AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod/Bar

AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel** ## **Overview** **AISI Type H16** is a **medium-carbon, chromium-tungsten hot work tool steel** that represents a transitional composition between conventional chromium hot work steels and high-tungsten grades. Characterized by its **moderate tungsten content combined with chromium alloying**, H16 is engineered to provide **enhanced hot hardness and resistance to tempering at elevated temperatures** while maintaining reasonable toughness and hardenability. This specialized grade fills a niche for applications requiring better high-temperature performance than standard chromium-molybdenum steels can offer, particularly in moderate-temperature forging and extrusion operations. --- ## **Chemical Composition (Typical Weight %)** H16 features a distinctive chromium-tungsten composition that provides unique high-temperature properties. | Element | Content (%) | Role in Hot Work Performance | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Tungsten (W)** | **7.00 - 9.00** | **Primary high-temperature strengthening element.** Forms stable tungsten carbides (WC, W₂C) that provide excellent resistance to softening at elevated temperatures and enhance hot hardness. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 4.00 - 4.75 | Provides oxidation resistance, moderate hardenability, and contributes to hot strength through chromium carbide formation. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.25 - 0.50 | Forms stable vanadium carbides that refine grain size and improve elevated-temperature properties. | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.35 - 0.45 | Provides base hardness while maintaining toughness at high temperatures. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | **≤ 0.50** | Minimal content; H16 relies primarily on tungsten rather than molybdenum for high-temperature strength. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.80 - 1.20 | Increases resistance to thermal fatigue and oxidation. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.20 - 0.50 | Aids hardenability and deoxidization. | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤ 0.03 | - | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤ 0.03 | - | | **Iron (Fe)** | **Balance** | Base metal. | **Key Distinction:** H16's **significant tungsten content (7-9%)** places it firmly in the tungsten-containing hot work steel category, differentiating it from the chromium-molybdenum H11-H13 series. This tungsten level provides substantially better hot hardness than H13 but with less extreme alloying than the high-tungsten H21-H26 series. --- ## **Physical & Mechanical Properties** *Properties are for material in the hardened and tempered condition.* | Property | Typical Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | ~7.95 g/cm³ (Higher than molybdenum-based grades due to tungsten) | | **Hardness (Annealed)** | 210 - 235 HB | | **Hardness (Hardened & Tempered)** | **42 - 52 HRC** (Typically operated at 44-48 HRC for hot work) | | **Hot Hardness (at 600°C / 1110°F)** | **~38-42 HRC** (Superior to H13 at this temperature due to tungsten carbides) | | **Tensile Strength** | 1450 - 1700 MPa (at 46 HRC) | | **Yield Strength (0.2%)** | 1250 - 1500 MPa (at 46 HRC) | | **Elongation** | 6 - 10% (at 46 HRC) | | **Impact Toughness (Charpy)** | 12 - 22 J (at 46 HRC) | | **Thermal Fatigue Resistance** | **Fair to Good.** Adequate for many applications but generally inferior to H13 in severe thermal cycling due to different carbide structure. | | **Thermal Conductivity** | **~25.5 W/m·K** at 20°C (Lower than molybdenum-based grades) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | ~11.9 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20-500°C) | | **Maximum Continuous Service Temperature** | **~620°C (1150°F)** (Higher than H13's ~540°C) | | **Machinability (Annealed)** | **Fair** (~45-50% of 1% carbon steel). More difficult than H13 due to tungsten carbides. | | **Grindability** | **Fair to Poor.** Tungsten carbides increase grinding difficulty. | --- ## **Heat Treatment Guidelines** Proper heat treatment is essential to optimize H16's tungsten-strengthened microstructure. | Process | Parameters | Special Considerations for H16 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Annealing** | Heat to 850-880°C (1560-1615°F), slow furnace cool to 480°C (900°F) at ≤15°C/hr, then air cool. | Results in ~225 HB for machining. | | **Stress Relieving** | 650-675°C (1200-1250°F) for 2 hrs, air cool. | Recommended after rough machining. | | **Preheating** | **Double preheat:** 650°C (1200°F) and 850°C (1560°F). | Essential to prevent thermal shock during high-temperature austenitizing. | | **Austenitizing** | **1020-1060°C (1870-1940°F).