Crucible Steel Sheet,Plate,PEERLESS A Tool Steel Sheet,Plate, AISI H21

Crucible Steel Sheet/Plate PEERLESS A Tool Steel Sheet/Plate, AISI H21 Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Crucible Steel Sheet/Plate PEERLESS A Tool Steel Sheet/Plate, AISI H21 Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Crucible Steel PEERLESS A Tool Steel, AISI H21 Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: Crucible Steel PEERLESS A (AISI H21) Tool Steel** Crucible Steel PEERLESS A is a premium, high-tungsten, air-hardening hot work tool steel conforming to the classic AISI H21 specification. It represents one of the most thermally capable grades within the standard hot work steel family, engineered specifically for applications demanding **exceptional hot hardness (red hardness) and maximum resistance to deformation and wear under extreme and sustained high-temperature conditions**. The name "PEERLESS A" underscores its superior, first-tier quality for peerless performance in the most punishing hot work environments. Distinguished by its very high tungsten content and moderate chromium, H21 is designed to maintain mechanical integrity and resist softening at operating temperatures that would rapidly degrade chromium-based hot work steels like H13. It excels in applications where tools are exposed to intense, continuous heat, such as in the hot working of high-temperature alloys, high-speed extrusion, and brass forging. PEERLESS A offers a unique combination of **high-temperature strength, excellent resistance to thermal shock, and good wear resistance**, making it a specialist material for the most severe thermal challenges. --- ## **1. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** The composition of H21 is characterized by a very high tungsten content balanced with chromium and vanadium. | **Element** | **Tungsten (W)** | **Chromium (Cr)** | **Vanadium (V)** | **Carbon (C)** | **Silicon (Si)** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Content** | **8.50 - 10.00** | **3.00 - 3.75** | **0.30 - 0.60** | **0.26 - 0.36** | **0.15 - 0.40** | | **Role** | **Dominant alloying element.** Provides **exceptional hot hardness and resistance to deformation** at extreme temperatures through potent solid solution strengthening and the formation of stable tungsten carbides. | Provides necessary hardenability and oxidation/hot corrosion resistance. Kept moderate to allow for high tungsten content. | Forms fine vanadium carbides that enhance wear resistance, refine grain structure, and improve toughness. | Provides base strength and hardness. Optimized at a moderate level to maintain high-temperature toughness and workability while supporting the alloy matrix. | Acts as a deoxidizer and provides some solid solution strengthening. | *Note: Iron (Fe) constitutes the remainder. The high tungsten-to-chromium ratio is the defining feature, distinguishing it from H13 and H19.* --- ## **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** *Optimized for service at very high temperatures, typically used at a hardness of 40-48 HRC. Its properties peak in the 540-650°C (1000-1200°F) range.* * **Density:** ~8.30 g/cm³ (0.300 lb/in³) – **High**, due to the significant tungsten content. * **Thermal Conductivity:** **Good to Very Good.** Tungsten improves the steel's ability to conduct heat away from the working surface, a critical advantage in reducing thermal gradients and shock. * **Hot Hardness (Red Hardness):** **Exceptional.** The hallmark property. Maintains a high level of hardness and strength at temperatures **exceeding 650°C (1200°F)**, outperforming H13 and H19. This allows tools to withstand heavy loads without deforming under intense heat. * **Thermal Shock Resistance:** **Excellent.** The combination of good thermal conductivity, moderate carbon content, and a balanced alloy system provides excellent resistance to cracking from rapid temperature changes. * **Temper Resistance:** **Outstanding.** Highly resistant to softening during prolonged exposure to high operating temperatures. * **Wear Resistance at Temperature:** **Good.** Performs well under high-temperature sliding and abrasive conditions, though not as high as high-vanadium grades like H19 for pure abrasion. * **Toughness:** **Good (for its hot hardness).** Offers better toughness at high temperatures than many other high-hot-hardness steels, due to its moderate carbon and good thermal shock resistance. --- ## **3. Heat Treatment** Heat treatment requires high austenitizing temperatures to dissolve the tungsten carbides. * **Annealing:** Heat to 870-900°C (1600-1650°F), slow cool. Annealed hardness: 207-255 HB. * **Stress Relieving:** 650-700°C (1200-1290°F), hold, then slow cool. * **Preheating:** **Critical.