AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate

AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel** ## **Overview** **AISI Type H13** is a **premium chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot work tool steel** widely regarded as the **industry standard for hot work applications**. Renowned for its **exceptional combination of high-temperature strength, thermal fatigue resistance, toughness, and hardenability**, H13 delivers reliable performance in the most demanding thermal cycling environments. As an air-hardening steel, it offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, minimizing distortion in complex tooling. H13's balanced alloy composition makes it the **most versatile and widely used hot work die steel globally**, suitable for aluminum die casting, hot forging, extrusion dies, and plastic injection molds. --- ## **Chemical Composition (Typical Weight %)** H13 features an optimally balanced composition for hot work performance. | Element | Content (%) | Role in Hot Work Performance | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.32 - 0.45 | Provides base hardness and strength while maintaining good toughness; balanced to resist thermal fatigue cracking. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 4.75 - 5.50 | Provides oxidation resistance, hardenability, and contributes to hot strength through chromium carbide formation. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 1.25 - 1.75 | Enhances high-temperature strength, creep resistance, hardenability, and promotes fine grain structure. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.80 - 1.20 | Forms stable vanadium carbides that provide excellent elevated-temperature wear resistance and refine grain size. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.80 - 1.20 | Increases resistance to thermal fatigue (heat checking) and oxidation; strengthens ferrite matrix. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.20 - 0.50 | Aids hardenability and deoxidization. | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤ 0.03 | - | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤ 0.03 | - | | **Iron (Fe)** | **Balance** | Base metal. | **Key Characteristic:** The **balanced ratio of chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium** creates a synergistic effect that provides excellent high-temperature properties while maintaining good toughness—the hallmark of H13's superior performance. --- ## **Physical & Mechanical Properties** *Properties are for material in the hardened and tempered condition (typical operating hardness 44-48 HRC).* | Property | Typical Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | 7.80 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³) | | **Hardness (Annealed)** | 190 - 230 HB | | **Hardness (Hardened & Tempered)** | **40 - 52 HRC** (Typically operated at 44-48 HRC for optimal performance balance) | | **Hot Hardness (at 540°C / 1000°F)** | **~38-42 HRC** (Excellent retention of hardness at elevated temperature) | | **Tensile Strength** | 1500 - 1800 MPa (at 45 HRC) | | **Yield Strength (0.2%)** | 1300 - 1600 MPa (at 45 HRC) | | **Elongation** | 8 - 12% (at 45 HRC) | | **Impact Toughness (Charpy)** | 25 - 40 J (at 45 HRC) | | **Thermal Fatigue Resistance** | **Excellent.** Superior resistance to initiation and propagation of heat-check cracks. | | **Thermal Conductivity** | **~28.0 W/m·K** at 20°C (Improves at higher temperatures, aiding heat dissipation) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 12.2 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20-500°C) | | **Specific Heat** | 460 J/kg·K | | **Maximum Continuous Service Temperature** | **~540°C (1000°F)** | --- ## **Heat Treatment Guidelines** Proper heat treatment is critical to develop H13's optimal properties. | Process | Parameters | Purpose/Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Annealing** | Heat to 845-900°C (1550-1650°F), slow furnace cool to 480°C (900°F) at ≤15°C/hr, then air cool. | Achieves 190-230 HB for safe machining. | | **Stress Relieving** | 650-675°C (1200-1250°F) for 2 hrs, air cool. | Recommended after rough machining or EDM. | | **Preheating** | **Double preheat:** 650°C (1200°F) and 850°C (1560°F). | Critical to prevent thermal shock and distortion. | | **Austenitizing** | **1000-1030°C (1830-1885°F).** Soak: 20-30 min/inch. | Use protective atmosphere/vacuum to prevent decarburization. | | **Quenching** | **Air quench** in still or forced air. High-pressure gas quenching recommended for complex shapes. | Oil quenching possible but increases distortion risk. | | **Tempering** | **Double or triple temper immediately.** **540-600°C (1000-1110°F)** for 2+ hrs each. | **Mandatory** to achieve secondary hardening and transform retained austenite. Temper above intended service temperature. | --- ## **Product Applications** H13 is the most versatile hot work steel, suitable for numerous high-temperature applications. ### **Primary Applications:** #### **1. Die Casting (70% of H13 usage):** - **Aluminum Die Casting Dies:** Cavities, cores, inserts, ejector pins - **Zinc & Magnesium Die Casting Dies** - **Hot Chamber Components:** Nozzles, goosenecks, plungers #### **2. Hot Forging:** - **Hammer & Press Forging Dies** for steels and non-ferrous metals - **Trimming & Piercing Dies** - **Forging Inserts & Wear Plates** #### **3. Extrusion:** - **Aluminum Extrusion Dies** (dummy blocks, liners, die holders) - **Copper & Brass Extrusion Tooling** #### **4. Plastic Injection Molding:** - **Molds for Engineering Plastics** (high-temperature, abrasive filled) - **Hot Runner Systems** - **Inserts for