Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel

Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Thermodur® 2344 MAGNUM | Premium High-Toughness Hot Work Die Steel** ## **Overview** SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH **Thermodur® 2344 MAGNUM** represents an advanced evolution of the classic H13/1.2344 hot work die steel, specifically engineered to deliver **exceptional toughness and thermal fatigue resistance for the most demanding die casting and forging applications**. While maintaining the core 5% Cr-Mo-V chemistry of standard H13, the "MAGNUM" variant undergoes proprietary metallurgical processing and precise chemistry optimization to achieve superior mechanical properties, particularly in **impact toughness and fracture resistance at elevated temperatures**. This grade is designed for applications where standard H13 grades may fail prematurely due to crack propagation, thermal shock, or severe mechanical loading. ## **Key Features:** * **Enhanced Toughness:** Specifically formulated and processed to provide 20-30% higher impact toughness than conventional H13 at equivalent hardness levels (44-48 HRC). * **Superior Thermal Fatigue Resistance:** Optimized microstructure delays heat check initiation and retards crack propagation under severe thermal cycling. * **Excellent High-Temperature Strength:** Maintains hot hardness and yield strength comparable to premium H13 grades at operating temperatures up to 600°C. * **Improved Thermal Conductivity:** Slightly enhanced heat transfer properties help reduce thermal gradients within the die. * **Consistent Performance:** Advanced melting and processing ensure uniform properties throughout large die blocks with minimal directional variation. * **Good Machinability and Polishability:** Maintains the workability characteristics expected from premium H13-type steels. * **Extended Die Life:** The combination of enhanced toughness and thermal fatigue resistance typically results in 25-40% longer service life in demanding applications. --- ## **Material Specifications: Thermodur® 2344 MAGNUM** ### **1. Chemical Composition (wt%)** | Element | Content Range (wt%) | Function & Enhancement in MAGNUM | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.36 - 0.40 | Carefully controlled at the lower end of the H13 range to optimize toughness while maintaining necessary hardness. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.90 - 1.10 | Balanced for adequate oxidation resistance without compromising toughness. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.30 - 0.50 | Standard for deoxidation and solid solution strengthening. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 4.90 - 5.30 | Provides hardenability and oxidation resistance. Tightly controlled for consistency. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 1.25 - 1.45 | Enhances hardenability and high-temperature strength. Optimized ratio with vanadium. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.85 - 1.00 | Slightly adjusted from standard H13 to optimize the toughness/wear resistance balance. Forms fine carbides for grain refinement. | | **Special Additives** | **Proprietary** | Minor elements may be controlled to enhance grain boundary strength and carbide morphology. | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤ 0.003 | Ultra-low for maximum transverse properties and polishability. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤ 0.010 | Extremely low to prevent temper embrittlement. | **Metallurgical Distinctions:** * **Carbon Control:** Lower average carbon content directly contributes to increased toughness. * **Vanadium Optimization:** Carefully balanced to maintain wear resistance without excessive carbide formation that could reduce toughness. * **Processing:** Likely involves ESR (Electroslag Remelting) or similar refining processes to ensure cleanliness and homogeneity. ### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** #### **Typical Delivery Condition:** * **Annealed Hardness:** ≤ 210 HB (spheroidized for machining) #### **Properties in Hardened & Tempered Condition:** | Tempering Temperature | Hardness (HRC) | 0.2% Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | **Impact Toughness (KV, J)** | **Comparative Advantage** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **560°C** | 46 - 48 | 1400 - 1550 | 1600 - 1750 | **35 - 45** | **+25-30% vs. std H13** | | **580°C** | 44 - 46 | 1250 - 1400 | 1450 - 1600 | **40 - 55** | **+20-25% vs. std H13** | | **600°C** | 42 - 44 | 1150 - 1300 | 1350 - 1500 | **45 - 65** | **+15-20% vs. std H13** | | **620°C** | 40 - 42 | 1050 - 1200 | 1250 - 1400 | **50 - 75** | **+15-20% vs. std H13** | #### **High-Temperature Performance (Tempered to 46 HRC):** | Temperature | Hot Hardness (HV) | Hot Yield Strength (MPa) | **Fracture Toughness (K₁c, MPa√m)** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **400°C** | 430 - 460 | 1000 - 1150 | **55 - 65** | | **500°C** | 360 - 390 | 700 - 850 | **60 - 75** | | **600°C** | 280 - 310 | 450 - 550 | **65 - 85** | #### **Thermal & Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 7.80 g/cm³ * **Thermal Conductivity:** **26 - 28 W/m·K** (at 20°C) - Slightly improved over standard H13 * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 11.8 × 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 enhanced toughness directly correlates with improved resistance to heat check propagation. Typical improvement of 30-50% in thermal fatigue life compared to conventional H13. * **Fracture Resistance:** Superior ability to withstand crack propagation under mechanical and thermal stresses. * **Thermal Shock Resistance:** Better performance under rapid temperature changes due to improved toughness and thermal conductivity. * **Isotropic Properties:** Minimal directional variation in mechanical properties due to advanced processing. ### **4. Machining & Finishing** * **Machining (Annealed):** Similar to premium H13 grades. Use carbide tools with positive geometry. * **EDM:** Excellent performance with proper parameters. * **Grinding:** Good grindability with appropriate wheels and coolant. * **Polishing:** Capable of fine surface finishes (Ra < 0.4 µm) suitable for die casting applications. --- ## **International Standards & Cross-References** | Standard | Designation | Note | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH** | **Thermodur® 2344 MAGNUM** | Proprietary high-toughness variant. | | **DIN / EN / W-Nr.