H13 steel (American standard AISI) and 1.2344 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) | 1.2344 (DIN) | Summary of differences |
| Carbon (C) | 0.32–0.45 | 0.35–0.40 | H13 has a wider carbon range, 1.2344 is more concentrated |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80–1.20 | 0.80–1.20 | Same |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20–0.50 | 0.25–0.50 | 1.2344 has a slightly higher lower limit |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.75–5.50 | 4.80–5.50 | Basically the same |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.10–1.75 | 1.30–1.50 | 1.2344 has a higher lower limit for molybdenum |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.80–1.20 | 0.90–1.10 | 1.2344 has a higher lower limit for vanadium |
What are the main differences in the chemical composition of H13 and 1.2344 steel?
- Molybdenum and vanadium: 1.2344 has slightly higher molybdenum (1.30–1.50%) and vanadium (0.90–1.10%) contents than H13, which enhances high temperature stability;
- Carbon control: 1.2344 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 index | H13 Steel | 1.2344 Steel | Reason for difference |
| Room temperature hardness | 50-54 HRC after quenching | 48-52 HRC after quenching | Carbon content difference |
| High temperature hardness | Significant decrease at 600°C | Slow decay at 600°C | Mo/V optimization improves tempering softening resistance |
| Thermal fatigue resistance | Excellent | Excellent** (more resistant to thermal cracking) | Mo/V synergistically enhances high temperature strength |
| Toughness | Medium | Slightly better | 1.2344 Carbon control is stricter |
| Oxidation resistance | Excellent (high silicon) | Excellent (same silicon) | Both have the same silicon content |
| Wear resistance | Good | Good | Similar vanadium content |
3. Comparison of Heat Treatment Processes
| Process | H13 Steel | 1.2344 Steel |
| Quenching temperature | 1000–1050°C (oil/air cooling) | 1020–1050°C (high pressure air quenching recommended) |
| Tempering process | 540–650°C, double tempering | 550–600°C, multiple tempering (focusing on high temperature stability) |
| Final hardness | 48-52 HRC (depending on tempering temperature) | 48-50 HRC (more uniform high temperature performance) |
| Key goals | Balance hardness and toughness | Maximize high temperature stability and thermal fatigue resistance |
4. Typical Application Scenarios
| Application fields | H13 applicable scenarios | 1.2344 applicable scenarios |
| Die-casting mold | Aluminum alloy/magnesium alloy die-casting (mainstream) | High-stress copper alloy/zinc alloy die-casting |
| Hot extrusion mold | Aluminum profiles, medium and low stress extrusion molds | Titanium alloy/stainless steel high-temperature extrusion molds (better life) |
| Forging mold | Small and medium-sized forging molds, hammer forging molds | Heavy forging molds (such as crankshaft and connecting rod continuous forging) |
| Plastic mold | High-gloss surface injection mold | Very few (high cost, redundant performance) |
| Others | Hot shear blades, die-casting mold cores | Precision die-casting mold inserts, high-temperature punches |
5. Processing & Cost Analysis
| Indicators | H13 Steel | 1.2344 Steel |
| Machinability | Medium (high silicon slightly increases difficulty) | Slightly better (high composition homogeneity) |
| Polishability | Excellent (high silicon promotes surface densification) | Excellent |
| Heat treatment cost | Low (general process) | High (precise temperature control and multiple tempering required) |
| Material cost | Low (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 1.2344 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;
- 1.2344 needs multiple tempering (2-3 times) to release residual stress.
Surface treatment:
- Both can be nitrided or PVD coated, but 1.2344 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);
- 1.2344 requires strict preheating and post-weld heat treatment.
Summary
H13 and 1.2344 are both benchmarks for hot working die steel, but 1.2344 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.