High-Wear Areas** #### **5. Other Applications:** - **Glass Forming Tools** - **Hot Stamping & Forming Dies** - **Die Casting Machine Components** ### **Industry Usage:** - **Automotive** (engine blocks, transmission cases) - **Aerospace** (structural components) - **Consumer Electronics** (housings, frames) - **Construction & Hardware** - **Packaging & Container Manufacturing** --- ## **International Standards & Cross-Reference** H13 is globally standardized with direct equivalents in all major systems. | Standard | Designation | Equivalent / Similar Grade | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **AISI/SAE (USA)** | **H13** | - | | **UNS (USA)** | **T20813** | - | | **ASTM (USA)** | A681 | Grade H13 | | **Europe (EN)** | **1.2344** | X40CrMoV5-1 | | **Germany (DIN)** | **1.2344** | X40CrMoV5-1 | | **Japan (JIS)** | **SKD61** | - | | **China (GB)** | **4Cr5MoSiV1** | - | | **ISO** | **~35CrMoV5** | - | | **Sweden (SS)** | **2242** | - | | **UK (BS)** | **BH13** | - | --- ## **Advantages & Benefits** ### **Technical Advantages:** 1. **Excellent Thermal Fatigue Resistance:** Superior resistance to heat checking in cyclic thermal applications. 2. **Good Combination of Toughness & Hardness:** Maintains impact resistance while providing adequate hardness for wear resistance. 3. **High Temperature Strength:** Maintains mechanical properties at temperatures up to 540°C. 4. **Good Hardenability & Through-Hardening:** Air hardens reliably in sections up to 150mm (6"). 5. **Excellent Dimensional Stability:** Minimal distortion during air hardening. 6. **Good Machinability (Annealed):** Relatively easy to machine compared to many tool steels. 7. **Good Thermal Conductivity:** Efficient heat dissipation from tool surface. ### **Economic Benefits:** 1. **Widely Available:** Most common hot work steel with multiple suppliers worldwide. 2. **Cost-Effective:** Lower cost than premium/specialty hot work grades. 3. **Predictable Performance:** Well-understood properties and behavior. 4. **Reduced Downtime:** Longer tool life and reliability. --- ## **Quality Considerations** ### **Premium H13 Grades:** - **ESR (ElectroSlag Remelted):** Superior cleanliness, isotropic properties - **VAR (Vacuum Arc Remelted):** Highest purity, exceptional performance - **Premium Melted:** Enhanced toughness and thermal fatigue resistance ### **Important Properties for Die Casting:** 1. **Cleanliness:** Low sulfide inclusions improve polishability and reduce crack initiation sites 2. **Isotropy:** Uniform properties in all directions 3. **Grain Size:** Fine, uniform grain structure for better toughness --- ## **Comparison with Similar Grades** | Property | **H13** | **H11** | **H21** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Vanadium Content** | **0.80-1.20%** | 0.30-0.60% | 0.30-0.60% | | **Hot Hardness** | **Excellent** | Good | **Superior (at higher temps)** | | **Toughness** | Very Good | **Excellent** | Fair | | **Thermal Fatigue** | **Excellent** | Very Good | Fair | | **Primary Use** | **Die Casting** | **Forging** | **High-Temp Forging** | | **Cost** | Moderate | Moderate | Higher | --- ## **Maintenance & Service Life Extension** ### **Surface Treatments:** - **Nitriding:** Increases surface hardness (1000-1200 HV), wear resistance, and corrosion resistance - **PVD/CVD Coatings:** TiN, TiAlN, CrN for enhanced performance - **Plasma Nitriding:** For complex geometries ### **Best Practices:** 1. **Proper Preheat:** 200-300°C before production runs 2. **Temperature Control:** Maintain die temperature within optimal range 3. **Regular Maintenance:** Polish, repair cracks, stress relieve 4. **Correct Heat Treatment:** Follow recommended parameters precisely --- ## **Industry Standards & Specifications** ### **Key Specifications:** - **NADCA #207-2003:** Standard for premium H13 for die casting - **ASTM A681:** Standard specification for tool steels - **ISO 4957:** Tool steels ### **Quality Requirements for Die Casting:** - Hardness uniformity: ±2 HRC max variation - Non-metallic inclusions: ASTM E45 Method A, ≤1.5 thin, ≤1.0 heavy - Grain size: ASTM E112, 7-10 - Ultrasonic testing: per NADCA requirements --- ## **Conclusion** **AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel** stands as the **unparalleled industry benchmark for hot work applications**, offering an exceptional balance of properties that has made it the **most widely specified hot work die steel worldwide**. Its superior combination of **thermal fatigue resistance, high-temperature strength, toughness, and dimensional stability** provides reliable performance in demanding applications from aluminum die casting to hot forging and extrusion. While premium variants and specialized grades exist for extreme applications, standard H13 continues to deliver **optimal value and performance** for the vast majority of hot work tooling requirements. For tooling engineers and manufacturers seeking a **proven, reliable, and cost-effective material** that will perform predictably under severe thermal cycling conditions, H13 remains the definitive choice—a testament to its exceptional alloy design and enduring relevance in modern manufacturing. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6688 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. -: AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet,Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of AISI Type H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Sheet/Plate -:- 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 Sheet/Plate 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 3159 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