1,We Manufacturing processes are primarily classified into four types:
1:Forging,
2:Casting,
3:Cutting,
4:Rolling.
2,We can manufacture in accordance with these standards.
Standards:
GB Series (Chinese Standards), JB Series (Machinery Standards), HG Series (Chemical Industry Standards), ASME B16.5 (American Standards), BS4504 (British Standards), DIN (German Standards), and JIS (Japanese Standards).
Internationally, there are two primary systems of pipe flange standards: the European system, represented by the German DIN standards (including those of the former Soviet Union), and the American system, represented by the US ANSI pipe flange standards. Other common standards include: the Chinese Ministry of Machinery Industry standards (JB series), the Ministry of Chemical Industry standards (HG series), the Chinese National Standard *GB/T 9112–9124-2010 Steel Pipe Flanges*, as well as US standards (ASME B16.5), British standards (BS4504), German standards (DIN), Japanese standards (JIS), and marine standards (CBM), among others.
The nominal pressure ratings for the PN series are designated by "PN" and comprise the following nine levels: PN2.5, PN6, PN10, PN16, PN25, PN40, PN63, PN100, and PN160.
The nominal pressure ratings for the Class series are designated by "Class" and comprise the following six levels: Class150, Class300, Class600, Class900, Class1500, and Class2500.
Flange Classification
1. **According to Chemical Industry Standards:** Flanges are classified as follows:
Plate Flat Welding Flange (PL), Necked Flat Welding Flange (SO), Necked Butt Welding Flange (WN), Integral Flange (IF), Socket Welding Flange (SW), Threaded Flange (Th), Butt Welding Ring Loose Flange (PJ/SE), Blind Flange (BL), Flat Welding Ring Loose Flange (PJ/PJ), and Lined Blind Flange (BL(s)).
2. **According to Petrochemical (SH) Industry Standards:** Flanges are classified as follows:
Threaded Flange (PL), Butt Welding Flange (WN), Flat Welding Flange (SO), Socket Welding Flange (SW), Loose Flange (LJ), and Blind Flange (no specific designation).
3. **According to Machinery (JB) Industry Standards:** Flanges are classified as follows:
Integral Flange, Butt Welding Flange, Plate Flat Welding Flange, Butt Welding Ring Plate Loose Flange, Flat Welding Ring Plate Loose Flange, Lap Joint Ring Plate Loose Flange, and Blind Flange.
4. **According to Connection Method/Type:** Flanges are classified as follows:
Plate Flat Welding Flange, Necked Flat Welding Flange, Necked Butt Welding Flange, Socket Welding Flange, Threaded Flange, Blind Flange, Necked Butt Welding Ring Loose Flange, Flat Welding Ring Loose Flange, Ring-Type Joint (RTJ) Flange and Blind Flange, Large-Diameter Plate Flange, Large-Diameter High-Neck Flange, Figure-8 Blind Plate, Butt Welding Ring Loose Flange, etc.
5. **According to the Component Being Connected:** Flanges can be classified into Vessel Flanges and Pipe Flanges.
6. **According to Structural Type:** Flanges include Integral Flanges, Threaded Flanges, Flat Welding Flanges, Butt Welding Flanges, Lap Joint (Loose/Swivel) Flanges, and Blind Flanges.
A flange—also referred to as a flange plate or rim—is a component used to connect shafts to one another, or, more commonly, to join the ends of pipes. Flanges are also utilized at the inlet and outlet ports of equipment to facilitate connections between two devices—for instance, the flange on a speed reducer. A "flange connection" or "flanged joint" refers to a detachable joint assembly comprising three interconnected elements—a flange, a gasket, and bolts—that together form a sealed structural unit. In the context of piping systems, a "pipe flange" specifically denotes a flange used for plumbing within the installation; when applied to equipment, it refers to the inlet or outlet flange of that specific device. Flanges feature a series of holes through which bolts are inserted to securely fasten the two flanges together, while a gasket placed between the flanges ensures a leak-proof seal. Flanges are broadly categorized into three types: threaded (screw-in) flanges, welded flanges, and clamp-type flanges. Flanges are invariably used in pairs; threaded flanges are suitable for low-pressure piping applications, whereas welded flanges are required for systems operating at pressures exceeding 4 kilograms per square centimeter. A sealing gasket is inserted between the two flange plates, which are then firmly secured using bolts. The thickness of a flange—as well as the specifications of the bolts used to fasten it—vary depending on the specific pressure rating required for the application. When connecting equipment such as water pumps or valves to piping systems, the corresponding connection points on these devices are often manufactured in the shape of a matching flange; this method of attachment is also referred to as a "flange connection." Generally, any connecting component that utilizes bolts to join and seal the perimeters of two flat surfaces—such as the joints in ventilation ducts—is termed a "flange"; such components may collectively be classified as "flange-type parts." However, since such a connection often constitutes merely a *portion* of a larger device—for instance, the interface between a flange and a water pump—it would be inappropriate to classify the entire water pump itself as a "flange-type part." Conversely, smaller components—such as valves—that feature such flanged interfaces may indeed be appropriately categorized as "flange-type parts."
