Hot-work tool steels are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, thermal cycling, and mechanical stress encountered in forging, die casting, extrusion, and hot forming operations. H13, H11, and H21 are widely used grades offering varying balances of toughness, hot hardness, and wear resistance.
H13 Tool Steel (Hot-Work Tool Steel)
H13 is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot-work tool steel known for its excellent combination of toughness, heat resistance, and wear strength. It is one of the most widely used hot-work grades worldwide.
Key Characteristics
• High hot hardness and thermal fatigue resistance
• Excellent toughness and shock resistance
• Good wear resistance at elevated temperatures
• Stable dimensional performance during heating and cooling cycles
Refining Properties
• Produced using ESR or VAR refining
• Reduced inclusions and improved cleanliness
• Uniform hardness and enhanced toughness
• Superior thermal stability and service life
H11 Tool Steel (Hot-Work Chromium Steel)
H11 is a chromium-based hot-work tool steel with very high toughness and good resistance to thermal cracking, commonly used in tools exposed to repeated heating and cooling.
Key Characteristics
• High impact toughness
• Good thermal shock and heat-checking resistance
• Moderate wear resistance compared to H13
• Excellent hardenability and dimensional stability
Refining Properties
• ESR / VAR refined for improved cleanliness
• Reduced segregation and internal defects
• Enhanced fatigue strength
• Reliable performance in high-temperature operations
H21 Tool Steel (Tungsten Hot-Work Steel)
H21 is a tungsten-based hot-work tool steel designed for extremely high-temperature applications where red-hardness and abrasion resistance are critical.
Key Characteristics
• Exceptional hot hardness at very high temperatures
• High resistance to softening during prolonged heat exposure
• Superior abrasion and oxidation resistance
• Maintains strength in red-hot working conditions
Refining Properties
• ESR refined for clean, uniform steel structure
• Improved oxidation resistance
• Enhanced hardness consistency
• Extended service life in extreme-temperature environments
Typical Applications
✔ Hot forging dies and inserts
✔ Die-casting molds and cores
✔ Extrusion dies and mandrels
✔ Hot shear blades and punches
✔ Glass, aluminum, and copper forming tools
Why Choose H-Series Tool Steels
H-series tool steels are selected when tools must endure intense heat, thermal cycling, and mechanical shock. H13 offers balanced all-round performance, H11 provides superior toughness, and H21 delivers unmatched red-hardness for extreme heat applications — making them essential for demanding hot-work industries.