1.2344

Injection Moulds – Especially for abrasive or glass-filled plastics requiring high thermal strength. Compression and Transfer Moulds – Ideal for moulding thermosetting plastics and rubber under heat and pressure. Hot Runner Manifolds and Nozzles – Withstands constant heating cycles and molten plastic flow. Die Casting Dies – Used in aluminum, zinc, and magnesium die casting due to its excellent hot wear resistance. Extrusion Tooling – Suitable for plastic or aluminum extrusion dies and tips. Core Pins and Inserts – Applied where dimensional stability and heat resistance are required in deep cavities. Mould Bases for High-Temperature Processing – Performs well where mold bases are exposed to continuous or cyclic heating. Hot Forging Dies – Used beyond plastics, in forging and metal-forming tools where impact and heat coexist. Glass Moulds – Handles the thermal stress and wear from forming hot glass parts. Valve Bodies and Nozzle Components – Suitable for components that manage high-temperature plastic flow or pressure.

We are a trusted dealer, supplier, and stockist of 1.2344 / H13 Plastic Mould Steel, delivering premium-quality materials to industries across India and globally. Our inventory includes round bars, flat bars, plates, and precision-cut blocks, tailored to the exacting needs of mold makers and tool manufacturers.

Supplied Condition (Annealed): – Typically delivered in a soft-annealed state with a hardness of ~190–230 HB (Brinell Hardness). – Ideal for easy machining before final heat treatment. After Hardening and Tempering: – Can achieve a hardness of ~44–52 HRC (Rockwell Hardness C). – Balanced to offer wear resistance while maintaining toughness and thermal stability. After Nitriding (Optional): – Surface hardness can reach up to ~60–65 HRC, improving wear and corrosion resistance without affecting core toughness.

Soft Annealing: Heat to 820–860 °C, then cool slowly in a furnace (max 10°C per hour) to about 600°C, followed by air cooling. Results in a machinable structure with a hardness of ~190–230 HB. Stress Relieving (After Machining): Heat to 600–650 °C, hold for 2 hours, then air cool. Recommended after heavy machining to reduce internal stresses. Hardening (Austenitizing): Preheat in two stages: First to 450–500 °C, Then to 850–900 °C. Final austenitizing at 1020–1050 °C, hold thoroughly depending on size. Quenching: Air cooling or pressurized gas (in vacuum furnace). Oil quenching is avoided to reduce risk of distortion or cracking. Tempering: Temper immediately after quenching. Tempering range: 500–650 °C, usually done 2–3 times to reduce retained austenite. Double or triple tempering ensures stability. Final hardness after tempering: 44–52 HRC. Nitriding (Optional): Performed at 500–550 °C. Produces a hard surface (~60–65 HRC) for wear and corrosion resistance.

Preheating: Heat the material slowly in two stages: First to 450–500 °C Then to 850–900 °C This helps reduce thermal shock and promote even temperature distribution. Austenitizing (Hardening Temperature): Heat uniformly to 1020–1050 °C Soak thoroughly (hold for 15–30 minutes depending on section size) to allow full transformation of the structure. Quenching: Cool in still air, vacuum with gas pressure, or oil (only for small sections) Air or gas quenching is preferred to minimize distortion or cracking in complex tools. Tempering (Post-Quenching): Perform tempering immediately after quenching. Temper 2–3 times at 500–650 °C, with at least 2 hours per cycle. Final hardness: 44–52 HRC, depending on the tempering temperature.

Preheating: Preheat the material to 300–400 °C before welding to reduce the risk of thermal shock and cracking. Welding Methods: TIG (GTAW) or MIG (GMAW) welding is preferred. Use a matching filler rod (e.g., H13 electrode or equivalent high-chromium filler) to retain similar hardness and toughness. Interpass Temperature: Maintain 300–400 °C between weld passes to avoid cold welds or brittle zones. Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT): After welding, perform stress relieving at 550–650 °C for 2 hours, followed by slow cooling. If used in high-performance dies, re-harden and temper as needed to restore original properties. Finishing: Surface finish, polishing, and hardness checks are recommended to ensure uniformity, especially for mold cavities.

Annealed Condition: – Best machinability is achieved when the steel is in the soft-annealed state (190–230 HB). – Provides smooth cutting and minimal tool wear. After Hardening (44–52 HRC): – Machinability becomes more difficult. Carbide or coated carbide tools are recommended. – Lower feed rates and high-performance coolants help maintain surface finish and tool life. Polishability: – Very good; H13 is suitable for mirror finishes, making it ideal for cosmetic plastic molds. Tool Wear Consideration: – The alloy's vanadium and chromium content increases tool wear, so high-speed steel (HSS) tools are not ideal for hardened material.