H13 is a type of hot work tool steel known for its excellent properties when used in plastic molding and die casting applications. Here's a detailed description:
Composition
H13 steel typically contains:
- Carbon (C) 0.32% - 0.45%
- Chromium (Cr) 4.75% - 5.50%
- Molybdenum (Mo) 1.10% - 1.75%
- Vanadium (V) 0.80% - 1.20%
- Other elements Small amounts of manganese, silicon, and sometimes sulfur and phosphorus.
Properties
- Hardness Can be hardened to around 50-55 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale).
- Thermal Conductivity Good thermal conductivity helps in maintaining a consistent temperature during the molding process.
- Toughness H13 steel is tough and resistant to thermal fatigue, which reduces the risk of cracking under repeated heating and cooling cycles.
- Wear Resistance It has good wear resistance, making it suitable for high-volume molding applications where abrasion is a concern.
- Heat Resistance Designed to withstand high temperatures, it maintains its hardness and mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures.
- Machinability H13 can be machined relatively well, although its generally harder to machine than some other tool steels.
Applications
- Plastic Molds H13 is commonly used for making molds for plastic injection molding due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and repeated thermal cycles.
- Die Casting Suitable for dies in high-pressure die casting processes, particularly for aluminum and zinc alloys.
- Hot Forging Dies Used in hot forging applications because of its resistance to thermal fatigue.
Heat Treatment
H13 steel is typically heat treated to enhance its properties:
- Pre-Heat Treatment Usually involves heating to around 800-850C to relieve stresses and refine the microstructure.
- Hardening Heat to 1000-1050C and then quench in oil or air.
- Tempering After hardening, tempering is performed at around 500-600C to achieve the desired balance of hardness and toughness.
Advantages
- High resistance to thermal fatigue and cracking.
- Good dimensional stability.
- Excellent resistance to wear and abrasion.
- Suitable for high-temperature applications.
Disadvantages
- Higher cost compared to some other tool steels.
- Requires precise heat treatment to achieve optimal properties.
Overall, H13 is a versatile and reliable material for demanding hot work applications, providing a balance of toughness, hardness, and thermal resistance.