H13 HOT WORK TOOL STEEL

H13 tool steel is the most widely used chromium-based hot work die steel in the world. At Hubei Risin Mould Material Co., Ltd., we supply a comprehensive range of H13 round bar, H13 flat bar, H13 plate, and H13 forged block in both rolled and forged conditions. Our extensive specification coverage, transparent surface finish options, and strict quality assurance make us a trusted partner for die casting, extrusion, and forging tooling projects across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Chemical Composition (ASTM A681 H13)

Our H13 can be supplied as standard quality or upgraded to Electroslag Remelting (ESR) grade for superior cleanliness, toughness, and polishability.

Key Properties

• Red Hardness: Maintains working hardness up to approximately 600°C.

• Thermal Fatigue Resistance: Excellent resistance to heat checking, suitable for cyclic heating and cooling.

• High Toughness: Forged and ESR grades offer outstanding resistance to gross cracking.

• Good Hardenability: Uniform hardness achievable even in large cross sections.

• Typical Working Hardness: HRC 46-52 after quench and multiple tempering.

Applications

• Aluminum, magnesium, and zinc die casting dies (cores, cavities, slides)

• Hot extrusion tools (liners, stems, dies, mandrels)

• Hot forging dies (hammer and press dies)

• Hot shear blades and punches

• Structural parts in plastic molds requiring high hot strength (e.g., PEEK processing)

Quality Control & Inspection

• Every shipment from Risin is backed by a complete quality assurance package:

• Spectrometer chemical analysis per heat – full traceability through unique heat numbers

• Ultrasonic testing (UT) in accordance with ASTM A388 or equivalent – guarantees internal soundness

• Hardness testing – ensures spheroidized annealed hardness meets HB ≤ 235

• Decarburization layer inspection – critical for subsequent machining allowance

• Mill Test Certificate (MTC) to EN 10204 3.1 provided as standard with every delivery

• Our in-process controls, from steelmaking through hot working and annealing, ensure consistent production quality from batch to batch.

Production Lead Time

Standard lead time: 30 – 50 days from order confirmation, depending on product specifications and surface finishing requirements. Rush orders and partial shipments can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Export Packaging

We understand that tool steel must withstand long-distance ocean transport and still arrive in pristine condition. Our export packaging includes:

• Application of VCI anti-rust oil on all machined/ground surfaces

• Waterproof wrapping with vapor barrier film

• Sturdy wooden crates or pallets with steel strapping for heavy plates and blocks

• Round bars bundled and secured for safe handling

• Clear shipping marks and packing lists for easy identification at your warehouse

Whether shipping to Asia, Europe, or the Americas, our packaging is designed to protect your material through every handling stage.

Why Source H13 from Risin?

1. A True Full-Specification Supplier

One partner for all your H13 needs – from thin plate to thick forged blocks, from small-diameter round bars to large cross-section forged rounds. No need to split orders across multiple mills.

2. Rolled & Forged – Always the Right Choice

We supply both rolled and forged products. Use cost-effective rolled material for slides and general components; select forged material for high-load cavities, mold frames, and critical tooling. We help you match the process to the application, not upsell what you don't need.

3. Consistent Production Quality

Long-term partnerships with premium mills, combined with our own rigorous inspection protocol, guarantee that your H13 performs predictably from batch to batch. This means fewer surprises in your heat treatment shop and longer, more reliable mold life.

4. Rough Machining Done Right

Our focus on rough machining means you receive material in exactly the right condition for efficient production start-up – black surface for economy, milled/peeled/turned finishes for clean, near-net-shape blanks. No hidden costs for precision work you would redo anyway.

5. Flexible Minimum Order Quantity & Full Traceability

We offer flexible order quantities, with a minimum order of just 5 metric tons, helping you effectively manage inventory and cash flow. Every shipment is accompanied by a traceable Mill Test Certificate (MTC) – transparent quality from heat number to finished product, with fully verifiable origin.

6. Complete Export Documentation

In addition to the MTC, we provide packing lists and commercial documentation that meet the import requirements of markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, ensuring smooth customs clearance for your shipments.

7. Technical Partner, Not Just a Seller

When you have questions about heat treatment, failure analysis, or material selection, Risin engineers are here to support you. We see ourselves as your technical partner in tool steel, not just a supplier.

Learn more: Read our complete H13 Tool Steel Guide