What Is The Difference Between 1.2343 And 1.2344 tool Steel?

04 Aug.,2025

 

What Is The Difference Between 1. And 1. tool Steel?

Choosing between 1. tool steel and 1. tool steels can greatly affect your project. They both work great.But they excel in different areas like heat resistance, wear, or machinability. Are you unsure which steel to use for your next heavy-duty job? One of these could be just what you need. However, there’s one important factor to consider that might change your decision.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Jiebao.

Chemical Composition

Tool steels’ composition works like a secret formula. This formula decides how well they perform and what jobs they handle best. Take grades 1. and 1.. Their carbon, vanadium, and other element ratios create the right balance for specific tasks. I find it’s like selecting the proper tool. Each grade has unique strengths and features made for particular challenges.1. has much more vanadium (0.85-1.15%) than 1. (0.30-0.50%). Vanadium boosts strength at high temperatures. It also improves wear resistance and hot hardness.

Composition of 1. (X37CrMoV5-1) and 1. (X40CrMoV5-1)

Steel Grade Carbon (C) Silicon (Si) Manganese (Mn) Chromium (Cr) Molybdenum (Mo) Vanadium (V) 1. (X37CrMoV5-1) 0.33-0.41% 0.80-1.20% 0.25-0.50% 4.80-5.50% 1.10-1.50% 0.30-0.50% 1. (X40CrMoV5-1) 0.37-0.45% 0.80-1.20% 0.25-0.50% 4.80-5.50% 1.20-1.50% 0.85-1.15%

How These Differences Matter

When it comes to tough tasks, 1.’s extra vanadium is like a shield, giving it incredible wear resistance. I’d definitely recommend it for the heavy-duty work where things are bound to get rough. It can take the heat—literally—thanks to the added vanadium and carbon, standing strong even under extreme conditions. On the other hand, 1. has a bit less vanadium and carbon, which makes it tougher, like a reliable companion that bends without breaking. It’s perfect for jobs where you need that balance of flexibility and strength. So, if you’re facing high heat or wear-and-tear, go for 1.. But if toughness and flexibility are the stars of the show, 1. has got you covered.

Properties and Performance

Comparing 1. and 1. tool steels shows clear differences in four areas: Toughness.Heat resistance .Hardness.Wear resistance. They’re like two strong competitors. Both last long, but each has strengths that decide success based on the job. I think small property changes strongly affect results in sudden heat situations or extended use. From my experience, it’s like picking between two good options. One handles heat slightly better. The other holds up against friction and abrasion over time.

Hardness

After heat treatment, both 1. and 1. tool steels become very hard. They reach 46 to 54 HRC. I’ve used both steels for tooling jobs, and they perform well in real-world situations.But let’s talk about heavy workloads. During high-speed cutting or molding tasks, I’ve noticed differences. 1. handles sudden impacts better because it bends more easily. 1. works differently—it keeps tools sharp longer and stays strong even when heated. This makes it better for jobs involving friction or heat.Need impact resistance? Pick 1.. Want something that lasts longer under friction? Choose 1.. Both steels deliver reliable results depending on your needs.

Toughness

The toughness of 1. is better, which is suitable to withstand the alternating cold and hot conditions. 1. pays more attention to the balance of strength and hardness.

Tool Steel Grade Elongation Impact Toughness/Tensile Strength Features 1. about 10 – 15% 14 – 18 J/cm² Has good plasticity and resistance to cold and heat fatigue 1. Slightly lower (about 20%) – MPa Toughness is slightly less than 1., but adjustable by tempering

Heat Resistance

1. tool steel has a wide range of heat-resistant temperatures. It is recommended to use a hardness of 40-50 HRC to maintain high temperature stability 1. heat cracking performance is outstanding. High temperature strength is higher. Suitable for long-term work in 500-600℃ environment (such as aluminum die casting mold). Both are suitable for high temperature scenarios, but 1. has better thermal cracking resistance and oxidation resistance at extreme high temperatures.

