Hot Work Tool Steels

(H Series)

Introduction
The hot worh tool steels are divided into three major groups: chro- recommended. Tools or dies made of hot work steel must he protected
mium. tungsten. and molybdenum. The distinction is intended to indicate against carburization and decarhurizntion u hen being heated for austenitiz-
the principl alloying addition. although all steels contain chromium in ing. An endothemtic atmosphere produced by a gas generator is probably
amounts varying from 2 to I?r. All are used extensively for hot work the most N idely used medium. The de\\ point is normally held from 3 to 8
applications. “C (5.5 to IS “F) in r/w ~rrn~rcc. depending on the carbon content of the
Because these steels are either partially or completely air hardening. steel and the operating temperature. A dew point of 3 to 4 “C (5 to 7 “F) is
normalizing is not recommended. Recommended annealing temperatures. ideal for types HI I and HI3 when austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F).
cooling practice. and expectsd hardnsss \ alues are given m the sections that hloltsn salt baths are also u idely used. In small shops where the use of a
follow. Heating for annealing should be SIOH and uniform to prevent protective atmosphere is not feasible because of equipment costs, the work
cracking especially when annealing hardened tools. Heat losses from the is packed in spent pitch coke hefore heating it for austenitizing as a
furnace usually determine the rate of cooling: large furnace loads itill cool common practice.
at a slower rate than light loads. The H steels are extremely susceptible to Hot uork steels rangs from high to extremely high in hardenability.
both carhurizinp and decarhurizing and must be carefully protected against hlost itill achieve full hardness by cooling in still air. However. even with
both. Use packing. controlled atmosphere. or a vacuum. the steels having the highest hardenahility. sections of die blocks may he so
Stress relieving tools of hot work steel can be beneticial if done after large that insufficient hardening results. In such instances. an air blast or an
rough machining hut before fmal machining. Heat tools to 650 to 730 ‘;C oil quench (IIPIY~ a uater quench) is required to achieve full hardness.
( I200 to I350 “F). This treamtent minimizes distortion during hardening. Some of the H steels. especially: the tungsten and molybdenum types. will
particularly for dies or tools ha\ ing major changes in configuration or deep scale considerably during cooling to room temperature in air. An inter-
cavities. Closer dimensional control may be obtamed by hardening and rupted quench reduces this scaling by eliminating the long period ofcontact
tempering after rough machining and prior to final machming. Ho\\ever. u ith air at elevatsd temperature. hut it also increases distortion.
final hardness obtained hy this method should be w tthin machinable range. Hot Hark tool steels should be tempered immediately after quenching,
With few exceptions. preheating is recommended prior to austenhizing hot although sensitivity to cracking at this stage varies considerably. Multiple
work steels. tempering serves to transform retained austenite and to minimize cracking
Rapid heating from the preheating temperatures to the austenitiztng due to h,ardening stresses. The H steels containmg 0.35% or less carbon are
temperature IS preferred for types H I9 through H43. IVith the exception of occasionally carhunzed to achieve a very high surface hardness (HRC 60
steels HI0 through HI-L time at the austenitizing temperature should only to 62). For some applications. the steels are nitrided after hardening and
be sufftcient to heat the work completely through. Prolonged soaking is not lsmpennp.
HlO
Chemical COIIIpOSitiOn. AISI: Nommal. 0.40 C. 2.50 hln. 3.25 Cr. Recommended Heat Treating Practice
0.40 V. AISI/UNS (T20810): Composition: 0.3S to O.-IS C. 0.25 to 0.70
hln. 0.80 to 1.20 Si. 0.30 Ni max. 3.00 to 3.75 Cr. 2.00 to 3.00 hlo. 0.5 to Normalizing. Do not normalize
0.75 v
Annealing. Surface protectton agamst decarbunzation by use of pack.
Similar Steels (U.S. and/or Foreign). .L\STMA681 (H-IO): FED controlled atmosphere. or vacuum is required. Heat to 845 to 900 “C ( 1555
QQ-T-570tH-lO):(Ger.) DIN 1.2365. 1.2367;tFr.) AFNOR .L\3S-5903431 to I650 “F). Use lo\\eer limit for small sections and upper limit for large
FZ 38 CDV 5: (Jap.) JIS G-l-IO-l SKD 7: (,lJ.K.) B.S. -1659 BHIO sections. Heat slowly and uniformly. especially for hardened tools. Holding
time varies from about I h for light sections and small furnace charges to
Characteristics. Louest in alloy content of the hot \vork steels. but about -I h for hea\ y sections and large charges. For pack annealing. hold I
offers deep-hardening properties at relati\sly low cost. Has high toughness h per inch of cross section. Cool slowly in furnace to S-IO “C (1000 “F) at
and can be watercooled in sen Ice. Can he carbunzcd or nitrided to Increase a rate not to exceed 30 “C (55 “F) per h. after which a faster cooling rate
surface hardness uith some loss in resistance to heat checking. Has very will not affect final hardness. Typical annealed hardness. I93 to 229 HB
IOU distortion in heat treating. high resistance to softening at elevated
temperature and medium wear resistance. Has medium to high machinahil- StreSS RekWing. Optional. Heat to 650 to 675 ‘C (I 200 to 1245 “F)
ity and medium resistance to decarburization and hold for I h per inch of cross section (minimum of I h). Cool in air