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Bohler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel Flange Product Information
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Bohler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel Flange Synonyms
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Bohler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel Product Information
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# **Böhler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel**
## **Product Overview**
**BÖHLER W400 VMR®** is a premium-grade **air-hardening chromium hot work tool steel** conforming to AISI H11 specifications, manufactured using Böhler-Uddeholm's proprietary **VMR® (Vacuum Melted and Remelted)** process. This advanced dual vacuum melting technology ensures exceptional **internal cleanliness, microstructural homogeneity, and superior isotropy**. W400 VMR® is specifically engineered to deliver **excellent toughness, high thermal fatigue resistance, and good machinability**, making it an ideal choice for demanding hot work applications—particularly in aluminum extrusion, forging, and die-casting—where resistance to heat checking and mechanical shock are paramount.
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## **1. Key Characteristics & Advantages**
* **Exceptional Toughness:** Offers superior impact strength and fracture resistance at both ambient and elevated temperatures compared to higher-alloy hot work steels like H13.
* **Excellent Thermal Fatigue Resistance:** Highly resistant to the initiation and propagation of heat checking cracks under cyclic thermal loading.
* **Superior Internal Cleanliness:** The VMR® process dramatically reduces non-metallic inclusions and gas content (oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen), resulting in improved mechanical properties and polishability.
* **Good Machinability:** In the annealed condition, exhibits better machinability than many other hot work steels, reducing manufacturing time and cost.
* **High Dimensional Stability:** Air-hardening characteristic with minimal distortion during heat treatment, suitable for complex tool geometries.
* **Good Resistance to Thermal Softening:** Maintains adequate hardness and strength at moderate operating temperatures (up to ~540°C / 1000°F).
* **Excellent Polishability:** The clean, homogeneous VMR® microstructure allows for very good surface finishes.
* **Superior Weldability:** The low impurity content and controlled chemistry make it highly suitable for repair welding.
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## **2. Chemical Composition (Weight %)**
| Element | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) | Silicon (Si) |
| :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| **Content** | **0.33 - 0.41** | **4.75 - 5.25** | **1.25 - 1.60** | **0.40 - 0.60** | **0.80 - 1.10** |
**Alloying Rationale & VMR® Advantage:**
* **Carbon (0.37%):** Balanced to provide a good combination of hardness and toughness.
* **Chromium (5.0%) & Molybdenum (1.4%):** Provide deep hardenability, good high-temperature strength, and resistance to softening.
* **Vanadium (0.5%):** Enhances wear resistance, refines grain size, and improves toughness.
* **Silicon (1.0%):** Increases oxidation resistance and strength.
* **VMR® Process Significance:** The sequential **Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM)** followed by **Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR)** ensures:
* Extremely low levels of sulfur, phosphorus, and oxides.
* Minimal macro- and micro-segregation.
* Very low gas content, reducing the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
* A uniform, fine-grained, and isotropic microstructure that directly translates to better fatigue life and toughness.
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## **3. Physical & Mechanical Properties**
### **Physical Properties:**
* **Density:** ~7.80 g/cm³
* **Thermal Conductivity:** ~28.5 W/(m·K) at 20°C
* **Modulus of Elasticity:** ~210 GPa
* **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** ~11.8 x 10⁻⁶/K (20-500°C)
### **Heat Treatment & Mechanical Data:**
* **Annealed Hardness:** ~200 HBW (max)
* **Austenitizing Temperature:** 1000 - 1030°C (1830 - 1885°F)
* **Quenching Medium:** Air (forced air for sections >75mm/3"). Oil quenching can be used for complex shapes.
* **Tempering:** **Double tempering is essential.** Temperature range: 540 - 650°C (1005 - 1200°F).
* **Typical Working Hardness:**
* **44-48 HRC** (tempered at 580-620°C): For maximum toughness and thermal fatigue resistance (e.g., aluminum extrusion dies, forging dies).
* **48-51 HRC** (tempered at 540-580°C): For applications requiring higher strength while maintaining good toughness.
* **Impact Toughness (Charpy V):** Typically >40 J at 46 HRC, exceptionally high for a hot work steel.
* **Hot Hardness:** Maintains useful hardness up to approximately 540°C.
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## **4. Primary Applications**
W400 VMR® is the premium choice for applications where **maximum toughness and thermal fatigue resistance are more critical than extreme hot hardness**.
