Tool Steel H13

Principal Design Features

This alloy is one of the Hot Work, Chromium type tool steels. It also contains molybdenum and vanadium as strengthening agents. The chromium content assists this alloy to resist softening if used at higher temperatures.

Applications

H13 finds applications for hot die work, die casting and extrusion dies.

Machinability

Machinability of H13 is medium to good. It rates as 75% that of the W group water hardening tool steels which are low alloy and of generally good machinability.

Forming

H13 has good ductility and may be formed by conventional means.

Welding

This alloy is weldable. Contact the alloy supplier for information on welding procedures.

Heat Treatment

Preheat to 1500 f and then heat to 1850 F. Hold at 1850 f for 15 to 40 minutes and then air cool (air quench).

Forging

Forge at 1975 F down to 1700 F. Do not forge below 1650 F.

Hot Working

No data given other than for “Forging”.

Cold Working

This alloy may be cold worked by conventional methods.

Annealing

Anneal at 1600 F followed by slow furnace cooling at a maximum of 40 F per hour.

Aging

Not applicable to this alloy.

Tempering

Temper at 1000 F to 1200 F for Rockwell C of 53 to 38. It is advisable to do a double temper by repeating the process and use 1 hour at temperature each time.