1.2344 / X40CrMoV5-1 / H13 – Premium hot work tool steel with high resistance and long service life
Steel 1.2344 (H13) is one of the most widely used hot work tool steels worldwide. It is known for its very good toughness, high thermal resistance, exceptional resistance to thermal shock and excellent tool life.
It is used for the most demanding applications, including die casting, moulds, forging dies, shear tools and highly heat-loaded components.
Properties of 1.2344 (H13)
🔥 High thermal resistance
The steel maintains its strength even at very high operating temperatures, making it ideal for die casting and forging tools.
🛡️ Exceptional resistance to thermal shock
It can withstand rapid heating and cooling cycles without cracking.
🔩 High toughness
Safe and reliable even in large tools, with strong resistance to cracking and fracture.
⚙️ Good wear resistance
Carbides formed by chromium, molybdenum and vanadium increase tool life even in abrasive processes.
📏 Excellent dimensional stability
Minimal distortion after heat treatment.
Chemical composition of 1.2344 (H13)
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.32 – 0.45 |
| Cr | 4.75 – 5.50 |
| Mo | 1.10 – 1.75 |
| V | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.40 |
| Si | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| P | ≤ 0.030 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
Typical applications of 1.2344
🔥 Hot work under the most demanding conditions
- die casting of aluminium, magnesium and zinc
- core components and moulds
- forming and trimming inserts
⚒️ Forging and die tools
- forging dies
- punches and piercing tools
- forming hammers
🛠️ Knives and cutting tools for hot materials
- knives for cutting hot semi-finished products
- pressure and trimming tools
🏭 Industrial and energy applications
- highly heat-loaded components
- sliding and rotating parts operating in hot environments
Heat treatment (guideline values)
| Process | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Soft annealing | 750 – 800 °C | hardness approx. 180–200 HB |
| Hardening (austenitising) | 1000 – 1030 °C | oil / air / salt bath |
| Tempering | 540 – 650 °C | target hardness 44–52 HRC |
| Triple tempering | – | recommended for stability and resistance |
| Nitriding | 500 – 580 °C | increases wear resistance |
Mechanical properties
- Hardness after hardening and tempering: 44–52 HRC
- Hardness after nitriding: 800–1050 HV
- Hardness in annealed condition: approx. 180–200 HB
- Excellent thermal resistance
- High toughness and long service life