Forging. Heat slow Iy. Preheat at 705 to 815 “C ( I300 to IS00 “F). start Hardening. Surface protection against decarburization or carhurization
forging at 1065 to I I SO “C ( I950 to 2 100 OF). Do not forge after tcmpera- is required by utilizing molten salt bath, pack. controlled atmosphere. or
ture of forging stock drops helow 900 “C t 1650 “FL Cool do\~ I) vacuum. For preheating. die blocks or other tools for open furnace treat-
590 / Heat Treaters Guide

ment should be placed in a furnace at a temperature that does not exceed Tempering. Temper immediately after tool reaches about 50 “C ( I20 “F)
260 “C (500 “F). Work packed in containers may be safely placed in a at 540 to 650 “C (1000 to I200 “FL Forced-convection air tempering
furnace at 370 to 540 “C (700 to 1000 OF). Once the workpieces (or furnaces heat tools at a moderately safe rate. Salt baths are acceptable for
container) have attained temperature. heat slowly to 8 IS “C ( IS00 “F). at a small parts but may cause large or intricate shaped dies to crack due to
rate not to exceed I IO “C (200 “F) per h. Hold for I h per inch of thickness thermal shock. Temper for I h per inch of thickness, cool to room tempera-
(or per inch of container thickness if packed). If double preheat facilities
ture, and retemper using the same time at temperature. The second temper
are available, such as salt baths. thermal shock can be reduced by preheat-
is essential and a third temper is beneticial. Approximate tempered hard-
ing at 540 to 650 “C (1000 to 1200 “F) and then preheating at 845 to 870 “C
ness. 56 to 39 HRC
(1555to 16OO”F).Austenitizeat IOIOto lO40”C(l850to 1905”F)for I5
to 40 min. Use shorter time for small sections and longer time for large
sections. Quench in air. If air blast cooled, air should be dry and blasted Recommended Processing Sequence
uniformly on the surface to be hardened. To minimize scale. tools can be
l Rough machine
flash quenched in oil to cool the surface to below scaling temperature
[approximately 540 “C (1000 OF)], then cooled in air, but this increases l Stress relieve (optional)
distortion. The safer procedure is to quench from the austenitizing tempera- l Finish machine
ture into a salt bath held at 595 to 650 “C (I IO5 to I200 “F), and hold in the l Preheat
quench until the workpiece reaches the temperature of the bath. Then l Austenitize
withdraw the workpiece and allow it to cool in air. Quench hardness. 52 to l Quench
59 HRC l Stabilize (optional)
l Temper
Stabilizing. Optional. For intricate shapes. stress relieve temper at 1%)
to 160 “C (300 to 320 “F) briefly. Refrigerate at -100 to -19.5 “C (-150 to l Final grind to size
-320 “F). Temper immediately after part reaches room temperature

HlO: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. HlO tool

steel: 0.40 C, 0.55 Mn, 1 .OO Si, 3.25 Cr, 2.50 MO, 0.33 V.
Austenitized at 1035 “C (1895 “F). Source: Crucible Steel
 Tool Steels / 591

HlO: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature. HlO, air cooled

from 1040 “C (1905 “F) and 1010 “C (1850 “F). Double tempered.
Source: Universal-Cyclops
 Tool Steels / 591

Hll
Chemical Composition. AM: Nominal. 0.35 C, I._50 Mn. 5.00 Cr. lance. Has medium-to-high machinability and medium resistance to decar-
0.10 V. AM/UN!5 (T20811): Composition: 0.33 to O.-t3 C. 0.20 to 0.50 burirntion
Mn. 0.80 to 1.20 Si. 0.30 Ni mas. -I.75 to 5.50 Cr. I. IO to 1.60 MO. 0.30 to
0.60 v
Forging. Heat slou ly. Preheat at 705 IO 8 I5 “C ( I300 to I SO0 “F), start
forging at IO65 to I I SO “C ( 1950 to 2 100 “F). Do not forge after tempera-
ture of forging stock drops belo\v 900 “C (I650 “F). Cool slowly
Similar Steels (U.S. and/or Foreign). AM 6337. 648s. 6487.
6188: ASTM A68 I (H-I I ); FED QQ-T-570 t H- I I); SAE 5437 (,H I I ). J-I38 Recommended Heat Treating Practice
(HI I). J-t67 (HI I ): (Ger.) DlN I .23-t3. 1.7783, 1.7784: (Fr.) AFNOR
A35-590 3131 FZ 38 CDV 5: (I1al.j 1JNI X 35 CrMo OS KU: c,Jap.) JIS Normalizing. Do not normalize
C&t404 SKD 6; (U.K.) B.S. BHI I
Annealing. Surface protection against decarburization by use of pack.
controlled atmosphere, or vacuum is required. Heat to 845 to 900 “C (I555
Characteristics. A popular and relatively economical grade of hot to 1650 “FL Use lower limit for small sections and upper limit for large
work steel suitable for many applications. Is deep hardening, has excellent secttons. Heat SIOU ly and uniformly. especially for hardened tools. Holding
resistance to heat checking, and can be water cooled in servtce. Can be time varies from about I h for light sections and small furnace charges to
carburized or nitrided \rith some loss in resistance to heat checking. Has about 1 h for heavy sections and large charges, For pack annealing, hold I
high resistance to softening at elevated temperature. Hardness does not h per inch of cross section. Cool slowly in furnace to 540 “C (1000 “F) at
vary up to 595 “C (I IO5 “F). and tools can withstand Norking temperature a rate not to exceed 30 “C (55 “F) per h. after which a faster cooling rate
up to 595 “C (I IO5 “F). Does not exhibit notable secondary hardening will not affect final hardness. Typical annealed hardness. 192 to 235 HB
effect during tempering because of low carbon content, Hardness begins to
drop off rapidly when tempering nbo\e 565 ‘C r 1050 “F). Has high Stress RdieVing. Optional. Heat to 650 to 675 “C t 1200 to I245 “F)
toughness. very IOU distortion in heat treating. and medium wear resis- and hold for I h per inch of cross section (minimum of I h). Cool in air
592 / Heat Treaters Guide

