tool Performance**: Excellent for general hot work applications 5. **Maintenance**: Regular but manageable with proper procedures --- ### **Industry-Specific Applications** #### **Automotive Industry** - **Engine Components**: Cylinder heads, intake manifolds, transmission cases - **Structural Parts**: Cross members, brackets, housings - **Heat Management Components**: Heat sinks, cooling system parts #### **Aerospace Industry** - **Airframe Components**: Brackets, fittings, housings - **Engine Parts**: Casing components, mounts - **Interior Components**: Seat frames, overhead bins #### **Consumer Electronics** - **Device Housings**: Laptops, tablets, smartphones - **Heat Dissipation Components**: Heat spreaders, enclosures - **Structural Frames**: Internal supports and chassis #### **Industrial Equipment** - **Pump and Valve Components**: Housings, bodies - **Power Tool Components**: Housings, gear cases - **Machinery Parts**: Frames, covers, bases --- ### **Technical Specifications & Quality Assurance** #### **Quality Standards** - **Micro-Cleanliness**: Meets or exceeds ASTM E45 requirements - **Grain Size**: ASTM 7-9 (fine) - **Decarburization**: Controlled to ≤0.25mm (0.010") per side - **Ultrasonic Testing**: Available for critical applications - **Hardness Uniformity**: Consistent throughout cross-section #### **Available Forms** - **Blocks and Plates**: Up to 600mm thickness - **Round Bars**: 25mm to 500mm diameter - **Custom Forgings**: To customer specifications - **Pre-finished Blanks**: Machined and stress relieved - **Die Sets**: Complete ready-to-use assemblies #### **Certification** - Material test certificates with full traceability - Chemical analysis and mechanical test reports - Heat treatment certifications available - Compliance with international quality standards --- ### **Safety and Environmental Considerations** #### **Material Safety** - Contains chromium - follow appropriate handling procedures - Grinding dust requires proper ventilation and collection - Material safety data sheets available #### **Regulatory Compliance** - ROHS compliant - REACH registered - Meets international environmental and safety standards - Compatible with food contact applications (with proper surface treatment) --- ### **Conclusion** Carpenter No. 883® (AISI H13) represents the industry benchmark for hot work die steels, offering a proven combination of thermal fatigue resistance, high temperature toughness, and dimensional stability that has made it the material of choice for aluminum die casting and hot forging applications worldwide. Its balanced chemistry and predictable performance provide toolmakers and manufacturers with a reliable solution for demanding hot work environments. **Key Advantages Summary:** 1. **Exceptional Thermal Fatigue Resistance**: For extended die life in severe thermal cycling 2. **Superior High Temperature Toughness**: Maintains structural integrity under extreme conditions 3. **Good Thermal Conductivity**: Efficient heat dissipation reduces thermal stress 4. **Excellent Machinability**: Reduces manufacturing time and cost 5. **Proven Economic Benefits**: Lower total cost of ownership through extended service life For die casting, forging, and extrusion applications where thermal fatigue and mechanical stress limit tool life, No. 883 provides the engineered solution that has been proven through decades of industrial application. While not intended for applications requiring extreme hot hardness or corrosion resistance, it excels in the demanding environments of modern hot work processes where reliability, consistency, and cost-effectiveness are paramount. When productivity, quality, and tooling reliability are critical to competitive manufacturing in hot work applications, Carpenter No. 883 delivers the performance edge needed to excel in today's demanding production environments, backed by Carpenter's metallurgical expertise and quality assurance. --- *For specific application engineering support, heat treatment guidelines, or technical assistance, consult with Carpenter Technology's technical services team. Always refer to the latest technical data sheets for current specifications and processing recommendations.* -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel (Red-Tough) (AISI H13) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6942 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. -: Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel (Red-Tough) (AISI H13) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel Wire (Red-Tough) (AISI H13) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel Wire (Red-Tough) (AISI H13) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Carpenter No. 883® Hot Work Die Steel Wire (Red-Tough) (AISI H13) -:- 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 Wire 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 3413 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