SKD61 is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot work tool steel designed for tooling exposed to elevated temperatures, repeated heating, and mechanical stress. Buyers commonly consider it for die-casting dies, extrusion tooling, and hot-forging dies because it offers a useful combination of hot strength, toughness, and resistance to thermal fatigue when correctly heat treated. It is often compared with AISI H13 and EN 1.2344, although equivalent designations do not guarantee identical specifications or condition. This guide explains what SKD61 is, where it fits, and what to confirm before placing an order.
For more information, please visit our website.
This guide is for toolmakers, procurement teams, die manufacturers, and engineers evaluating hot work steel for new tooling or replacement parts. It is also useful if you are comparing steel grades, deciding between supply conditions, or preparing a request for quotation. The right choice depends on the tool’s operating temperature, loading, cooling method, geometry, and expected maintenance plan. We recommend reviewing those requirements alongside the material specification rather than selecting by grade name alone.
SKD61 is a hot work tool steel designation used under Japanese Industrial Standards. Its alloying elements include chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, which contribute to hardenability, strength at elevated temperatures, and wear resistance after suitable heat treatment. The steel is generally supplied in an annealed condition for machining, then hardened and tempered to meet the application’s requirements. Performance depends on the steel’s actual chemistry, cleanliness, processing history, heat treatment, and tool design.
SKD61 is often described as broadly comparable to AISI H13 and EN 1.2344, also known in European designation systems as X40CrMoV5-1. These grades share a similar alloying concept, but standards can differ in permitted composition, product form, inspection requirements, and delivery condition. Buyers should therefore confirm the governing standard and acceptance criteria instead of assuming that an equivalent name means a direct substitution.
Typical SKD61 chemistry is commonly reported around 0.32–0.42% carbon, 4.5–5.5% chromium, 1.0–1.5% molybdenum, and 0.8–1.2% vanadium by weight. These are reference ranges, not a substitute for the applicable standard or the supplier’s mill test certificate. If a project requires a specific chemical limit, specify it in the purchase documents and verify it against the delivered heat.
SKD61 is selected for a balance of properties rather than for one isolated characteristic. It can be hardened and tempered to provide useful strength and wear resistance while retaining toughness appropriate to many hot work applications. Its resistance to thermal fatigue is relevant where the surface experiences repeated heating and cooling, but it does not eliminate heat checking or cracking. Tool geometry, cooling design, surface condition, and operating practice all affect service performance.
| Item | Typical reference | What buyers should confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Annealed hardness | Often specified at approximately 229 HB or below | Applicable standard, supply condition, and actual inspection result |
| Hardening temperature | Common processing references are approximately 1,000–1,050°C | Supplier or heat-treatment provider’s procedure for the steel and section size |
| Tempering temperature | Often selected within approximately 550–650°C | Required final hardness, toughness, and the recommended tempering cycle |
The values in the table are general reference points, not a heat-treatment specification for every product or application. The correct cycle depends on the steel’s condition, cross-section, furnace control, and required properties; follow qualified process guidance for the actual material. For procurement, request the grade and standard, dimensions, delivery condition, hardness requirements, inspection scope, and documentation. A mill test certificate can help confirm the reported heat chemistry and specified test results, but buyers should state any additional inspection needs in advance.
SKD61 is commonly used for die-casting dies and related components exposed to cyclic thermal loads. It is also considered for hot-forging dies, where the tooling must withstand heat, pressure, and repeated impact. In both cases, the steel grade is only one part of the solution: die design, preheating, cooling channels, machining quality, and heat treatment influence results. For demanding tooling, discuss the operating cycle and failure history with the steel supplier and tool heat treater.
Mingchuan contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Extrusion tooling and hot-work punches or inserts may also use SKD61, depending on temperature, contact pressure, wear, and the material being processed. Large or complex sections can have different heat-treatment and machining considerations from small inserts. If the application involves unusually high impact, severe abrasion, or a specialized thermal cycle, compare alternative grades and performance requirements before standardizing. The best selection is the one that meets the tool’s actual duty, not simply the most familiar designation.
Start by documenting the tooling process, contact temperature, heating and cooling frequency, loading, and any known wear or cracking locations. Include the part’s dimensions and the expected machining route. These details help suppliers assess whether SKD61 is a reasonable candidate and identify supply or processing constraints. If you are replacing a failed tool, provide photographs or failure observations where practical, without treating them as a complete root-cause analysis.
Write the requested designation and governing standard clearly, and state whether you need annealed stock, pre-machined material, or another condition. Define dimensions and tolerances, required hardness, surface or ultrasonic inspection requirements if applicable, and the documentation expected with the shipment. For a grade substitution, request written confirmation of the proposed standard and chemistry before approval. This reduces the risk of receiving material that matches a commercial label but not the project’s acceptance criteria.
Ask how the supplier identifies heats and maintains traceability between the material and its documentation. Confirm available product forms, cutting services, packaging, export documents, and the quotation’s validity and delivery basis. If the tool requires heat treatment, clarify whether the supplier provides material only or can also coordinate processing through an agreed service scope. We at Mingchuan can discuss SKD61 grade requirements, dimensions, supply condition, and documentation needs to help buyers prepare a clear inquiry.
SKD61 pricing is affected by product form, dimensions, order quantity, origin, specification, and any additional processing or inspection. A request for quotation should include a dimensioned list, quantity per size, destination, required standard, and target delivery schedule. Minimum order quantities and lead times vary by stock availability and processing requirements, so they should be confirmed for each order rather than assumed from a grade designation. If your schedule is fixed, ask the supplier to state what is available now and what requires production or further processing.
Compare suppliers on how clearly they answer these questions, not only on unit price. An incomplete specification can create costs through rework, delays, or unsuitable material, particularly when tooling dimensions or delivery condition are misunderstood. Before confirming an order, align the quotation, purchase specification, and required documents so that all parties are working to the same requirements.
SKD61 can be a suitable choice when a hot work tool needs a balanced combination of strength, toughness, and resistance to repeated thermal loading. The grade alone cannot guarantee service life, so match it to the operating conditions and verify the material against the required standard. Before buying, prepare a complete specification covering dimensions, supply condition, inspection, documentation, and schedule. Send those details to Mingchuan for a tailored quotation and confirmation of available supply options.
The company is the world’s best SKD61 hot work Steel supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.