Hardening. Surface protection against decarburization or carburization Tempering. Temper immediateI> atier tool reaches about 50 “C t 110°F)
is required by utilizing salt. pack. controlled atmosphere. or wcuum. For ;11 S-IO to 650 “C (I000 IO 1300 “F). Forced-convection ;iw tempering
prehsatinp. die blocks or other tools for open furnace treatment should be furnaces heat tools ;11 il moderateI> safe rate. Salt baths are acceptable for
placed in a furnace at ;1 tempernture that does not exceed I60 “C I SO0 “F). small parts but mn> C;IUX huge or intricate shaped dies IO crack due to
Work packed in contrliners may be safely placed in B timncc at 370 to S-10 themlal shock. Temper for I h per inch of thickness. cool to room tempera-
“C (700 to 1000 “FL Once the uorkpieces lor container) have attained ture. md retemper using the same time ut temperature. The second temper
temoerature. heat slow Iv to 8 IS “C t IS00 “FL ;It ;I rate not to excsed I 10 is essential nnd il third temoer is beneficial. Annroximate
I I
temoered hard-
“C i200 “F) per h. Hoid for I h per inch of thickness (or per inch of ness. S-l IO 38 HRC ’
container thickness if packed). If double preheat fxilitirs me a\ailahle.
such ;is salt baths. thermal shock can be reduced b) preheating at S-10 to Recommended Processing Sequence
650 “C i 1000 to I200 “FI and then prehsnting ilt 8-!S to X70 “C ( 15% IO l Rough machine
160O”jF). .L\ustenitize at 9% to 1025 “C t l82.i to 1875 “‘F) for IS to-IO mm. l Slress relic\ e (optional 1
Use shorter time for small sections and longer time for large sections. l Finish machine
Quench in air. If air blast cooled. air should be dry and Hasted uniformI) l Preheat
on the surface to be hardsnsd. To minimize scale. tools citn he flash l Austsnitizs
quenched in oil to cool the surface to belo\% scaling temperature [approxi- l Quench
matelq S-IO “C t 1000 ‘F)]. then cooled in air. but this incrcnses distortion. l Stnbilize ioptionnl)
The safer procedure is to quench from the wstenitizing temperature into a l Temper
Salk bath held at 5% to 650 “C ( I IO5 to IZOO “F). nnd hold in the quench l Finn1 grind IO sire
until the \\orkpiece reaches the tempernture of the bath. Then withdraw the
norkpiece and allow it to cool in air. Quench hxdness. 53 to SS HRC

Stabilizing. Optional. For intricate shapeb. stress relie\r temper 91 IYJ

to 160 “C (300 to 3X “F) brietl). Refrigerate ;It -100 IO -1% “C (-150 to
-?N “FL Temper ImmediateI) after part reaches room tsmperaturs

Hll: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. Hll tool

steel: 0.40 C, 1.05 Si, 5.00 Cr, 1.35 MO, 0.35 V. Austeni-
tized at 1010 “C (1850 “F). Source: Crucible Steel
 Tool Steels / 593

Hll : Hardness vs Austenitizing and Tempering Conditions. (a, b. c) tempered: 0,O.l h; l ,0.5 h; 1, 1 .O h; A, 2.5 h: Cl, 10.0 h; H, 100.0
1. (d) 0, consumable-electrode vacuum melted. A air melted
594 / Heat Treaters Guide

Hll : Hardness vs Austenitizing and Tempering Temperature.

Hll air cooled from 995 “C (1825 “F), 980 “C (1795 “F), 970 “C
(1775 “F). Source: Universal-Cyclops

Hll : As-Quenched Hardness vs Austenitizing Tempera-

ture.Hll toolsteel:0.38C, l.OOSi.5.25Cr, 1.35Mo,0.50V.
Test specimens: 25.4 mm (1 in.) diam, 76.2 mm (3 in.) long.
Cooled in air. Source: Columbia Tool Steel and Latrobe Steel

Hll: Hardness vs Austenitizing and Tempering Temperature.

English grade of Hll tool steel. Source: British Steel
 Tool Steels / 595

Hll: Elevated-Temperature Tensile Strength. Source:

Carpenter Technology Corporation
596 / Heat Treaters Guide

Hll: Microstructures. (a) 30/onital, 1000x. As received (mill annealed). Fine dispersion of small spheroidal carbide particles in a matrix of
ferrite (white). Grain boundaries (black lines) revealed by the etch in several areas. (b) Picral with HCI, for 10 sec. 500x. Annealed byausteni-
tizing at 870 “C (1600 “F), holding for 20 h, cooling to 650 “C (1200 “F) at 8 “C (15 “F) per h, then air cooling. Spheroidal, lamellar and grarn-
boundary alloy carbide (pnmarily, chromium carbide) in ferrite. (c) 3% nital, 1000x. Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F), cooled in still air.
Mainly untempered martensite with some very small spheroidal panicles of carbide and some retained austenite (the latter two constituents
are not well resolved at 1000x). (d) 3% nital, 1000x. Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F), arr cooled. double tempered (2 h plus 2 h) at 565 “C
(1050 “F), a common heat treatment for this steel. Hardness, 54 HRC. Very fine spheroidal particles of carbide (small black or white dots) in
a matrix of tempered martensite (grayish). (e) 3% nital, 1000x. Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F), air cooled, double tempered (2 h plus 2 h)
at 620 “C (1150 “F). Hardness, 42 HRC. Fine spheroidal alloy carbide in a matrix of tempered martensite. Change in matrix from (d) due to
higher tempering temperature. (f) 2% nital, for 90 sec. 500x. Austenitized at 1120 “C (2050 “F), oil quenched, double tempered (2 h plus 2
h) at 595 “C (1105 “F). Hardness, 46 to 48 HRC. Coarse tempered martensite with a few spheroidal particles of alloy carbide. Most carbide
dissolved because of the high austenitizing temperature. (g) 3% nital. 1000x. Austenitized at 925 “C (1695 “F), air cooled, double tempered
(2 h plus 2 h) at 565 “C (1050 “F). Hardness, 37 HRC. Ferrite (white), spheroidal carbide, and tempered martensite. showing underbeating.
(h) Nital, 1000x. Austenitized at 1150 “C (2100 “F), air cooled, double tempered (2 h plus 2 h) at 565 “C (1050 “F). Hardness, 55 HRC. Fine
spheroidal carbide In coarse tempered martensrte and retained austenite. showing overheating. (j) Austenitized 1 h at 1230 “C (2245 “F),
air cooled, tempered 2 h at 565 “C (1050 “F). Very coarse tempered martensite, due to high austenitizing temperature. (ASTM grain size of
prior austenite is larger than 1). Retained austenite also present
 Tool Steels / 597