** Soak: 20-30 min/inch. | Higher temperatures than H13 required to dissolve tungsten carbides. | | **Quenching** | **Oil quench** (preferred) or air quench. | Oil quenching ensures full hardness; air quenching suitable for complex shapes. | | **Tempering** | **Double temper at 580-630°C (1075-1165°F)** for 2+ hours each. | Higher tempering temperatures than H13; must temper above intended service temperature. | --- ## **Product Applications** H16 is specialized for applications requiring good hot hardness at temperatures between 550-650°C. ### **Primary Hot Work Applications:** 1. **Hot Forging Dies:** For forging of alloy steels and non-ferrous metals at moderate temperatures (550-650°C). 2. **Brass and Copper Extrusion Tooling:** Dies, mandrels, and liners for extrusion of higher-temperature non-ferrous metals. 3. **Hot Piercing Punches and Mandrels:** For piercing hot metals at elevated temperatures. 4. **Die Casting Dies for Higher Melting Point Alloys:** Such as brass or bronze die casting. 5. **Hot Work Tools for Steel Forming:** At moderate to high temperatures where enhanced hot hardness is beneficial. 6. **Hot Shear Blades and Cutting Tools:** For cutting hot metals at temperatures where H13 would soften excessively. 7. **Tools for Isothermal Forging:** Where consistent high-temperature properties are required. ### **Industry Usage:** - **Hot Forging of Alloy Steels** - **Copper & Brass Extrusion** - **Specialty Die Casting Operations** - **Higher-Temperature Metal Forming** - **Heavy Equipment Manufacturing** --- ## **International Standards & Cross-Reference** AISI H16 is a specialized grade with specific international equivalents. | Standard | Designation | Equivalent / Similar Grade | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **AISI/SAE (USA)** | **H16** | - | | **UNS (USA)** | **T20816** | - | | **ASTM (USA)** | A681 | Grade H16 | | **Europe (EN)** | **~1.2606** | X30WCrV5-3 (Approximate; different composition) | | **Germany (DIN)** | **~1.2606** | X30WCrV5-3 | | **Japan (JIS)** | **SKD5** | - | | **ISO** | **~30WCrV9** | - | | **UK (BS)** | **BH16** | - | **Important Note:** True chemical equivalents to AISI H16 vary among international standards. The European DIN 1.2606 has different tungsten levels but represents a similar tungsten-chromium hot work steel concept. H16 is primarily an AISI standard grade with specific composition requirements. --- ## **Technical Comparison: H16 vs. Other Hot Work Steels** | Property | **H16 (UNS T20816)** | **H13 (UNS T20813)** | **H21 (UNS T20821)** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Tungsten Content** | **7.00-9.00%** | 0% | **8.00-10.00%** | | **Chromium Content** | 4.00-4.75% | **4.75-5.50%** | 3.00-3.75% | | **Molybdenum Content** | ≤0.50% | **1.25-1.75%** | 0% | | **Hot Hardness (at 600°C)** | **38-42 HRC** | 34-36 HRC | **40-44 HRC** | | **Toughness (at 46 HRC)** | 12-22 J | **25-40 J** | 10-20 J | | **Thermal Fatigue Resistance** | Fair to Good | **Excellent** | Fair | | **Maximum Service Temperature** | **~620°C (1150°F)** | ~540°C (1000°F) | **~650°C (1200°F)** | | **Primary Application** | **Moderate-high temp forging** | **General-purpose die casting** | **High-temperature forging** | | **Relative Cost** | High | Moderate | **Highest** | --- ## **Advantages & Considerations** ### **Advantages:** 1. **Enhanced Hot Hardness:** Superior resistance to softening at temperatures above 550°C compared to molybdenum-based hot work steels. 2. **Good High-Temperature Strength:** Maintains mechanical properties at elevated temperatures suitable for many forging and extrusion applications. 3. **Resistance to Temper Softening:** Tungsten carbides provide excellent resistance to tempering effects during high-temperature service. 4. **Good Wear Resistance at Temperature:** Suitable for applications involving both heat and moderate abrasion. 5. **Versatile Quenching:** Can be oil or air quenched depending on application requirements. ### **Considerations:** 1. **Lower Toughness:** Reduced impact resistance compared to H13 at equivalent hardness due to tungsten carbides. 2. **Reduced Thermal Fatigue Resistance:** More susceptible to heat checking than H13 in severe thermal cycling applications. 3. **Lower Thermal Conductivity:** Reduced heat dissipation compared to molybdenum-based grades. 4. **Limited Availability:** Much less common than H13; often requires special ordering. 