USD ESR / 1.2344 ESR Die Steel
This ESR-refined USD steel has uniform isotropic texture, great rigidity and thermal stability. It fits high-stress dies, die holders and dummy blocks across hot working industries.
- Standard: USD Kind&Co
- Technique: Forged
- Shape: Block
- Heat treatment: Annealed / Q+T
- Surface Treatment: Black, Machined
- Tolerance: +/- 1%
- MOQ: 1
We supply USD ESR in various custom sizes

block size range
- Thickness: ≤700 mm
- Width: ≤1200 mm
Chemical Composition (%)
Grade | C | Si | Mn | Cr | Mo | V |
USD ESR | 0.40 | 1.00 | 0.40 | 5.2 | 1.30 | 1.0 |
Main characteristics of USD ESR tool steel
- Isotropic ESR microstructure – delivers uniform die performance
- High-temperature anti-softening ability – withstands heavy thermal loads
- Outstanding heat crack resistance – effectively prolongs service life
- Favorable machinability – cuts die fabrication time and costs
USD ESR tool steel applications
USD ESR steel For High stress dies of all shapes
Crafted with uniform ESR-refined microstructure, it delivers reliable toughness and high load capacity for high-stress dies of all shapes under severe working conditions.
USD ESR steel For Die Holders
Featuring exceptional structural rigidity and excellent dimensional stability, it provides durable steady support for die holders in long, heavy-duty production runs.
USD ESR for Dummy blocks
Engineered for stable hot hardness and superior thermal fatigue resistance, it withstands cyclic high-pressure thermal loads to reliably extend dummy block service life.
Our production technology for USD ESR KIND&CO Die Steel
- Melting
- Forging
- Hardening & Annealing
- Finishing
- Stock & Sawing
- Machining
- Vacuum Hardening
- 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 USD ESR 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
- Temperature:820-840°C
- Holding time: 4-6 h; Slow furance cooling
- Hardness after annealing :Max. 220HB.
Hardening
- Temperature:1020-1050°C
- Quenching: air, hot bath at appr. 540 °C ,oil or Polymer (when oil or polymer, interrupt at 230-280 C), or vacuum hardening.
- Hardness obtainable: appr.55 HRC.
Stress relieving
- Temperature: appr.650 °C
- Holding time: 2-4 h;Slow cooling
Tempering
- Temperature:520-700°C
- To increase toughness, temper 2 or 3 times.
- Nitriding: possible.
- Preheating before use: 250-350°C absolutely necessary
Why Choose NSPM as Your USD ESR 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.