At Southern Tool Steel, we supply H13 tool steel, a hot work tool steel with 5% chromium. Its high impact strength protects against cleavage cracking and is easy to machine.
We stock H13 in decarb free* rounds and plate, along with providing value-added services such as laser cutting, plate burning, and blanchard grinding. Shop Southern Tool Steel for quality material, professional advice, and quick ship fulfillment.
Chemical Composition
|
Element |
Percent (%) |
|
Carbon |
0.40 |
|
Chromium |
5.25 |
|
Vanadium |
1.05 |
|
Molybdenum |
1.25 |
|
Silicon |
1.00 |
|
Manganese |
0.40 |
*Decarb Free is material that has been ground top and bottom and is oversized to finish on the thickness or diameter. (Thickness or diameter oversize approx +.015 to +.030. Thinner material, less than 1 inch, could have more stock on the thickness. Width oversize approx +.030 to +.090, depending on the vendor.)
What is Hot Work Tool Steel?
H13 is considered hot work tool steel, meaning it is designed to retain hardness at elevated temperatures, and can withstand the effects of alternate heating and cooling. Hot work tool steel is often used in applications where drastic cooling is required throughout its operation. In addition, H13 is abundantly used in hot work applications where high red hardness and resistance to cracking is vital.
Common Applications for H13 Tool Steel
- Aluminum Dies
- Zinc Dies
- Aluminum Extrusion
- Aluminum Die Casting
- Press Tooling
- Hot Forging Dies
Heat Treatment
This is the process of heating metal to an elevated temperature to obtain a change in properties of the metallurgical structure. The heat treatment for H13 tool steel is as follows.
- Forging: 1900-1500°F
- Annealing: 1500-1550°F
- Preheating: 1400-1500°F
- Hardening: 1825-1900°F
- Tempering: 950-1150°F
How Do You Temper H13 Tool Steel?
For hot work applications, it is suggested to temper H13 at a minimum of 50 degrees above the expected maximum operating temperature. In instances where heat checking can be an issue, a double temper can be applied in which the second temper should be 25-50 degrees less than the first.
What is the Hardness of H13 Tool Steel?
Hardness tests determine the various properties of a specific metal, which include its resistance to wear, toughness, and formability. Two widely used tests are Rockwell C and Brinell. Rockwell C is measured in the unit HRC, which is the measurement used below.
|
Tempering Temperature (°F) |
Hardness (HRC) |
|
As hardened |
56-57 HRC |
|
950°F |
55-56 HRC |
|
1000°F |
54-55 HRC |
|
1050°F |
51-53 HRC |
|
1100°F |
44-46 HRC |
|
1150°F |
38-40 HRC |
Order H13 Tool Steel Today
Need H13 tool steel for dies, molds, or hot work tooling? We maintain extensive H13 inventory in multiple sizes and provide value-added services including precision laser cutting, surface grinding, and heat treatment coordination. Shop online or get a custom quote today!