Tool steel 1. (also known as AISI H13 steel or just H13[1]) is a tool steel grade standardised for hot working. The main feature of this grade is the combination of alloyed elements of chromium, molybdenum and vanadium, Cr-Mo-V, which provides a high wear resistance to thermal shock. It is well known as for its great strength, and heat resistance. It is heavily used for die casting and the cold heading field.
The presence of high vanadium in DIN 1. can handle the abrasion at both low and high temperatures. It always provides a uniform and high level of machinability. This tool steel is mostly used for aluminum, magnesium and zinc die casting.[2]
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The material number 1. has been issued by Stahlinstitut VDEh and is standardised according to EN . Tha AISI specification has been issued by American Iron and Steel Institute. Also it was standardised as SKD 61 by Japanese Industrial Standards.[3]
The surface can be nitrided to improve wear resistance.[2]
Application
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Tool steel 1. is widely used in various places in both cold and hot working. In hot work processing it can be used for shear knives and dummy block extrusion. In cold work processing, this steel is used for punching, heading and inserting of die blocks.[2]
Tool steel 1. is a high hot-wear resistance and great strength, warm conductivity air hardening and invulnerability to hot cracking. It has a great resistance to abrasion at each low and high temperature due to the presence of high vanadium. The high level of toughness and ductility made it a useful material for die casting[1] and the cold heading field.
Chemical composition
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Elements
[1
]
Content
Carbon
0.39
Silicon
1.00
Chromium
5.40
Molybdenum
1.35
Vanadium
1.00
References
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The Ultimate Hot Work Tool Steel Showdown: H13 vs 1. In-depth Analysis
H13 steel (American standard AISI) and 1. steel (German standard DIN) are both widely used hot working die steels, but there are certain differences in composition, performance and application scenarios. Here is a comprehensive comparison of the two:
1. Chemical Composition Comparison
Composition (%)H13 (AISI)1. (DIN)Summary of differences
Carbon (C)0.32–0.450.35–0.40H13 has a wider carbon range, 1. is more concentrated
Silicon (Si)0.80–1.200.80–1.20Same
Manganese (Mn)0.20–0.500.25–0.501. has a slightly higher lower limit
Chromium (Cr)4.75–5.504.80–5.50Basically the same
Molybdenum (Mo)1.10–1.751.30–1.501. has a higher lower limit for molybdenum
Vanadium (V)0.80–1.200.90–1.101. has a higher lower limit for vanadium
What are the main differences in the chemical composition of H13 and 1. steel?
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- Molybdenum and vanadium: 1. has slightly higher molybdenum (1.30–1.50%) and vanadium (0.90–1.10%) contents than H13, which enhances high temperature stability;
- Carbon control: 1. has a narrower carbon range (0.35–0.40%), which is good for homogeneity, while H13 has slightly larger fluctuations in carbon content (0.32–0.45%).
2. Performance Comparison
Performance indexH13 Steel1. Steel Reason for difference
Room temperature hardness50-54 HRC after quenching48-52 HRC after quenchingCarbon content difference
High temperature hardnessSignificant decrease at 600°CSlow decay at 600°CMo/V optimization improves tempering softening resistance
Thermal fatigue resistanceExcellentExcellent** (more resistant to thermal cracking)Mo/V synergistically enhances high temperature strength
ToughnessMediumSlightly better1. Carbon control is stricter
Oxidation resistanceExcellent (high silicon)Excellent (same silicon)Both have the same silicon content
Wear resistanceGoodGoodSimilar vanadium content
3. Comparison of Heat Treatment Processes
ProcessH13 Steel1. Steel
Quenching temperature–°C (oil/air cooling)–°C (high pressure air quenching recommended)
Tempering process540–650°C, double tempering550–600°C, multiple tempering (focusing on high temperature stability)
Final hardness48-52 HRC (depending on tempering temperature)48-50 HRC (more uniform high temperature performance)
Key goalsBalance hardness and toughnessMaximize high temperature stability and thermal fatigue resistance
4. Typical Application Scenarios
Application fieldsH13 applicable scenarios1. applicable scenarios
Die-casting moldAluminum alloy/magnesium alloy die-casting (mainstream)High-stress copper alloy/zinc alloy die-casting
Hot extrusion moldAluminum profiles, medium and low stress extrusion moldsTitanium alloy/stainless steel high-temperature extrusion molds (better life)
Forging moldSmall and medium-sized forging molds, hammer forging moldsHeavy forging molds (such as crankshaft and connecting rod continuous forging)
Plastic moldHigh-gloss surface injection moldVery few (high cost, redundant performance)
OthersHot shear blades, die-casting mold coresPrecision die-casting mold inserts, high-temperature punches
5. Processing & Cost Analysis
IndicatorsH13 Steel1. Steel
MachinabilityMedium (high silicon slightly increases difficulty)Slightly better (high composition homogeneity)
PolishabilityExcellent (high silicon promotes surface densification)Excellent
Heat treatment costLow (general process)High (precise temperature control and multiple tempering required)
Material costLow (mature global supply)High (European high-end brand, complex process)
6. Material Selection Suggestions
Scenarios where H13 is preferred:
- Aluminum alloy/magnesium alloy die-casting molds (best price/performance ratio);
- Small and medium-sized hot working molds (such as injection molds, hot shearing tools);
- Limited budget but need to take into account the needs of oxidation resistance and wear resistance.
Scenarios where 1. is preferred:
- High temperature and high stress conditions (such as copper alloy die-casting, titanium alloy extrusion);
- Heavy forging dies with strict requirements on mold life;
- Precision parts that need to work above 600°C for a long time (such as high-temperature punches).
7. Notes
Heat treatment specifications:
- H13 should avoid excessive tempering temperature (>600°C) to cause a sudden drop in hardness;
- 1. needs multiple tempering (2-3 times) to release residual stress.
Surface treatment:
- Both can be nitrided or PVD coated, but 1. is more suitable for deep nitriding due to its better high temperature stability.
Welding repair:
- H13 has slightly better weldability (higher tolerance for carbon fluctuation);
- 1. requires strict preheating and post-weld heat treatment.
Summary
H13 and 1. are both benchmarks for hot working die steel, but 1. significantly surpasses H13 in high temperature stability and thermal fatigue resistance through stricter molybdenum, vanadium ratio and carbon control, and is suitable for extreme working conditions; and H13 is still the first choice for aluminum alloy die casting and general hot working die with its mature supply chain and cost advantages. When selecting materials, it is necessary to comprehensively consider temperature, stress, life span and cost, and if necessary, performance matching can be verified through simulation tests.
MORE ABOUT H13 & 1. STEEL
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|March 14th, |Technology & Knowledge
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