In the ever-evolving world of engineering and manufacturing, different forms of tool steel play a significant role in manufacturing processes. Depending on the type of steel you choose, the do and tools attain the efficiency and durability that they deserve. Among the different steel tool grades, the H13 variety takes a discreet place. It is one of the very few varieties that can work equally well with both cold work and hot work applications. This high level of versatility also makes it a good choice for various industrial applications that need considerable resistance to shock, abrasion and thermal fatigue. Similarly, the demand for pre-hardened H13 tools is quite high for a good number of reasons.
Know H13
The exceptional heat resistance, strength and toughness of H13 steel makes it a popular choice in various industries. Also, the presence of various alloys, including molybdenum, chromium, carbon and vanadium enhances its capability to work in high temperature industrial environment.
Understanding the Key Properties
The metal owes its efficiency because of its:
- High hardness- that gives it an unmatched wear resistance.
- Heat resistance- This helps it work in applications requiring high temperatures.
- Good toughness - this helps intolerance to heavy loads.
- High density of around 7.8g/cm³- adds to its sturdiness.
Where to Use?
The most common industrial applications of pre-hardened H13 steel type include:
- Manufacturing of equipment and machinery.
- Automotive and Aerospace Industries.
- Plastic mould tools and die casting.
- Forging and metal die casting.
Commonly, you can find its use in cavities and cores for different dies, and similar tools that need high polishability and toughness.
Why Pre-Hardened Steel?
The stability that H13 steel receives while heat treatment makes it ideal for various applications. Its pre-hardened variety offer a hardness of hardness of 460-500 Brinell Hardness Number or BHN. Such high level of hardness makes it more wear resistant than any other industrial grade steel. Also, having pre-hardened steel means the mechanics can use it immediately in the manufacturing procedure, without any need to heat-treat it further. This saves both resources and time.
Applications of pre-hardened Steel
H-13 tool steel, in its pre-hardened form, is ideal for manufacturing various components like:
- Apparatus holders.
- Ejector pins.
- Shrink fit chunks.
It is a first choice for making applications that are important to power different machinery. However, apart from these things, there are many more applications of pre-hardened H13 steel. This includes but does not remain confined to, low-pressure die-cast and dies-to-drop forgings. It is also helpful in procedures like extrusion and in manufacturing injection moulds, plugs, punches, holders, liners, containers, and the like.
Finding a Partner
Not all tool steel suppliers are competent enough to offer industrial-grade tool steel. However, there are still locally operated agencies like TJKSSL that stock and supply the best variety of tools. This company has been in the industry for many decades and plays a significant role in supplying as per industrial demand. A seasoned service provider also offers tool steel in various shapes and forms. They offer square, flat, and round bars, just in the way the clients look for them. And getting from a manufacturer cum supplier makes it possible to customize the supply as per customer demand.
Conclusion
H-13 tool steel has its global presence. However, it is known in different names in different parts of the world. You can find them in names like AISI H13, JIS SKD61, DIN 1.2344 and GB 4Cr5MoSiV1 ¹. The global recognition of the tool steel also attributes to its efficiency.