H12
Chemical Composition. AISI: Nominal. 0.35 C. I .SO I\‘. S.00 Cr. preheating. die blochs or other 1001s for open furnace treatment should be
I.50 hlo. 0.10 V. AlSI/UNS (T20812): Composition: 0.30 to 0.40 C. 0.20 placed in TVfurnace at :l temperrlture that does not exceed 260 “C (500 “F).
to 0.50 hln. 0.80 to I .?O Si. 0.30 Ni max. 4.75 to 5.50 Cr. I .?S to I.75 hlo. Lf’ork packed in containers ma> be safely placed in a furnace at 370 IO S-10
I .OO to I .70 W. 0.50 I’ ma\ “C 1700 to 1000 “‘F). Once the \rorkpteces (or container) have attained
tempcrnturs. heat slow I) to 815 “C ( IS00 “F). ;Lt ;1 rate not to exceed I IO
Similar Steels (U.S. and/or Foreign). ASThl A68 I I H- I?); FED “C (200 “F) per h. Hold for I h per inch of thickness (or per inch of
QQ-T-570 (H-l?): SAE 51.37 (HI?). 5438 (HI?). 5167 (HI?): tGsr.) DIN
container thickness if packed). If douhls preheat facilities are available.
1.2606; (Fr.) AFNOR A3S-590 3432 Z 35 CWDV S: (Ital.) LrNl X 35
such us salt bathb. thermal bhock can be reduced hq preheating at 540 to
CrhloWOS KU: (Jap.) JIS G-UO-1 SKD 62: tl1.K.) B.S. 4659 BHI?
650 “C t 1000 to I?00 “F‘, nnd then preheating at 8-15 to 870 “C (IS55 to
Characteristics. A popular grade hn\ing \eq high toughness. H:I> I600 “F, Austenitizr ;I[ 99S to 1025 “C ( I825 to I875 “F) for IS to 10 min.
e,xcellent resistance to heat checkmp and can be irater cooled tn SW ice. Cke shorter time for small secttons and longer ttme for large sections.
Cnn be c~burired or nitrided to tnc‘rease surfrlcc hardness with some loss Quench in air. If air blnst cooled. nir should be dry and hlasted uniformI>
in resistance to heat checking. A specinl die catinp Fade is nvailahls. Is on the surface to he hxdensd. To minimize scale. tools can be flash
suitahle for extrusion dies. die castin@ dies. mandrels. hot shexs. and hot quenched in oil to cool the surface to below scaling temperature [approxi-
forging dies and punches. Hx high reststunce to softstung at ele\ ared mntel> S-IO “C ( IOOW’F~]. hut this tncrtxses distortion. The safer procedure
tempemture. Httrdnes\ does not \ urj up IO -125 “C (800 “FI snd tools can IS to quench from the nustenitiztng temperahtre into il salt bath held at 595
\\ ithbtand \+orbin& temperatures up IO S-W ‘C ( IO00 “F). Does not e\hihit to 650 “‘C I I IO5 to I?00 “FL and hold in the quench until the workpiece
notable second+ hardening etkct during tempering hecause of low car- renches the temperuture of the hnth. Then withdraw the uorkpiece and
hon content. Httrdnsss begins to drop off rnpidlj when tsmperinp nhove ttllo~ it to cool in uir. Quench hwdness. S? to 55 HRC
595 “‘C t II00 “F). Is deep hardening and has lo\\ distortion in hentinp
treating. Hns medium \ieii~ resist;lnce. medium to high muchinabilit! nnd Stabilizing. Optionnl.
For intricnte shapes. stress relisle temper at IS0
medium reststilnce to dscxburizution to 160 “C (300 IO 320 “FI hrietl!. Rsfri_gsrate at -100 to -195 “C i-150 IO
-320 ‘-FL Temper immediateI> ufter part reaches room temperature
Forging. Heat ,lo\r I!. Preheat ilt 70.5 to 8 IS “C t I300 to I SO0 “FL w-t
for_gin@ ut 1065 to I I SO “C ( I YSO to 7_IO0 “FL Do not forge after tempem- Tempering. Temper tmmediatel!~aftsr tool reaches about SO “C ( I?0 “FI
ture of forging stock drops belo\v YOU “C I 1650 “FI. Cool slog I! ut S-IO to 6%) ‘C I 1000 to 1700 ‘.Ft. Forced-comection air tempering
furnaces hsut tools ttt il moderately \afe rttte. Salt baths ttre ncceptahle for
Recommended Heat Treating Practice mall parts hut mu! cttuse lxgs or mtncnte shaped dies to crxk due to
Normalizing. Do not norm~~lire thermal <hock. Temper for I h per inch of rhicknes3. cool to room tempera-
ture. and rstsmper using the stuiie ttme at temperature. The second temper
Annealing. Surfrrce protrxtion ayinst decurhurization b! use of pa&. is essential und tt third temper is heneticinl. Approximate tempered httrd-
controlled atmosphere. or vacuum is required. Heat to 845 to 900 “C t I SSS ness. 55 to 38 HRC
to 16%) “FL Use lower limit for wtnll sections nnd upper limit for Iw~s
sections. Hcnt 41~~ I> llnd uniformI>. e>psciallj for hludened tools. Holding
Recommended Processing Sequence
time \xics from nhout I h for light sections and small furnace charge, to
about -I h for hew> sections and ltuye charg.es. For puck annealing, hold I l Rough mnchine
h per Inch of cross section. Cool ~IOU I! In tumnce to S-IO “C ( 1000 “F) ;1t l Stress relis\ 5 toptionnl)
3 rate not to exceed 30 “C 155 -Ft per h. nftsr which il faster cooling mte l Finish machine
I\ ill not affect final hardness. Typical nnneulcd hardness. 19’ to 235 HB l Preheat
l Xustsnitize
Stress Relieving. Optional. Hent IO 650 to 675 “C I 1200 to 124s “F)
l Quench
and hold for I h per mch of cross section rnunimum of I hr. Cool in air
l Stabilize (optional)
Hardening. Surface protection n_pninst decarhuriration or carhurizxion l Temper
is required h> utilizing salt. puck. controlled atmosphere. or wx~um. For l Finn1 grind to size

