H13 1.2344 SKD61 hot work tool steel
H13 tool steel offers excellent heat resistance, thermal fatigue strength, and high-temperature performance. With good hardenability and stability, ideal for die casting, forging, and extrusion molds.
- Standard: AISI H13, DIN 1.2344, JIS SKD61, GB 4Cr5MoSiV1
- Technique: EAF + LF + VD or ESR, forged, multi-directional forging ratio ≥4, stress-relief annealed
- Shape: Flat, Round, Block
- Heat treatment: Supplied in annealed condition, hardness ≤235 HBW; pre-hardened to 38–42 HRC (quenched and tempered) available on request
- Surface Treatment: Black, turned, milled / ground, sawn ends
- Tolerance: flat bar thickness: +0.5/-0.0 mm (turned), width as agreed; forged blocks: ±0.2 mm per drawing
- MOQ: 1 Ton
We supply AISI H13 in various custom sizes
flat size range
- Thickness: 6-200 mm
- Width: 40-1200 mm
block size range
- Thickness: 200-600 mm
- Width: 300-1000 mm
round size range
- Diameter: φ10-800 mm
Chemical Composition (%)
Steel Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | V |
1.2344 | 0.35-0.42 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.25-0.50 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.020 | 4.80-5.50 | 1.20-1.50 | 0.85-1.15 |
H13 | 0.32-0.45 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.20-0.50 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 | 4.75-5.50 | 1.10-1.75 | 0.80-1.20 |
SKD61 | 0.32-0.42 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.25-0.50 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 | 4.50-5.50 | 1.00-1.50 | 0.80-1.15 |
4Cr5MoSiV1 | 0.32-0.45 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.20-0.50 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 | 4.75-5.50 | 1.10-1.75 | 0.80-1.20 |
Main characteristics of H13 tool steel
- Reliable performance - longer die life
- Good toughness - withstand thermal shock
- Thermal fatigue resistant - less heat cracking
- high heat strength - stable at high temperature
Applications needing strength, heat resistance, toughness, and exact dimensional stability are best suited for H13 steel.
H13 | 1.2344 | SKD61 tool steel applications
H13 steel for die casting die
H13 delivers exceptional thermal fatigue resistance and temper stability, ensuring long service life for aluminum and zinc die casting dies.
SKD61 steel for hot extrusion die
High hot hardness and wear resistance keep the dies performing reliably when extruding aluminum or copper alloys under sustained thermal load.
1.2344 steel for hot forging die
Superior toughness and heat-checking resistance enable H13 to withstand heavy mechanical and thermal shock in hot forging.
Our production technology for H13 hot work tool steel
- EAF
- LF
- VD
- ESR
- Forged
- Spheroidizing Annealed
- EFS
- Machined surface
- UT 100% SEP1921 Class 3 D/d or E/e
- Spheroidized microstructure as per standard NADCA207-2003 AS1-AS9
- Macrostructure, microstructure, grain size, and impact toughness shall meet the standards specified in GB/T 1299-2025 for Tool and Die Steels.
mechanical properties & heat treatment of H13 steel
| Heat temperature | Start forging temperature | Finish forging temperature | Cooling method |
| 1120-1150 °c | 1050-1100 °c | 900-850 °c | Pit or sand cooling |
Annealing
- 750 to 800°C (1382 to 1472°F)
- Slow controlled cooling in furnace at a rate of 10 to 20°C/hr (50 to 68°F/hr) down to approx. 600°C (1112°F), further cooling in air.
- Hardness after annealing: max. 235 HB.
Hardening
- 1020 to 1080°C (1868 to 1976°F)
- Oil / salt bath (500 - 550°C / 932-1022°F) / air
- Holding time after temperature equalization: 15 to 30 minutes.
- Obtainable hardness: 52 - 56 HRC in oil or salt bath, 50 - 54 HRC in air.
Stress relieving
- 600 to 650°C (1112 to 1202°F)
- Slow cooling in furnace; intended to relieve stresses set up by extensive machining, or in complex shapes.
- After through heating, hold in neutral atmosphere for 1 - 2 hours.
Tempering
- Slow heating to tempering temperature immediately after hardening / time in furnace 1 hour for each 20 mm of work piece thickness, but at least 2 hours / cooling in air.
- It is recommended to temper at least twice. A third tempering cycle for the purpose of stress relieving may be advantageous.
- 1st tempering approx. 30°C (86°F) above maximum secondary hardness.
- 2nd tempering to desired working hardness. The tempering chart shows average tempered hardness values.
- 3rd for stress relieving at a temperature 30 - 50°C (86 to 122°F) be low highest tempering temperature.
Why Choose NSPM as Your H13 Tool Steel Supplier
Source Direct
Direct mill cooperation ensures stable supply, competitive pricing, and consistent quality. Global resource integration and strong supply chain management guarantee reliable material sourcing and long-term availability.
Stock Ready
50,000+ tons inventory across 11 warehouses enables fast delivery. Flexible cutting, short lead times, and ready stock support urgent demands and improve customers’ production efficiency.
Expert Team
600+ professionals, including R&D specialists and technical engineers, provide application-driven support. Fast response and deep tooling knowledge ensure accurate solutions for diverse industrial needs.
Fully Inspected
Strict quality control system with full traceability, UT testing, and heat treatment records. Certified standards (ISO, CE) ensure every material meets high-performance and reliability requirements.
Full-Chain Machining
From steel supply to precision machining, heat treatment, and equipment manufacturing, NSPM offers integrated solutions that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and overall tooling performance.
