H13 Tool Steel
H13 tool steel stands tall as a premier choice for hot work applications. This chromium-based steel excels in demanding environments, offering exceptional resistance to high temperatures, thermal shock, and fatigue cracking. Its robust toughness and wear resistance make it ideal for withstanding the intense conditions encountered in die casting, forging, and extrusion. H13's versatility extends beyond hot work, as its properties also prove valuable in select cold work tasks.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of H13 tool steels.
| Element | Content (%) |
| Chromium, Cr | 4.75-5.50 |
| Molybdenum, Mo | 1.10-1.75 |
| Silicon, Si | 0.80-1.20 |
| Vanadium, V | 0.80-1.20 |
| Carbon, C | 0.32-0.45 |
| Nickel, Ni | 0.3 |
| Copper, Cu | 0.25 |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.20-0.50 |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.03 |
| Sulfur, S | 0.03 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of H13 tool steels are given in the following table.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
| Density (@20°C/68°F) | 7.80 g/cm3 | 0.282 lb/in3 |
| Melting point | 1427°C | 2600°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of H13 tool steels are tabulated below.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
| Tensile strength, ultimate (@20°C/68°F, varies with heat treatment) | 1200 - 1590 MPa | 174000 - 231000 psi |
| Tensile strength, yield (@20°C/68°F, varies with heat treatment) | 1000 - 1380 MPa | 145000 - 200000 psi |
| Reduction of area (@20°C/68°F) | 50.00% | 50.00% |
| Modulus of elasticity (@20°C/68°F) | 215 GPa | 31200 ksi |
| Poisson's ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
Thermal Properties
The following table shows the thermal properties of H13 tool steels.
| Properties | Conditions | ||
| T (ºC) | Treatment | ||
| Thermal expansion | 10.4 x 10-6/ºC | 20-100 | - |
| Thermal conductivity | 28.6 W/mK | 215 | - |
H13 tool steel is the top choice for hot work applications. This chromium-based steel excels in harsh environments, resisting high temperatures, sudden temperature changes, and fatigue cracking. Its exceptional toughness and wear resistance make it ideal for the demanding conditions of die casting, forging, and extrusion. H13's versatility extends beyond hot work, with its properties also proving valuable in certain cold work tasks. Additionally, H13 handles water cooling well during operation, expanding its range of applicability. Air hardening simplifies heat treatment, making it a cost-effective and accessible option for tool and die makers.