** | **1.2344 (Enhanced)** | Based on standard 1.2344 with optimized properties. | | **AISI / ASTM** | **H13 (High-Toughness Variant)** | Not a standard AISI grade; proprietary enhancement. | | **ISO 4957** | **X40CrMoV5-1** | Base standard reference. | | **Uddeholm** | **ORVAR® 2M Microdized** | Similar high-toughness H11 variant; different approach. | | **Böhler / voestalpine** | **W302 (ESR)** | H11-type with high toughness. | | **ThyssenKrupp** | **GS-344 ESU (Tough)** | Enhanced toughness variant. | | **Japanese (JIS)** | **SKD61 (Special)** | | | **Chinese (GB)** | **4Cr5MoSiV1 (Enhanced)** | | --- ## **Heat Treatment Guidelines** 1. **Soft Annealing:** 840-860°C, slow furnace cool. Target: ≤ 210 HB. 2. **Stress Relieving:** 650-700°C after rough machining. 3. **Preheating:** Critical. Use two stages: 500-550°C and 800-850°C. 4. **Austenitizing:** * **Temperature:** **1020-1040°C** (slightly lower than standard H13 to preserve toughness). * **Atmosphere:** Vacuum or controlled. * **Soak Time:** 20-30 min/25mm. 5. **Quenching:** In **forced air** or **high-pressure gas** (4-8 bar). Oil quenching not recommended for optimal toughness. 6. **Tempering:** * **Begin immediately** after quenching. * **Temperature:** **580-620°C** (recommended for optimal toughness/hardness balance). * **Double or Triple Tempering mandatory.** * **Soak Time:** Minimum 2 hours per temper, longer for large sections. **Special Note:** To maximize the toughness potential of MAGNUM grade, avoid austenitizing temperatures above 1040°C and ensure thorough multiple tempering. --- ## **Product Applications** Thermodur® 2344 MAGNUM is specifically engineered for **the most demanding hot work applications where toughness and crack resistance are limiting factors**. ### **Primary Application Areas:** **A. Aluminum Die Casting (High-Stress Applications):** * **Large, Complex Thin-Wall Castings:** Where dies experience high thermal and mechanical stresses. * **Structural Components:** Automotive frames, battery housings, structural parts requiring high integrity. * **High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC):** Especially for parts with thick-to-thin transitions. * **Critical Die Components:** Core pins in deep cavities, slender cores, ejector pins in stressed areas, shot sleeves for large machines. **B. Hot & Warm Forging:** * **Precision Forging Dies:** For aerospace and automotive components. * **Forging Tools Subject to Impact:** Hammers, punches, and inserts in high-energy forging. * **Complex Shape Forging:** Where die filling creates high tensile stresses. **C. Other Demanding Hot Work:** * **Hot Stamping (Press Hardening) Dies:** For ultra-high-strength steel components. * **Extrusion Dies** for challenging profiles. * **Tools for Superalloy and Titanium Processing.** ### **Specific Use Cases Where MAGNUM Excels:** 1. **Dies with sharp corners or thin sections** prone to cracking. 2. **Applications with severe thermal shock** (e.g., water cooling directly on hot surfaces). 3. **High-production runs** where extending time between die repairs is critical. 4. **Safety-critical components** where die failure could have severe consequences. 5. **Replacing standard H13 that fails prematurely due to cracking rather than wear.** ### **Economic Justification:** * **Extended Die Life:** 25-40% longer service life in toughness-limited applications. * **Reduced Downtime:** Fewer unscheduled stops for die repair. * **Improved Reliability:** Lower risk of catastrophic die failure. * **Higher Productivity:** Ability to run more aggressive cycles with confidence. --- ## **Selection Guidelines: When to Choose 2344 MAGNUM** **Choose MAGNUM when:** - Die failure is primarily due to **cracking or thermal fatigue** rather than wear or soldering. - The application involves **severe thermal shock** or **high mechanical impact**. - Die geometry includes **stress concentrators** (sharp corners, thin walls, deep cavities). - Production runs are **extremely long**, and maximizing time between die maintenance is critical. - The cost of unscheduled die failure is **exceptionally high**. **Consider standard premium H13 (e.g., 2344 EFS) when:** - Wear resistance and soldering are the primary concerns. - Application conditions are more typical. - Budget constraints are significant (MAGNUM typically carries a premium). --- **Disclaimer:** The information provided is based on typical data for SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Thermodur® 2344 MAGNUM. This is a proprietary grade with specific processing requirements. Properties can vary and are highly dependent on exact heat treatment parameters. This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a specification or warranty. For critical applications, always consult the official manufacturer's technical documentation. The "MAGNUM" designation represents a specific performance-enhanced variant within the H13 family, and its advantages are best realized through proper application selection and heat treatment. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7131 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® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 Magnum Hot Work Die Steel -:- 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 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 3602 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