Schmolz + Bickenbach,Thermodur® 2344 EFS Extra Fine Structure - Hot Work Die Steel Flange

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." -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 EFS Extra Fine Structure - Hot Work Die Steel Flange Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 EFS Extra Fine Structure - Hot Work Die Steel Flange Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 EFS Extra Fine Structure - Hot Work Die Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Thermodur® 2344 EFS (Extra Fine Structure) | Premium Hot Work Die Steel (H-13 Type)** ## **Overview** SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH **Thermodur® 2344 EFS (Extra Fine Structure)** is a premium-grade, chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot work die steel representing the highest quality standard within the globally recognized AISI H13 (DIN 1.2344) alloy class. The **"EFS"** designation signifies production via **Electroslag Remelting (ESR)**, delivering an exceptionally homogeneous, isotropic microstructure characterized by ultra-fine grain size, superior cleanliness, and minimal micro-segregation. This advanced metallurgical structure directly translates to **enhanced thermal fatigue resistance, superior toughness, consistent high-temperature performance, and extended die life** in the most demanding hot work applications, particularly aluminum die casting and hot forging. ## **Key Features:** * **Extra Fine Structure (EFS):** ESR refining creates an isotropic, inclusion-controlled microstructure that maximizes toughness, thermal fatigue life, and polishability. * **Superior Thermal Fatigue (Heat Check) Resistance:** The homogeneous, fine-grained structure significantly delays the initiation and retards the propagation of thermal stress cracks under cyclic heating and cooling. * **Excellent Combination of Toughness & Hot Hardness:** Maintains a robust balance between impact resistance and high-temperature strength, critical for withstanding mechanical shock at operational temperatures. * **Good Wear & Erosion Resistance:** The vanadium content provides solid resistance to soldering, washout, and abrasive wear at elevated temperatures. * **High Thermal Conductivity (~25 W/m·K):** Promotes efficient heat transfer away from the die surface, reducing thermal gradients and associated stresses. * **Excellent Polishability & Surface Integrity:** The clean, homogeneous structure allows for superior surface finishes, reducing sticking tendencies and improving part release. * **Minimal Distortion & Predictable Heat Treatment:** The isotropic nature ensures uniform dimensional change during hardening, enabling the production of complex, precision dies. * **Consistent Performance:** Exceptional lot-to-lat uniformity ensures predictable die life and reliable performance in production. --- ## **Material Specifications: Thermodur® 2344 EFS** ### **1. Chemical Composition (wt%)** | Element | Content Range (wt%) | Function & Benefit in Hot Work | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.37 - 0.42 | Provides foundational matrix hardness and strength. Optimally balanced for toughness. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.90 - 1.20 | Enhances tempering resistance, high-temperature strength, and oxidation resistance. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.30 - 0.50 | Aids hardenability and solid solution strengthening. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 4.80 - 5.50 | Imparts deep hardenability, high-temperature strength, and oxidation resistance. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 1.20 - 1.50 | Improves hardenability, hot strength, tempering resistance, and reduces temper embrittlement risk. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.90 - 1.10 | **Critical Element.** Forms fine, stable MC-type carbides that provide **secondary hardening**, enhance wear/erosion resistance, and refine grain size. | | **Sulfur (S)** | **≤ 0.005** (EFS) | **Ultra-Low.** Maximizes transverse toughness, polishability, and isotropy. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | **≤ 0.015** (EFS) | **Ultra-Low.** Minimized to prevent grain boundary embrittlement. | **Key Distinction from H11 (1.2343):** The significantly higher **Vanadium (V)** content (~1.0% vs. ~0.4%) is the primary differentiator, providing H13/1.2344 with better wear resistance and secondary hardening response, albeit with a slight trade-off in ultimate toughness. **"EFS" Metallurgical Advantages (ESR Process):** * **Extreme Inclusion Control:** Drastic reduction of sulfides and oxides, eliminating potential sites for crack initiation. * **Chemical & Structural Homogeneity:** Elimination of dendritic segregation ensures uniform properties throughout any cross-section. * **Fine, Equiaxed Austenite Grains:** Results in superior isotropic mechanical properties, especially toughness. * **Enhanced Density:** Reduced micro-porosity improves thermal fatigue performance and surface finish capability. ### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** #### **Properties in Annealed Condition:** * **Hardness:** ≤ 210 HB * **Microstructure:** Uniformly spheroidized carbides in ferritic matrix. * **Machinability:** Good (for its alloy class). #### **Properties in Hardened & Tempered Condition (Typical Service Range):** | Tempering Temperature | Hardness (HRC) | 0.2% Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Impact Toughness (Charpy V, J) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **540-560°C** | 48 - 50 | ~1500 - 1650 | ~1700 - 1850 | 25 - 35 | | **580-600°C** | 44 - 46 | ~1300 - 1450 | ~1500 - 1650 | 30 - 45 | | **620-640°C** | 40 - 42 | ~1150 - 1300 | ~1350 - 1500 | 40 - 60 | #### **High-Temperature Performance (Aged at ~48 HRC):** | Temperature | Hot Hardness (HV) | 0.2% Hot Yield Strength (MPa) | Retained Room-Temp Hardness | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **400°C** | ~440 - 470 | ~1050 - 1200 | ~82% | | **500°C** | ~370 - 410 | ~750 - 900 | ~68% | | **600°C** | ~290 - 330 | ~480 - 580 | ~53% | #### **Thermal & Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 7.80 g/cm³ * **Thermal Conductivity:** **~25 W/m·K** (at 20°C) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 11.8 x 10⁻⁶ /K (20-400°C) * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 210 GPa * **Specific Heat Capacity:** 460 J/kg·K ### **3. Special Performance Characteristics** * **Thermal Fatigue Life:** The **EFS structure** is the critical upgrade, often providing **30-50% longer life** before heat checking compared to conventional air-melted H13 under identical cyclic thermal conditions. * **Isotropic Toughness:** Transverse impact values closely match longitudinal values, a vital attribute for complex dies experiencing multi-directional stresses. * **Polishability:** Capable of achieving fine surface finishes (Ra < 0.2 µm), crucial for aluminum die casting to minimize soldering and improve casting surface quality. ### **4. Machining & Finishing** * **Machining (Annealed):** Good. Use sharp, positive geometry carbide tools with adequate cooling. * **EDM:** Excellent. The homogeneous structure ensures stable machining and a high-quality surface with a minimal affected layer. * **Grinding:** Very Good. Use appropriate wheels (e.g., aluminum oxide) with sufficient coolant to prevent thermal damage. * **Polishing:** Excellent for a hot work steel. The cleanliness allows for efficient progression to high-gloss finishes. --- ## **International Standards & Cross-References** | Standard | Designation | Note | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH** | **Thermodur® 2344 EFS** | Proprietary premium grade. | | **DIN / EN / W-Nr.** | **1.2344** (ESR Quality) | Base standard. "EFS" denotes the premium ESR-refined quality. | | **AISI / ASTM** | **H13** | Standard equivalent. | | **ISO 4957** | **X40CrMoV5-1** | | | **Uddeholm** | **ORVAR® Supreme** (Microdized) | Direct competitor, similar ESR-refined H13. | | **Böhler / voestalpine** | **W300** (ESR) | | | **ThyssenKrupp** | **GS-344 ESU** | | | **Japanese (JIS)** | **SKD61** | | | **Chinese (GB)** | **4Cr5MoSiV1** | | --- ## **Heat Treatment Guidelines** 1. **Soft Annealing:** 840-860°C, slow furnace cool. Target hardness: ≤ 210 HB. 2. **Stress Relieving (after rough machining):** 650-700°C for 2 hours. 3. **Preheating:** **Critical.** Two-stage preheat at 500-550°C and 800-850°C. 4. **Austenitizing (Hardening):** * **Temperature:** **1020-1050°C.** Vacuum or controlled atmosphere is mandatory. * **Soak Time:** 20-30 minutes per 25mm of effective thickness. 5. **Quenching:** In **forced air** (for simple shapes) or **high-pressure gas (4-10 bar N₂/Ar)** in a vacuum furnace (preferred for complex geometries and minimal distortion). 6. **Tempering:** * **Must begin immediately** after quenching (at ~40-80°C). * **Temperature:** Typically **560-620°C** for hot work applications (targeting 44-48 HRC). * **Double or Triple Tempering is absolutely essential.** Hold for at least 2 hours per temper, air cool to room temperature between tempers. * **Note:** A secondary hardness peak occurs around 520-560°C. --- ## **Product Applications** Thermodur® 2344 EFS is the **industry-preferred material for high-stress, high-temperature tooling**, especially where a balance of thermal fatigue resistance, wear resistance, and toughness is required. **Primary Application Areas:** * **Aluminum Die Casting:** The **dominant application.** Used for cavity inserts, cores, slides, shot sleeves, plunger tips, goosenecks, and hot runner nozzles. Its EFS quality is particularly valuable for thin-wall, high-quality surface castings and high-pressure die casting (HPDC). * **Zinc & Magnesium Die Casting:** Core pins, ejector pins, and inserts. * **Hot Forging Dies:** Inserts for forging hammers and presses (steel, titanium, brass), punches, die blocks, and wear rings. * **Hot & Warm Extrusion Dies:** For aluminum, copper, and steel. * **Hot Stamping (Press Hardening) Dies:** Tools for forming boron-alloyed ultra-high-strength steels (22MnB5). * **Plastic Molds for High-Temperature Polymers:** Inserts and hot runner systems for PEEK, PEI, PPS. * **Glass Molding Tools.** **Ideal for Dies Experiencing:** * Severe thermal cycling combined with abrasive/erosive wear. * High mechanical loads at elevated temperatures. * Where both heat checking and soldering/washout are failure concerns. **Less Suitable for:** Applications requiring the absolute maximum toughness (choose H11/1.2343 EFS) or extreme high-temperature (>600°C) performance where cobalt-based or nickel-based alloys are superior. --- ## **Why Choose 2344 EFS over Standard H13?** * **Extended Die Life:** The primary benefit is significantly **improved thermal fatigue life and consistent toughness**, leading to fewer unscheduled stops for die repair or replacement. * **Reliability & Predictability:** Reduced risk of catastrophic failure due to material inconsistencies (inclusions, segregation). * **Improved Casting Quality:** Better polishability and surface integrity can translate to superior casting surface finish and easier release. * **Cost-Effectiveness:** Although premium-priced, the extended service life and reduced downtime typically deliver a **lower total cost per casting/forging produced**. **Selection Guidance:** For the vast majority of demanding aluminum die casting and hot forging applications, **Thermodur® 2344 EFS represents the optimal balance of performance and reliability**, making it the benchmark material for premium die construction. --- **Disclaimer:** The information provided is based on typical data for SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Thermodur® 2344 EFS. Properties are influenced by exact heat treatment parameters and section size. 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 "EFS" quality level is essential for achieving the stated performance advantages over conventional H13. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 EFS Extra Fine Structure - Hot Work Die Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7130 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 EFS Extra Fine Structure - Hot Work Die Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

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

Packing of Schmolz + Bickenbach Thermodur® 2344 EFS Extra Fine Structure - Hot Work Die Steel Flange -:- 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 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 3601 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