H12: Hardness vs Austenitizing and Tempering Conditions. (a) H12. oil quenched. Single temper, 2 h. (b) H12, air quenched. Single
temper, 2 h
598 / Heat Treaters Guide

H12: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. Annealed

H12 tool steel: 0.32 C, 0.35 Mn. 0.95 Si, 4.86 Cr, 1.45
MO, 1.29 W. Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F). Critical
points: AC,, 835 “C (1535 “F)

H12: Hardness vs Austenitizing and Tempering Tem-

perature. H12 air cooled from 995 “C (1825 “F), 980 “C
(1795 “F), 970 “C (1775 “F), and tempered. Source: Univer-
sal-Cyclops

H12: Tempering Temperature vs Hardness and Dimensional

Change. H12: hardness and dimensional change at 2 austenitiz-
ing temperatures
 Tool Steels / 599

H12: Jominy End-Quench Hardenability. H12 tool steel: 0.35 C,

0.92 Si, 4.76 Cr, 1.49 MO, 1.42 W. Source: Teledyne VASCO

H12: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. Source: Jessop-

Saville

H12: Typical Elevated-Temperature Tensile Strength. Source: Carpenter Technology Corporation

600 / Heat Treaters Guide

H12: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. Composition: 0.32 C, 0.35 Mn, 0.95 Si, 4.86 Cr, 1.45 MO, 1.29 W. Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F)
600 / Heat Treaters Guide

Hl3
Chemical Composition. AISI: Nominal. 0.35 C, 5.00 Cr. 1.50 MO. preheating. die blochs or other tools for open furnace treatment should be
I .OO V. AISI/LJNS (T20813): Composition: 0.32. to 0.45 C. 0.20 to 0% placed in a furnace 31 a temperature that does not eweed 260 “C (SO0 “F).
Mn. 0.80 IO I.20 Si. 0.30 Ni max. 4.75 IO 5.50 Cr. I. IO IO I .7S hlo. 0.80 to M’orh packed in container3 ma) be safeI> placed in a furnace at 370 to S-10
I.20 V “C (700 to 1000 “Ft. Once the uorkpisces tar container) have attained
temperature. heat slowly to 815 “C I IS00 “F). at a rate not IO exceed I IO
Similar Steels (U.S. and/or Foreign). ASTM A~~I(H-13): FED
“C t200 “F) per h. Hold for I h per inch of thickness (or per inch of
QQ-T-570 (H-13): SAE J-137 (Hl3). J-138 (Hl3). 5167 (Hl3): tGer.1 DIN
contamer thickness if packed). If double preheat facilities are available.
I.2344 rFr.i AFNOR A35590 3433 Z 4OCDV 5; (Ital.) UN1 X 35 CrLlo\
OS KU: (lap.) JIS SKD61; (S\red.)SS 3242: tL1.K.j B.S.4659 BHl3.4659 such as salt baths. thermal shock can be reduced by preheating at 540 to
HI3 650 ‘;‘C t IO00 to I200 ‘F, and then preheating at 8-U to 870 “C ( I SSS to
1600°F). Austcnitize at 995 to 1010°C (1835 to 1905 “F) for IS to-10 min.
Characteristics. A very popular and available grade. Is deep harden- L!se shorter time for small sections and longer time for large sections.
ing and has very high toughness. Has excellent resistance to heat checking Quench in air. If air blast cooled. air should be dry and blasted uniformly
and can be water cooled in service. Is suitable for a u ide range of applica- on the surface to be hardened. To minimize scale. 1001s can be flash
tions including extrusion dies. die casting dies. mandrels. hot shears. and quenched in oil to cool the surface to beIon scaling temperature [approxi-
hot forging dies and punches. Has medium wear resistance. but can be mately 510 “C t IO(H) “F)]. but this increases distortion. The safer procedure
carburized or nitrided to impart higher surface hardness with some loss in is to quench from the austenitizinp temperature into a salt bath held at 595
resistance to heat checking. Because of IOU’ carbon content. does not to 650 “‘C t I IOS to I200 ‘F). and hold in the quench until the workpiece
exhibit notable secondary hardenmg during tempering. Hardness begins to
reaches the temperature of the bath. Then Hithdraw the uorkpiece and
drop off rapidly when tempering aboLe -US “C (800 “F). and tools can
allow it IO cool in air. Quench hardness. 5 I to S-1 HRC
withstand working temperatures of S-10 ‘C ( 1000 “F). Has medium to high
machinability and medium resistance to decarbunzation
Stabilizing. Optional. For intricate shapes. stress relieve temper at IS0
Forging. Heat slowly. Preheat at 705 to 8 IS “C t I300 to I SO0 “FL ~II to 160 “C (300 IO 320 “F) brietlj. Refrigerate at -100 to -195 “C (-150 to
forging at 1065 to I I SO “C ( 1950 to 2 IO0 “Ft. Do not forge after tempera- -330 “FL Temper immediateI\: after part reaches room temperature
ture of forging SIOC~ drops below 900 “C t I650 “FL Cool slo\r Ij
Tempering. Temper immediateI> after rool reaches about SO “C t I20 “FI
Recommended Heat Treating Practice at S-10 to 6%) ‘C I 1000 IO I200 “FL Forced-comection air tempering
Normalizing. Do not normalize furnaces heat tools at a moderateI> safe rate. Salt baths are acceptable for
small parts but may cause large or intricate shaped dies IO crack due to
Annealing. Surface protection against decarburization bj use of path. thermal shoch. Temper for I h per inch of thickness. cool to room tempera-
controlled atmosphere. or vacuum is required. Heat to X-IS to 900 “C I IS55 ture. and retemper using the wme time at temperature. The second temper
to I650 ‘F). Clse lower limit for small sections and upper limit for large is essential and a third temper is beneficial. Approximate tempered hard-
sections. Heat slow Iy and uniformly. especially for hardened tools. Holding ness. 53 to 38 HRC
time varies from about I h for light sections and small furnace charges to
about 4 h for hea\> sections and large charges. For pack annealing. hold I Recommended Processing Sequence
h per inch of cross section. Cool SIOU I> in furnace to S-IO ‘C ( 1000 “F) at
. Rough machine
a rate not to exceed 30 “C t 55 “F, per h. after u hich a Paster cooling rate
l Stress relists (optional t
\vill not affect final hardness. Typical annealed hardness, 192 to 229 HB
l Finish machine
l Preheat
Stress Relieving. Optional. Heat to 650 to 675 ‘C ( I200 to 1245 “F) l Xustcnitizr
and hold for I h per inch of cross section tnunimum of I h). Cool in au . Quench
l Stabilize toptionul)
Hardening. Surface protection against dscarburizntion or c.arburization l Temper
is required by utilizing salt. pack. controlled atmosphere, or vacuum. For l Final grind to size
 Tool Steels / 601