* **Hot Aluminum Extrusion:** Dies, mandrels, backers, and containers—where its exceptional toughness resists breakage under high pressure.
* **Hot Forging Dies:** Hammers, press forging dies, and inserts for steel and non-ferrous metals, benefiting from its shock resistance.
* **Die-Casting:** Cores, pins, and inserts for aluminum and zinc die-casting, especially for thin, complex sections prone to cracking.
* **Plastic Molds:** Cavities and cores for high-temperature engineering plastics; excellent for hot runner manifolds and nozzles.
* **Press Hardening (Hot Stamping):** Tools where high toughness is required to withstand mechanical loads during forming of ultra-high-strength steel.
* **General Hot Work Tooling:** Where reliability and resistance to catastrophic failure are prioritized.
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## **5. Relevant International Standards & Comparable Grades**
BÖHLER W400 VMR® is the premium, vacuum-remelted variant of the standard AISI H11 grade.
| Standard | Grade / Designation | Country/Region | Quality Comparison |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **AISI / ASTM A681** | **H11** | USA | W400 VMR® is the premium quality tier with VIM+VAR refinement. |
| **DIN / Werkstoff** | **1.2343 (X38CrMoV5-1)** | Germany/EU | The standard air-melted equivalent. W400 VMR® offers superior cleanliness and isotropy. |
| **JIS G4404** | **SKD6** | Japan | The Japanese H11 equivalent. |
| **ISO 4957** | **X38CrMoV5-1** | International | Corresponding ISO designation. |
| **GB/T 1299** | **4Cr5MoSiV1** | China | Similar chemistry; W400 VMR® defines the premium import standard. |
| **Uddeholm VMR®** | **ORVAR®** | Uddeholm | Another VMR® hot work steel (H13 type). W400 is the H11 variant within the VMR® family. |
**Critical Specification:** The **"VMR®"** designation is essential, guaranteeing the material has undergone dual vacuum melting for maximum internal purity and performance consistency, distinguishing it from standard air-melted or even single-vacuum melted H11.
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## **6. Processing & Fabrication Guidelines**
* **Machining:** **Very good machinability** in the annealed condition. Use sharp carbide tools. The VMR® structure provides predictable tool wear and excellent surface finishes from machining.
* **Heat Treatment:**
1. **Preheating:** Essential. Recommended at 600-650°C and 800-850°C.
2. **Austenitizing:** Must be performed in a **vacuum or controlled atmosphere furnace** to protect the clean surface from decarburization.
3. **Quenching:** Air cooling is standard. For complex tools, high-pressure gas or oil quenching may be used.
4. **Tempering:** **Temper immediately after quenching.** Perform a **double temper**, allowing the tool to cool to room temperature between cycles.
* **Stress Relieving:** After rough machining, a stress relief at 600-650°C is highly recommended.
* **Welding:** **Excellent weldability** due to low impurity content.
* **Filler Metal:** Use a matching or slightly softer hot work steel filler (e.g., Böhler UDDEHOLM WELDEX H11).
* **Pre-heat:** 350-450°C.
* **Post-Weld:** For critical tools, a full re-austenitizing and tempering cycle is recommended to restore optimal properties in the heat-affected zone.
* **Surface Treatment:** Commonly nitrided (gas, plasma) to enhance surface hardness (>1000 HV) and wear/solder resistance without significantly affecting the core toughness.
* **EDM:** Suitable. A low-temperature stress relief (400-450°C) after EDM is advisable.
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## **7. Conclusion**
**BÖHLER W400 VMR®** represents the **pinnacle of H11 hot work tool steel technology**, where ultimate **toughness, reliability, and internal integrity** are non-negotiable. The investment in the VMR® process translates directly into tools that are more resistant to catastrophic failure, exhibit longer thermal fatigue life, and provide consistent, predictable performance in the most demanding high-stress, high-temperature environments.
For applications like aluminum extrusion dies and heavy forging tools, where the cost of unexpected tool failure is extremely high, W400 VMR® provides an unparalleled level of security and performance. It is the definitive choice for engineers and toolmakers who prioritize **maximum toughness and fatigue resistance over extreme hot hardness**, and who understand that the highest material quality is the foundation of tooling reliability and productivity.
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Bohler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel Specification
Dimensions
Size:
Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6899 mm
Size:We can customized as required
Standard:
Per your request or drawing
We can customized as required
Properties(Theoretical)
Chemical Composition
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Bohler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel Properties
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Applications of Bohler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel Flange
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Chemical Identifiers Bohler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel Flange
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Packing of Bohler-Uddeholm BÖHLER W400 VMR® H11 Hot Work Tool Steel Flange
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Standard Packing:
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Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Flange 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 3370 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