Service Life

In tough environments like die-casting, 1. lasts longer than other materials. It can handle extreme heat and wear better than most. I saw this myself in a steel forging plant last year. The 1. dies performed well under high temperatures, while others started to wear down. It keeps going even when conditions are tough. This durability in heat and friction is why it’s trusted for heavy-duty tasks, making it perfect for jobs that require both strength and precision.

Machinability

For shaping and cutting tool steels, 1. machines better than 1.. I’ve worked with both grades and prefer 1.’s lower alloy content – it processes smoother for detailed tool shapes. Last month, we made a die-casting mold using 1.. The material’s predictable behavior helped us finish faster and under budget while keeping quality high. This matters most for budget-driven jobs where speed and efficiency decide success.

Cost

1. is more cost-effective than 1., mainly due to its lower alloy content. From my experience, this makes it an excellent option for projects that demand budget-conscious decisions. I’ve worked on several manufacturing jobs where cost was a major factor, and in those cases, 1. came through perfectly. Its reduced alloy mix doesn’t sacrifice essential performance, making it a reliable steel choice when financial flexibility is limited. The practical advantages of 1. lie in its balance—offering great toughness at a lower price point without compromising key features.

Applications

1. and 1. tool steels are dependable in tough conditions. They excel in high-pressure environments like die casting, forging, and plastic molding. These steels perform well under extreme heat, where precision and durability matter most. Both have their own advantages but are designed to succeed in the most demanding industrial tasks.

Steel Grade Applications 1. (H11) Die casting tools for aluminum, magnesium, and zinc alloys
Forging dies and inserts
Extrusion tools for light metals
Hot work punches and mandrels
Plastic injection molds
Ejector pins
Tool holders and chucks 1. (H13) Die casting dies for aluminum and magnesium at higher temperatures
Forging dies for steel and titanium
Extrusion tools for steel and high-temperature alloys
Hot trimming tools
Hot shear blades
Pressure die casting tools

Key Differences in Application

1. is selected for more demanding high-temperature applications due to its superior hot hardness and wear resistance.

For more 718h steelinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

1. is better suited for larger dies or tools with complex geometries, offering improved toughness.

1. is favored for high production volumes and longer run times, particularly in severe service conditions.

Both steels are commonly used in similar industries, but 1. is typically chosen for applications that require higher performance and tool longevity, often influenced by operational temperature, production scale, and cost factors.

Availability

Both grades are sold globally through major suppliers. From my experience, 1. is easier to get immediately, while 1. often needs advance planning for custom orders or rare sizes. I recommend ordering early if you need special treatments like heat processing or certifications – these add time to deliveries for both steels.

1. (H11) Availability

Property Details Stock Availability More frequently stocked than 1. Price Costs less than 1. in most cases Size Options Round bars (8 – 400mm), plates (16 – 500mm), and slabs Delivery Time Standard sizes ship in 1 – 4 weeks Monthly Supply Major suppliers can deliver up to tons

1. (H13) Availability

Property Details Stock Availability Limited stock, requires more careful checking of supplier inventories Price Priced higher than 1. Delivery Time Some sizes take 2 – 6 weeks to ship Monthly Supply Major suppliers offer up to tons

summary

The Ultimate Hot Work Tool Steel Showdown: H13 vs 1. In ...

The Ultimate Hot Work Tool Steel Showdown: H13 vs 1. In-depth Analysis

H13 steel (American standard AISI) and 1. steel (German standard DIN) are both widely used hot working die steels, but there are certain differences in composition, performance and application scenarios. Here is a comprehensive comparison of the two:

1. Chemical Composition Comparison

Composition (%)H13 (AISI)1. (DIN)Summary of differences Carbon (C)0.32–0.450.35–0.40H13 has a wider carbon range, 1. is more concentrated Silicon (Si)0.80–1.200.80–1.20Same Manganese (Mn)0.20–0.500.25–0.501. has a slightly higher lower limit Chromium (Cr)4.75–5.504.80–5.50Basically the same Molybdenum (Mo)1.10–1.751.30–1.501. has a higher lower limit for molybdenum Vanadium (V)0.80–1.200.90–1.101. has a higher lower limit for vanadium

What are the main differences in the chemical composition of H13 and 1. steel?

