H13

Applications of H13 Tool Steel Die Casting Dies – Widely used for aluminum, zinc, and magnesium die casting due to excellent thermal fatigue resistance. Extrusion Dies – Ideal for hot extrusion processes in metals like aluminum and copper. Forging Dies – Common in hot forging applications requiring toughness and wear resistance. Plastic Moulds – Used in plastic injection molds where high thermal conductivity and durability are needed. Hot Shear Blades and Trimming Dies – Maintains sharp edges and resists thermal shock in high-temperature cutting tools. Press Tools – Suitable for high-strength press tools exposed to repeated heating cycles. Aerospace and Automotive Components – Used in parts requiring high temperature strength and impact resistance.

We are a reliable dealer, supplier, and stockist of H13 Tool Steel, offering high-quality material for demanding hot work tooling and engineering applications. Our H13 steel is available in multiple forms such as round bars, flat bars, plates, and custom-cut sizes, sourced from trusted mills and certified to meet international quality standards.

Annealed Condition: Hardness typically ranges from 190 to 220 HB (Brinell Hardness) Supplied in this softer state to allow easy machining and shaping After Hardening and Tempering: Can achieve Rockwell hardness of 50 to 54 HRC Provides excellent wear resistance and strength for hot work applications Surface Treatments (Optional): Nitriding or other surface hardening techniques can raise surface hardness further, improving wear without affecting core toughness

Annealing (Softening for Machining): Heat to 815–850 °C Hold until temperature is uniform throughout Cool slowly in the furnace (furnace cooling) to about 600 °C, then air cool Result: Soft condition (~190–220 HB) for easier machining 2. Hardening (Austenitizing and Quenching): Preheat in stages: First to 600–650 °C Then to 850–900 °C Austenitize at 1020–1050 °C (hold time depends on section size) Quench rapidly in air, oil, or vacuum furnace gas quenching (air or gas quenching preferred to minimize distortion) 3. Tempering: Temper immediately after quenching Typical tempering temperature range: 550–650 °C Temper 2–3 times, holding for about 2 hours each cycle Purpose: Relieves stresses, improves toughness, and stabilizes hardness Final hardness: 50–54 HRC

Preheating: Heat slowly in stages to reduce thermal stress: First stage: 600–650 °C Second stage: 850–900 °C Austenitizing: Heat to 1020–1050 °C and hold, depending on the section thickness This process transforms the microstructure, preparing the steel for hardening Quenching: Cool in air, oil, or preferably vacuum furnace gas quenching Air or gas quenching reduces the risk of distortion and cracking compared to oil Tempering: Must temper immediately after quenching Typical tempering temperatures are between 550–650 °C, done 2–3 times This reduces brittleness and improves toughness while stabilizing hardness

Preheating: Preheat the steel to 300–400 °C before welding to reduce thermal stresses. Welding Method: Commonly welded using TIG (GTAW) or MIG (GMAW) processes. Use matching or compatible filler materials designed for H13 to maintain weld integrity. Interpass Temperature: Maintain 300–400 °C between welding passes to avoid rapid cooling and cracking. Post-Weld Heat Treatment: Stress relief annealing at 600–650 °C for 1-2 hours after welding is recommended. For critical applications, a full hardening and tempering cycle may be necessary to restore properties. Avoid Welding in Hardened Condition: Welding H13 in hardened condition is generally discouraged unless necessary, due to the risk of cracking.

Annealed State (~190–220 HB): – Machines well using high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide tools – Suitable for turning, milling, drilling, and grinding Hardened State (~50–54 HRC): – Machining becomes more challenging due to increased hardness – Requires carbide or ceramic tooling, slower feed rates, and efficient cooling – Tool wear is higher; frequent tool maintenance needed Surface Finish: – Good polishability, making it suitable for precision tooling