5. **Specific Application Focus:** Best suited for moderate-high temperature applications; over-specified for aluminum die casting. --- ## **Metallurgical Characteristics** ### **Tungsten Strengthening Mechanisms:** 1. **Carbide Formation:** Tungsten forms stable WC and W₂C carbides that resist coarsening at high temperatures. 2. **Solid Solution Strengthening:** Tungsten in solid solution enhances high-temperature strength. 3. **Secondary Hardening:** Contributes to precipitation hardening during tempering. ### **Microstructural Features:** - **Carbide Distribution:** Tungsten carbides are typically finer and more uniformly distributed than chromium carbides. - **Grain Structure:** The presence of tungsten inhibits grain growth during high-temperature processing. - **Tempering Response:** Exhibits strong secondary hardening at 580-630°C due to precipitation of alloy carbides. --- ## **Special Processing Considerations** ### **Forging and Hot Working:** - **Forging Temperature:** 1050-1150°C (1920-2100°F) - **Finishing Temperature:** ≥900°C (1650°F) - **Cooling:** Slow furnace cool or bury in insulating material after forging ### **Heat Treatment Optimization:** 1. **For maximum hot hardness:** Austenitize at 1050°C, oil quench, double temper at 600-620°C 2. **For better toughness:** Austenitize at 1030°C, air quench, double temper at 580-600°C 3. **For complex shapes:** Use high-pressure gas quenching to minimize distortion ### **Surface Treatments:** - **Nitriding:** Effective for improving surface hardness and wear resistance - **PVD Coatings:** TiN, TiAlN, or CrN coatings can enhance performance in specific applications --- ## **Modern Relevance & Applications** While H16 is not as widely used as H13, it maintains relevance in specific applications: 1. **Legacy Tooling Systems:** Where original specifications call for H16. 2. **Moderate-High Temperature Forging:** Particularly for alloy steels at 550-650°C. 3. **Brass and Copper Processing:** Where temperatures exceed H13's optimal range. 4. **Specialty Applications:** Where its specific balance of hot hardness and toughness is advantageous. 5. **Transitional Tooling:** When moving from H13 to higher-temperature steels is being considered. --- ## **Economic Considerations** ### **Cost Factors:** 1. **Material Cost:** Higher than H13 due to tungsten content 2. **Processing Cost:** Similar to other hot work steels 3. **Tool Life:** Potentially longer than H13 in appropriate high-temperature applications 4. **Availability:** Limited stock may increase lead times and costs ### **Value Proposition:** H16 provides cost-effective performance for applications requiring better hot hardness than H13 but where premium high-tungsten steels (H21-H26) would be excessive. Its optimal application range is typically 550-620°C continuous service. --- ## **Conclusion** **AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel** represents a **specialized tungsten-chromium hot work steel** that occupies an important niche between conventional chromium-molybdenum grades and high-tungsten hot work steels. Its **significant tungsten content (7-9%)** provides **enhanced hot hardness and elevated temperature capability** compared to mainstream H13, making it particularly suitable for applications involving sustained exposure to temperatures in the 550-620°C range. While its **reduced toughness and thermal fatigue resistance** compared to H13 limit its application in severe thermal cycling environments, and its **specialized nature** makes it less convenient than industry standards, H16 offers a **valuable solution for specific moderate-high temperature hot work applications** where enhanced resistance to softening is the primary concern. For tooling engineers working with **alloy steel forging, brass/copper extrusion, or other applications** in the 550-620°C range where H13 shows limitations but full high-tungsten steels are excessive, H16 provides a **targeted material option** that continues to serve important industrial applications. It exemplifies how specific alloy compositions can be tailored to address particular temperature-performance requirements in hot work tooling, maintaining relevance in specialized segments of metal forming and processing industries. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6691 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 H16 Hot Work Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers AISI Type H16 Hot Work Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of AISI Type H16 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 3162 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