H13: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. Dia-

gram for H13 tool steel, containing 0.40 C, 1.05 Si,
5.00 Cr, 1.35 MO, 1 .lO V. Austenitized at 1010 “C
(1850 “F). Source: Crucible Steel

H13: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature. Hardness and di-

mensional change for H13 steel, austenitized at 540 “C (1000 “F).
Source: Jessop-Saville

H13: Size Change in Hardening. Chart shows typical length

changes when H 13 is properly hardened and tempered. Alloy was
austenitized at 1025 “C (1875 “F), oil quenched and tempered 1 h
at indicated temperatures. Source: CarpenterTechnology Corpo-
ration
602 / Heat Treaters Guide

H13: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature . H13, air

cooled from 1010 “C (1850 “F) and 980 “C (1795 “F) and
double tempered. Source: Universal-Cyclops

H13: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature. (a) H13: Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 OF), oil quenched, and tempered for 2 h. (b) Hl3:
Austenitized at the indicated temperatures, air quenched, and tempered for 2 h
 Tool Steels / 603

H13: Isothermal Phase Diagram. Austenitizing temperature

was 1010 “C (1850 “F). Source: Carpenter Technology Corpora-
tion

H13: Charpy V-Notch Impact Strength. Source: Carpenter

Technology Corporation
604 / Heat Treaters Guide

H13: Microstructures. (a) 49b nital. 500x. As received (mill annealed). Held at 830 “C (1525 “F) for 2 h, cooled to 540 “C (1000 “F) at 28 “C
(50 “F) per h. then air cooled. 94 HRB. Fine spheroidal particles of carbide in matrix of ferrite. (b) Picral with HCI. for 10 sec. 500x. Annealed
by austenitizing at 845 “C (1555 “F), cooling to 650 “C (1200 “F) at 8 “C (15 “F) per h. then cooling in air. 11 to 12 HRC. Fine spheroidal
particles of carbide (primarily chromium carbide) in matrix of ferrite. (c) 4?b nital. 500x. Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F), air cooled, triple
tempered (2 h plus 2 h plus 2 h) at 540 “C (1000 “F). Hardness, 53 HRC. A few spheroidal particles of alloy carbide in a matrix of tempered
martensite. (d) 29/o nital, for 90 set, 500x. Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F), oil quenched. double tempered (2 h plus 2 h) at 595 “C (1105
“F). Hardness, 47 to 48 HRC. Matnx of tempered martensite with a few spheroidal particles of alloy carbide. (e) 2% nital, for 60 sec. 500x.
Austenitized at 1010 “C (1850 “F), oil quenched. double tempered (2 h plus 2 h) at 565 “C (1050 “F), gas nitrided 15 h at 510 “C (950 “F).
Case (beginning at top) 0.152 mm (0.006 In.) deep, contains carbide and elongated nitride (white streaks). (f) 3Y0 nital, 1000x. As cast. 57
HRC. Some carbide particles in matrix of untempered martensite (dark areas) and retained austenite (light areas). White spots grain bound-
ary carbide. Black spots nonmetallic inclusions. (g) 2% nital, 500x. Cast H13, double tempered (2 h plus 2 h) at 565 “C (1050 “F). 53 HRC.
Very fine alloy carbide particles in matrix of tempered martensite (coarse, needlelike constituent). Large light gray areas retained austenite
 Tool Steels / 605

H13: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. Composition: 0.40 C. 1.05 Si, 5.00 Cr. 1.35 MO, 1 .l OV. Austenitized ,at lOlO’C(185O”F)
 Tool Steels / 605

