H13 hot-work tool steel
Also called: 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1, SKD61, H13 die steel, hot work steel
H13 is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot-work tool steel, equivalent to 1.2344 and SKD61. It keeps its strength at high temperature and resists heat cracking, so it is the standard steel for die-casting dies, forging dies and extrusion dies.
Quick facts
- Type
- Hot-work tool steel
- Main alloys
- About 5% chromium, 1.3% molybdenum, 1% vanadium
- Working hardness
- Usually about 44–52 HRC
- Strength at heat
- Keeps strength up to about 540 °C
- Heat-check resistance
- Good
- Surface treatment
- Often nitrided for wear
Equivalent grades
| Standard | Closest grade |
|---|---|
| AISI | H13 |
| DIN / EN ISO 4957 | 1.2344 (X40CrMoV5-1) |
| JIS | SKD61 |
Typical chemical composition (1.2344)
| Element | % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.35–0.42 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.8–5.5 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.2–1.5 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.9–1.1 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.8–1.2 |
Heat treatment
- Hardening: about 1020–1050 °C, preferably in vacuum with gas quenching
- Tempering: about 550–650 °C, at least twice, to the working hardness
- Die-casting dies are often 44–48 HRC; forging dies 40–50 HRC depending on the blow
- Nitriding adds a hard surface against wear and soldering of aluminium
Typical uses
- Aluminium and zinc die-casting dies and cores
- Hot forging dies and inserts
- Aluminium extrusion dies
- Hot shear blades and punches
- Plastic moulds that need high polish and toughness
Need parts made in H13 hot-work tool steel?
Post your requirement free. Workshops that take your kind of work see it and get in touch. You only talk to the ones that fit.
Get startedRelated
Related job work
Materials
Questions
- What is H13 steel used for?
- Mainly hot-work tools: die-casting dies, forging dies and extrusion dies, because it keeps its strength when hot and resists heat cracking.
- What hardness is H13 used at?
- Usually about 44–52 HRC, chosen by the job: lower for more toughness, higher for more wear resistance.
- Is H13 the same as 1.2344 and SKD61?
- Yes, they are equivalent hot-work tool steels, with small differences in limits between standards and makers.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 8 October 2026.