** Thorough double preheat: First at 540-650°C (1000-1200°F), then at 815-870°C (1500-1600°F). * **Austenitizing:** **1100-1150°C (2010-2100°F).** A common range is **1120-1135°C (2045-2075°F)**. The high temperature is essential to put tungsten into solution for optimal properties. * **Quenching:** **Air quench** (forced air) or high-pressure gas quench. * **Tempering:** **Mandatory Double or Triple Temper.** Temper immediately after quenching. * **Must be tempered at high temperatures.** **Typical Tempering Range:** **595-650°C (1100-1200°F)** to achieve a working hardness of 40-48 HRC and develop optimal high-temperature toughness. * **Multiple tempers (2-3)** are essential for stability. * **Never use in the as-quenched state.** --- ## **4. Key Applications** PEERLESS A (H21) is specified for the most thermally severe hot work applications, often involving high-melting-point metals. * **Hot Extrusion Dies for Steel and Nickel Alloys:** Particularly for stainless steels, high-temperature alloys, and titanium where pressures and temperatures are extreme. * **Brass, Bronze, and Copper Alloy Forging Dies & Mandrels.** * **Hot Piercing Punches and Mandrels** for piercing billets at high temperatures. * **Die Casting Tools for Copper-Based Alloys.** * **Hot Shear Blades** for cutting high-temperature billets. * **Components for Isothermal Forging.** * **Tooling for Glass Manufacturing** where high thermal shock resistance is needed. --- ## **5. International Standards & Cross-References** Crucible PEERLESS A conforms to the AISI H21 specification. * **AISI/SAE:** **H21** * **UNS:** T20821 * **European (EN):** **1.2581** (X30WCrV9-3) is a very close equivalent. **1.2606** is also similar. * **Japanese (JIS):** **SKD5**. * **ISO:** HS 9-2-2 (approximate classification). * **Common Trade Names:** H21 Tool Steel, High Tungsten Hot Work Steel. --- ## **6. Advantages & Limitations** **Advantages:** * **Unmatched Hot Hardness among Standard Grades:** Provides the highest usable temperature capability of the common AISI hot work steels. * **Excellent Thermal Shock Resistance:** The combination of tungsten and moderate carbon makes it remarkably resistant to cracking from thermal cycling. * **Good High-Temperature Toughness:** Retains ductility and fracture resistance better than many alternatives at extreme temperatures. * **Good Thermal Conductivity:** Aids in heat management within the tool. **Limitations:** * **High Cost:** Very high tungsten content makes it an expensive material. * **Lower Room-Temperature Wear Resistance:** Not as wear-resistant as high-vanadium grades (e.g., H19) for abrasive applications at lower temperatures. * **Complex Heat Treatment:** Requires precise, high-temperature austenitizing. * **Heavier Weight:** High density can be a consideration for handling large tools. * **Specialized Application:** Its superior high-temperature properties are only justified in specific, severe thermal environments. --- ## **7. Summary** **Crucible Steel PEERLESS A (AISI H21) is the ultimate high-temperature warrior among standard hot work tool steels.** When the thermal challenge surpasses the capabilities of H13 and H19, H21 stands as the proven, reliable solution. Its tungsten-rich chemistry provides an unbeatable shield against softening and deformation under sustained, intense heat, while its inherent balance offers remarkable resistance to thermal shock. For industries engaged in extruding stainless steel, forging high-temperature alloys, or processing copper-based metals, PEERLESS A delivers the tool life, dimensional stability, and process reliability necessary for profitable and safe operation at the thermal frontier. It is the definitive choice when the primary design criterion is to maintain tool integrity in a literal inferno. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Crucible Steel PEERLESS A Tool Steel, AISI H21 Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6999 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. -: Crucible Steel PEERLESS A Tool Steel, AISI H21 Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Crucible Steel Sheet,Plate PEERLESS A Tool Steel Sheet,Plate, AISI H21 -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Crucible Steel Sheet,Plate PEERLESS A Tool Steel Sheet,Plate, AISI H21 -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Crucible Steel Sheet/Plate PEERLESS A Tool Steel Sheet/Plate, AISI H21 -:- 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 3470 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