H14
Chemical Composition. AISI: Nomnhl. O.Jo C. s.00 Cr. 5.00 M’. ‘C r70(J to IO00 ‘F,. Once the \rorhpieces (or container) have attained
AM/UN!5 (TZOSlJI: Composition: 0.35 to 0.45 C. 0.20 to O.SO hln. 0.80 temperature. heat slowI> and uniformI>; to 8 IS “C t IS00 OF). at a rale not
to 1.20 Si, 0.30 Ni mas. 4.75 to S.SO Cr. 4.00 to 5.25 H’ to ewwd I IO ‘-C I 200 ‘F) per h. Hold tar I h per inch of thickness (or per
mch ol‘ wntainer thickness if packed,. If double preheat facilities are
Similar Steels (U.S. and/or Foreign). .ASTI\I Ah81 IH-14): FED a\ ailabls. such as salt baths. thermal shock can he reduced h> preheating at
QQ-T-570 (H-l-!): (Ger.) DIN 1.2567; (Fr.) AFNOR 3541 Z-NJ \VC\’ S;
S-IO to 650 “C I 1000 to I200 “Fl and then preheating at 835 to 870 “C (I 555
(Jap.) JIS G-U04 SKD 4: i1l.K.) B.S. BH I I
to I600 “F). Austenitize at IO IO to I Oh5 ‘T t I MO to I950 “F) for I S to JO
Characteristics. Contains 55 chromium and 55, tungsten. Is also rmn. Lise shorter time for small sections and longer time for large sections.
available uith small additions of Lanudium (O.~Y%J, molj hdenum Quench in air If air blast cooled. air should he dry and blasted uniformI>
(0.25%). and cobalt (O.SOLY~).Has greater hot hardness and we‘ar resistance on the surface to he hardened. To minimize scale. tools can be Flash
than HI I. 12. or 13. but is not as shock resistant. Can be hardened from a quenched in oil to cool the surface to hslow scaling temperature [approxi-
relatively low temperature. The isothermal transformation diagram shows mateI) S-IO jC ( 1000 ‘F)]. hut this increases diclortion. The safer procedure
the high hardenahility of this grade. Does not rxhihit notable secondark is to quench from rhs nustenitirinp Iemperature into a salt hath held at 59s
hardening during tempering. and hardness be_gms to drop off rapidI> M hen to 650 ‘C ( 1105 to I200 “FL and hold in the quench until the workpiece
tempering ahove S-IO “C (IO00 ‘FI. Has medium machinability and rests- reaches the temperature of the bath. Then withdraw the uorkpiece and
lance to decarhurization allow it to cool in air Quench hardness. 53 to 57 HRC

Forging. Heat sloulj. Preheat at 705 to 8 IS “C t 1300 to IS00 “F). start Stabilizing. Optional. For intricate shapes. stress relieve temper at IS0
forging at 1065 to I I7S “C t I950 to 2 I SO “F). Do not forge after tsmpera-
to I60 “C (300 to 320 OF) briefly. Refrigerate at -100 to -195 “C (-IS0 to
ture of forging stock drops helow 925 ‘C ( I69S “F). Cool slo\~ I>
-320 “F). Temper immediately after part reaches room temperature
Recommended Heat Treating Practice
Tempering. Temper immediatelv after tool reaches about SO “C ( I20 “F)
Normalizing. Do not normalize at 595 to 650 “C ( I IO5 to IXO~“F). Forced-convection air tempering
Annealing. Surface protection against decarhurization hj use ot’ pack. furnaces heat tools at a moderately safe rate. Salt baths are acceptable for
controlled atmosphere, or vacuum is required. Heat to 870 to 900 “‘C I I600 small parts hut may cause large or intricate shaped dies to crack due to
to 1650 “F). Use lower limit for small sections and upper limit for large thermal shock. Temper for I h per inch of thickness, cool to room tempera-
sections. Heat slou 1~ and uniformly. especialI!, for hardened tools. Holding ture, and retemper using the same time at temperature. The second temper
time varies from ahout I h for light sections and small furnace charges to is essential and a third temper is beneficial. Approximate tempered hard-
ahout 4 h for hca\ y bections and large char!cs. For pack annealing. hold I ness. 37 to 40 HRC
h per inch of cross section. Cool slo\r I) in turnace to 59s “C ( I IO5 “F) at a
we not to eweed 30 “C tSS -‘F) per h. after w hlch a faster cooling rate will
not affwt final hardness. T! pical annsnled hardness. -707 to 235 HB Recommended Processing Sequence
l Rough machine
Strt?SS RelieVing. Optional. Heat IF, 650 to 675 “C I 1ZOOto 12-15 “F) l Stress relieve (optional)
and hold for I h per inch ot’sw~s section (minimum of I h). Cool in air l Finish machine
l Preheat
Hardening. Surface protectron agiunst drcarhurization or carhuriratlon l Auslenilize
is required hj utilizing salt. pack. controlled atmosphere. or vacuum. For l Quench
preheating. die blocks or other tools for open furnace treatment should he l Stabilize (optional)
placed in a furnace at a temperature that does not esceed 260 “C t SOO“F). l Temper
L’ork puched in containers ma) be ,ufel\ placed in a filmace at 370 to S-IO l Final grind to size

H14: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature. H14 austenitized

at the temperatures shown
606 / Heat Treaters Guide

H14: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. H14 tool steel containing: 0.40 C, 1 .15 Si, 5.25 Cr, 4.25 W. Austenitized at 1065 “C (1950 “F).
Source: Crucible Steel
 Tool Steels / 607

H14: Isothermal Transformation Diagram. Composition: 0.40 C, 1 .15 Si. 5.25 Cr, 4.25 W. Austenitized at 1040 “C (1950 “F)
 Tool Steels / 607

