Hot-WorkToolSteels
Forging, extrusion and die casting under thermal-fatigue conditions
Quenched-and-tempered chromium-molybdenum-vanadium steels for hot-forming tools, resistant to thermal fatigue, hot wear and fracture.
Introduction
Hot-forming tools operate under severe thermal cycles involving high temperature, pressure and impact. The most common failures are thermal fatigue (heat checking), loss of hardness due to tempering and high-temperature wear.
Steels in this category are quenched and tempered, contain 3% to 5% chromium with molybdenum and vanadium additions, and typically operate between 35 and 55 HRC—a range that balances toughness and softening resistance.
Aços Formosa supplies blocks with high metallurgical cleanliness and structural homogeneity, critical requirements in large forging-die sections and die-casting inserts.
MainMaterials
H10
Chromium-molybdenum-vanadium, good hot strength
Hot punches and extrusion inserts
H11
5% Cr, high toughness and thermal-shock resistance
Extrusion dies and large-section tools
H12
Tungsten-alloyed for greater hot-wear resistance
Nonferrous-metal extrusion
H13 / DIN 1.2344
Category benchmark: balance of toughness and wear resistance
Die casting, forging and aluminum extrusion
DIN 1.2367
3% Cr with high Mo for greater tempering resistance
Forging dies and severe die-casting applications
DIN 1.2714
Ni-Cr-Mo, high toughness in large blocks
Large hot-forging dies
Featured—H13/DIN1.2344
Why It Is a Benchmark
- Improved balance of toughness and wear resistance
- Wide availability of sizes and forms
- Predictable heat-treatment response
Typical Ranges
- Working hardness: 44–52 HRC
- Good tempering resistance up to 550 °C
- Excellent nitriding response
Preferred Applications
- Aluminum Die Casting
- Aluminum and Copper Extrusion
- Forging Dies and Inserts
Applications
- Forging Dies
- Die Casting
- Aluminum Extrusion
- Copper Extrusion
- Steel Extrusion
- Hot Punches
- Inserts
- Hot Forming
KeyAdvantages
Tempering Resistance
Maintains working hardness even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Thermal Fatigue
High metallurgical cleanliness delays heat-check cracking under thermal cycling.
Toughness
Homogeneous structure in large sections reduces the risk of die fracture.
Hot-Wear Resistance
Stable carbides and good thermal conductivity extend tool life.
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