  • Molybdenum and vanadium: 1. has slightly higher molybdenum (1.30–1.50%) and vanadium (0.90–1.10%) contents than H13, which enhances high temperature stability;
  • Carbon control: 1. has a narrower carbon range (0.35–0.40%), which is good for homogeneity, while H13 has slightly larger fluctuations in carbon content (0.32–0.45%).

2. Performance Comparison

Performance indexH13 Steel1. Steel Reason for difference Room temperature hardness50-54 HRC after quenching48-52 HRC after quenchingCarbon content difference High temperature hardnessSignificant decrease at 600°CSlow decay at 600°CMo/V optimization improves tempering softening resistance Thermal fatigue resistanceExcellentExcellent** (more resistant to thermal cracking)Mo/V synergistically enhances high temperature strength ToughnessMediumSlightly better1. Carbon control is stricter Oxidation resistanceExcellent (high silicon)Excellent (same silicon)Both have the same silicon content Wear resistanceGoodGoodSimilar vanadium content

3. Comparison of Heat Treatment Processes

ProcessH13 Steel1. Steel Quenching temperature–°C (oil/air cooling)–°C (high pressure air quenching recommended) Tempering process540–650°C, double tempering550–600°C, multiple tempering (focusing on high temperature stability) Final hardness48-52 HRC (depending on tempering temperature)48-50 HRC (more uniform high temperature performance) Key goalsBalance hardness and toughnessMaximize high temperature stability and thermal fatigue resistance

4. Typical Application Scenarios

Application fieldsH13 applicable scenarios1. applicable scenarios Die-casting moldAluminum alloy/magnesium alloy die-casting (mainstream)High-stress copper alloy/zinc alloy die-casting Hot extrusion moldAluminum profiles, medium and low stress extrusion moldsTitanium alloy/stainless steel high-temperature extrusion molds (better life) Forging moldSmall and medium-sized forging molds, hammer forging moldsHeavy forging molds (such as crankshaft and connecting rod continuous forging) Plastic moldHigh-gloss surface injection moldVery few (high cost, redundant performance) OthersHot shear blades, die-casting mold coresPrecision die-casting mold inserts, high-temperature punches

5. Processing & Cost Analysis

IndicatorsH13 Steel1. Steel MachinabilityMedium (high silicon slightly increases difficulty)Slightly better (high composition homogeneity) PolishabilityExcellent (high silicon promotes surface densification)Excellent Heat treatment costLow (general process)High (precise temperature control and multiple tempering required) Material costLow (mature global supply)High (European high-end brand, complex process)

6. Material Selection Suggestions

Scenarios where H13 is preferred:

  • Aluminum alloy/magnesium alloy die-casting molds (best price/performance ratio);
  • Small and medium-sized hot working molds (such as injection molds, hot shearing tools);
  • Limited budget but need to take into account the needs of oxidation resistance and wear resistance.

Scenarios where 1. is preferred:

  • High temperature and high stress conditions (such as copper alloy die-casting, titanium alloy extrusion);
  • Heavy forging dies with strict requirements on mold life;
  • Precision parts that need to work above 600°C for a long time (such as high-temperature punches).

7. Notes

Heat treatment specifications:

  • H13 should avoid excessive tempering temperature (>600°C) to cause a sudden drop in hardness;
  • 1. needs multiple tempering (2-3 times) to release residual stress.

Surface treatment:

  • Both can be nitrided or PVD coated, but 1. is more suitable for deep nitriding due to its better high temperature stability.

Welding repair:

  • H13 has slightly better weldability (higher tolerance for carbon fluctuation);
  • 1. requires strict preheating and post-weld heat treatment.

Summary

H13 and 1. are both benchmarks for hot working die steel, but 1. significantly surpasses H13 in high temperature stability and thermal fatigue resistance through stricter molybdenum, vanadium ratio and carbon control, and is suitable for extreme working conditions; and H13 is still the first choice for aluminum alloy die casting and general hot working die with its mature supply chain and cost advantages. When selecting materials, it is necessary to comprehensively consider temperature, stress, life span and cost, and if necessary, performance matching can be verified through simulation tests.

MORE ABOUT H13 & 1. STEEL

By |March 14th, |Technology & Knowledge|

Related Posts