HI9
Chemical Composition. AISI: Nominal. 0.40 C, 4.25 Cr. 2.00 V. “C (700 to 1000 “F). Once the workpieces (or container) have attained
4.25 W. 4.25 Co. AISI/UNS (T20819): Composition: 0.32 to 0.35 C. 0.20 temperature. heat slowly to 815 “C ( 1500 “F). at a rate not to exceed I IO
to 0.50 Mn. 0.20 to 0.50 Si. 0.30 Ni max. 1.00 to A.75 Cr. 0.30 to 0.55 hlo. “C (200 “F) per h. Hold for I h per inch of thickness (or per inch of
I .75 to 2.20 v. 3.75 to 4.50 i+ container thickness if packed). If double preheat facilities are available,
such as salt baths. thermal shock can be reduced by preheating at 540 to
Similar Steels (U.S. and/or Foreign). ASTM A681 (H-19);FED 650 “C ( 1000 to I200 “F) and then preheating at 845 to 870 “C (1555 to
QQ-T-570 (H-19); (Ger.) DIN 1.2678; (Jap.) JIS G4-l~ SKD 8: (U.K.) B.S. 1600 “F). Heat rapidly to austenitizing temperature or 1095 to 1205 “C
4659 BH19 (2005 to 2200 “F) and hold for 2 to 5 mm. Do not over soak. When using
salt baths, reduce temperature by I4 “C (25 “F). Use shorter time for smaU
Characteristics. A chromium-tungsten grade with 28 vanadium and
sections and longer time for large sections. Quench in air. If air blast cooled,
3.25%, cobalt added. Requires high austenitizing temperature and short
air should be dry and blasted uniformly on the surface to be hardened. To
time at heat. Can be air cooled or oil quenched from hardening temperature.
minimize scale, tools can be flash quenched in oil to cool the surface to
Exhibits greater secondary hardness than any of the H steels with identifi-
below scaling temperature [approximately 540 “C (1000 “F)], but this
cation numbers less than HI9 (HI& HI3 etc.). Hardness begins to drop off
increases distortion. The safer procedure is to quench from the austenitizing
rapidly when tempering above 550 “C ( 1020 “F). Has high toughness and
temperature into a salt bath held at 595 to 650 “C (I 105 to 1200 “F). and
resistance to softening at elevated temperature. Has medium to high wear
resistance. medium machinability. and resistance to decarburization hold in the quench until the workpiece reaches the temperature of the bath.
Then withdraw the workpiece and allow it to cool in air. Quench hardness.
Forging. Heat slowly. Preheat at 705 to 815 “C (1300 to 1500 “F). start 38 to 57 HRC
forging at 1040 to I 150 “C ( I905 to 2 IO0 “F). Do not forge after tempera-
ture of forging stock drops below 900 “C ( I650 “F). Cool slowly
Stabilizing. Optional. For intricate shapes. stress relieve temper at IS0
to 160 “C (300 to 320 “F) briefly. Refrigerate at -100 to -195 “C i-IS0 to
-320 “F). Temper immediately after part reaches room temperature
Recommended Heat Treating Practice
Normalizing. Do not normalize
Tempering. Temper immediately after tool reaches about SO “C t I20 “F)
at S-IO to 705 “C t 1000 to 1300 “F). Forced-convection air tempering
Annealing. Surface protection against decarburization by use of pack. furnaces heat tools at a moderately safe rate. Salt baths are acceptable for
controlled atmosphere, or vacuum is required. Heat to 870 to 900 “C ( 1600 small parts but may cause large or intncate shaped dies to crack due to
to I650 “F). Use lower limit for small sections and upper limit for large themral shock. Temper for I h per inch of thickness. cool to room tempera-
sections. Heat slowly and uniformly, especially for hardened tools. Holding ture, and retemper using the same time at temperature. The second temper
time varies from about I h for light sections and small furnace charges to is essential and a third temper is beneticial. Approximate tempered hard-
about 4 h for heavy sections and large charges. For pack annealing. hold I ness. 57 to 10 HRC
h per inch of cross section. Cool slowly in furnace to 595 “C (I IO5 “F) at a
rate not to exceed 30 “C (55 “F) per h. after which a faster cooling rate will Recommended Processing Sequence
not affect final hardness. Typical annealed hardness, 207 to 24 I HB
l Rough machine
Stress Relieving. Optional. Heat to 650 to 675 “C (I 200 to I245 “F) l Stress relic\ e (optional r
and hold for I h per inch of cross section (minimum of I h). Cool in air l Finish machine
l Preheat
Hardening. Surface protection against decarburization or carburization l Austenitize
is required by utilizing salt, pack. controlled atmosphere. or vacuum. For l Quench
preheating, die blocks or other tools for open furnace treatment should be l Stabilize toptional)
placed in a furnace at a temperature that does not exceed 260 “C (500 “F). l Temper
Work packed in containers may be safely placed in a furnace at 370 to 540 l Final grind to Gze

H19: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature. H19 austenitized

at 1175 “C (2150 “F). Source: Jessop-Saville
606 / Heat Treaters Guide

H19: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature. H19 oil

quenched from 1190 “C (2175 “F) and double tem-
pered. Source: Universal-Cyclops

H19: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature. H19 austenitized

at 1175 “C (2150 “F), and oil quenched
 Tool Steels / 609

H19: Hardness vs Tempering Temperature. HI9 containing

H19: Elevated-Temperature Impact Data
0.42 C, 0.31 Mn, 0.21 Si, 4.12 Cr. 0.46 MO, 2.19 V, 4.26 W, 4.16 Testing Charpy Impact Rockwell
Co. Austenitized at 1175 “C (2150 “F), quenched in oil. Source: Temperature (V-Notch) C
Teledyne VASCO T OF J R-lb Eardness

20 70 7 5 53
205 100 II 8 53
31s 600 8 6 53
115 800 16 12 5‘4
S-10 I ooo II 9 53
650 1200 I2 9 SO