H11

Die Casting Dies – Ideal for aluminum and zinc die casting due to its excellent thermal shock resistance. Extrusion Dies – Commonly used for hot extrusion of metals like aluminum, copper, and magnesium. Forging Dies – Suitable for hammer and press dies in hot forging operations. Aerospace Components – Used in parts like landing gear and structural supports where both strength and impact resistance are required. Mandrels and Punches – Performs well in high-impact, high-heat operations. Plastic Moulds – Used in select high-temperature plastic molding applications. Hot Shear Blades and Trimming Dies – Maintains sharpness and structural integrity under repeated heat cycles. Aircraft Tooling – Reliable in tooling exposed to high stress and thermal variations.

We are a trusted dealer, supplier, and stockist of H11 Tool Steel, delivering high-performance material for hot work and precision engineering applications. Our H11 steel is available in various forms including round bars, flat bars, plates, and custom-cut sizes, all sourced from reliable mills and certified to meet international standards.

Annealed Condition: Hardness ranges from ~190 to 230 HB (Brinell Hardness) Supplied soft for easy machining and shaping before final heat treatment After Hardening and Tempering: Can reach a Rockwell hardness of ~48 to 52 HRC Suitable for high-stress and high-temperature tooling Surface Treatments (Optional): Nitriding or PVD coatings can increase surface hardness to around 60–65 HRC (without affecting the tough core)

Soft Annealing: Temperature: Heat to 820–850 °C Process: Hold for a few hours, then cool slowly in the furnace at ≤10 °C/hour to ~600 °C, then air cool. Purpose: Softens the steel for machining and relieves internal stress. 2. Stress Relieving (After Machining or Welding): Temperature: Heat to 600–650 °C, hold for 2 hours. Cooling: Air cool. Purpose: Minimizes distortion and cracking during service. 3. Hardening (Austenitizing): Preheating: Stage 1: 450–500 °C Stage 2: 850–900 °C Final Hardening Temperature: 1000–1040 °C (hold depending on section size) Quenching: Air cool or use pressurized gas in vacuum furnaces 4. Tempering: Temperature: 550–650 °C Cycles: Temper 2 or 3 times for 2 hours each Purpose: Reduces brittleness, improves toughness, and stabilizes structure Final Hardness: ~48–52 HRC

Hardening Process Steps: Preheating (2-Stage Recommended): Stage 1: Heat to 450–500 °C Stage 2: Raise to 850–900 °C Purpose: Gradual heating reduces thermal stress and prevents cracking. Austenitizing (Final Hardening Temperature): Heat to 1000–1040 °C Hold at temperature long enough to ensure the core reaches full heat (time depends on size). This transforms the steel's structure to allow it to harden properly. Quenching: Air cooling or gas quenching in vacuum furnace is preferred to minimize distortion. Oil quenching is not typically used, as it may increase the risk of cracking in larger or complex parts. Tempering (Mandatory After Hardening): Must be tempered immediately after quenching. Tempering range: 550–650 °C, typically 2 or 3 times Final hardness: ~48–52 HRC, depending on tempering temperature.

Preheating: Always preheat to 300–400 °C before welding. Helps reduce thermal shock and risk of cracking. Welding Methods: Suitable for TIG (GTAW) or MIG (GMAW) welding. Use matching filler material (e.g., H11-compatible rod) to maintain hardness and toughness. Interpass Temperature: Maintain 300–400 °C between passes to ensure consistent weld quality. Post-Weld Heat Treatment: Stress relief annealing at 600–650 °C recommended after welding. For critical components, full re-hardening and tempering may be necessary to restore properties. Welding in Hardened State: Not recommended unless unavoidable. If done, must include full PWHT and hardness checks.

Machining Characteristics: Annealed Condition (~190–230 HB): – Easiest to machine – Suitable for turning, milling, drilling, and grinding – High-speed steel or carbide tools are recommended for best results Hardened Condition (~48–52 HRC): – Machining becomes more difficult – Use carbide or ceramic tooling, slower feeds, and proper coolants – Tool wear increases, so regular sharpening is advised Polishability: – Good polishability, making H11 suitable for mold components where surface finish matters