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Why Choose H13 / 1.2344 Tool Steel for Hot Work Molds?


Why Choose H13 / 1.2344 Tool Steel for Hot Work Molds?

In hot work applications where thermal fatigue, mechanical shock, and dimensional precision are critical, H13 / 1.2344 tool steel has earned its reputation as a reliable and high-performance material. With a perfect balance of hardness, toughness, and thermal resistance, it is ideal for hot forging molds, die-casting molds, and extrusion tooling.

SAKYSTEEL supplies a wide range of H13 forged round bars and mold blocks that meet international standards such as AISI H13, DIN 1.2344, and JIS SKD61. All products are forged with controlled parameters to ensure internal soundness and long service life.

Advantages of H13 / 1.2344 Tool Steel

  • High hot hardness – performs well at temperatures up to 600°C
  • Excellent resistance to thermal fatigue and shock
  • Good wear resistance for long mold lifespan
  • Strong dimensional stability after heat cycling
  • Decent machinability and polishability

Many customers choose H13 mold steel blocks from SAKYSTEEL for aluminum die casting, where the tool must withstand repeated exposure to molten metal and high injection pressures.

Application Fields

H13 / SKD61 / 1.2344 is widely used in:

  • Hot forging die inserts
  • Aluminum and magnesium die casting dies
  • Extrusion press tooling for non-ferrous alloys
  • Hot shear blades and punches

Important Processing Guidelines

1. Forging

Forging H13 requires a starting temperature of 1050–1150°C and should be completed above 850°C to avoid internal cracking. Adequate deformation (over 60%) is key to closing central porosity. SAKYSTEEL uses radial and quick forging methods to enhance internal grain flow and reduce segregation in H13 forged bars.

2. Heat Treatment

For high mold performance, preheat at 850°C, austenitize at 1020–1040°C, and temper 2–3 times. Avoid overheating during quenching. Proper post-machining stress relief helps prevent tool cracking in service.

3. Machining Tips

Use sharp carbide tooling and reduce feed rate when nearing final dimensions. For mirror-finish applications, H13 steel molds are suitable for polishing and EDM finishing.

Why Choose SAKYSTEEL?

  • Large inventory of H13 / 1.2344 round and square forged steel
  • Customization service for mold steel blocks, including pre-machined bars
  • Full inspection reports and UT Level 2/3 certified
  • Professional support and global shipping

SAKYSTEEL ensures every delivery meets strict mechanical and dimensional standards, allowing customers to reduce downtime and increase productivity. For full details, check our H13 mold steel product page.

Conclusion

H13 / 1.2344 tool steel is a proven solution for demanding hot work environments. When sourced from a trusted supplier like SAKYSTEEL, you gain a reliable partner for precision forging and mold steel needs. Explore our forged round bars and steel mold blocks to improve your tooling life and overall efficiency.