H13 (1.2344) Tool Steel

H13 Hot-Work Steel: The Global Standard for Thermal Fatigue. Superior resistance to heat checking and high-temperature erosion.

H13 (1.2344) Tool Steel

H13 is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel designed for hot-work applications. Its primary strength lies in its ability to withstand rapid heating and cooling cycles (thermal shock) without cracking, a phenomenon known as "heat checking."

Chemical Composition	Percentage %
Chromium	4.75 – 5.50%
Molybdenum	1.10 – 1.75%
Carbon	0.32 – 0.45%
Manganese	0.20 – 0.50%
Silicon	0.80 – 1.80%
Vanadium	0.80-1.20%
Sulfur	0.030%max
Phosphorous	0.030%max
Iron	Balance

For optimal processing performance, this steel grade should be forged at a starting temperature of 1095–1135°C, with the finishing temperature maintained above 925°C to preserve structural integrity. The recommended annealing range is 845–870°C, ensuring improved softness and machinability for downstream operations. To minimize residual stresses generated during machining or forming, stress relieving is typically carried out between 650–675°C. For achieving the required hardness and wear resistance, the steel is generally hardened within the temperature range of 1010–1025°C. The tempering temperature is then selected according to the target hardness level and specific service requirements, allowing the material properties to be fine-tuned for its intended application.

Certified Quality Assurance

At Progressive Metal Manufacturing, we provide high-performance materials backed by international quality benchmarks. Our H13 (1.2344) tool steel is sourced and distributed under a rigorous ISO 9001 quality management system, ensuring that every batch meets strict chemical and mechanical specifications. This commitment to quality assurance provides our clients with the reliability and traceability required for critical industrial tooling, ensuring that your production components perform consistently under extreme thermal stress.

Industrial Applications & Versatility

H13 (1.2344) is a chromium-molybdenum hot-work steel renowned for its exceptional toughness and resistance to thermal fatigue.

It is specifically engineered for tools that must maintain structural integrity during repeated heating and cooling cycles.

Common applications include:

Die Casting & Extrusion: Ideal for aluminum, magnesium, and zinc die casting dies, as well as extrusion dies for aluminum and brass.

Forging & Pressing: Used extensively for hot stamping dies, press forge dies, gripper dies, and hot punching or trimming tools.

Support Tooling: Essential for high-stress components such as mandrels, pressure pads, followers, bolsters, and adaptor rings.

Specialized Manufacturing: A preferred choice for robust plastic molds and heavy-duty shear blades for hot-work environments.

Precision Supply & Custom Specifications

We offer H13 (1.2344) tool steel in various formats, processed with advanced sawing technology to meet your exact project blueprints.

Whether you require a single prototype or high-volume cut pieces, our facility is equipped to provide custom dimensions that reduce your internal machining time.

Our inventory capabilities include:

Round Bar: Sawn to your required lengths with diameters available from 4⌀ to 333⌀.

Flat Sections & Sheets: Stock thicknesses ranging from 20mm to 225mm.

Custom Geometric Cuts: Precision rectangular sections, blocks, and plates sawn to your specific tolerances.

Our technical sales team is standing by to help you navigate your specific H13 steel requirements and coordinate seamless logistics for your facility.

D2 (1.2379) Tool Steel

H13 (1.2344) Tool Steel