Hot Work Tool Steels H13 1.2344 sheets

H13 steel is the most representative hot-working tool steel which was used widely. Such as molds for extrusion and metal die-casting molds. It also is called DIN 1.2344 and JIS SKD61 steel. H13 steel round bar sheet plate heat treatment requirements are very strict.The great annealing processing would improve the performance of steel.

COMPOSITION

Applications:

1.2344 steel has good mechanical properties and is used widely in industry, such as forming extrusion dies, forging die with large impact load, precision forging die and etc. It can satisfy the needs of the quality requirements of the mold. By the way, the surface of the mold passes through nitriding or cyanidation, the service life of the mold would increase.

HEAT TREATING INSTRUCTIONS： HARDENING

Specifications:

Annealing

Heat slowly to 1550°-1650°F, hold until entire mass is heated through, and cool slowly in the furnace (40F per hour) to about 1000°F, 

after which cooling rate may be increased. Suitable precautions must be taken to prevent excessive carburization or decarburization.

Stress Relieving

When desirable to relieve the strains of machining, heat slowly to 1050°-1250°F, allow to equalize, and then cool in still air (Strain Relieving).

Preheat Prior to Hardening

Warm slightly before charging into the preheat furnace, which should be operating at 1400°-1500°F.

Quenching: Air, pressurized gas, or warm oil. Section thicknesses up to and including 5 inches (127 mm) 

will typically fully through harden when cooled in still air from the austenitizing treatment. 

Sections greater than 5 inches (127 mm) in thickness will require accelerated cooling by using forced air, 

pressurized gas, or an interrupted oil quench to obtain maximum hardness, toughness and resistance to 

thermal fatigue cracking.

For pressurized gas quenching, a minimum quench rate of approximately 50°F per minute (28°C per minute) to below 1000°F (538°C) is required to obtain the optimum properties in the steel.

For oil, quench until black, about 900°F (482°C), then cool in still air to 150-125°F (66-51°C).