1.2344 | Hot Work Tool Steel Manufacturer in China

1.2344 is a chromium‑molybdenum‑vanadium hot work tool steel defined as X40CrMoV5‑1 under DIN EN ISO 4957. Its alloy composition delivers reliable hardenability, thermal fatigue resistance and high-temperature strength, retaining performance up to 600°C for die casting, hot forging and extrusion.

It features a balanced alloy structure combining wear resistance, impact toughness and dimensional stability. Heat treatable to 46–52 HRC, it offers good polishing and texturing capacity for superior casting surface quality, widely used for aluminum and magnesium molds.

1.2344 equivalent include AISI H13, JIS SKD61, GB 4Cr5MoSiV1 and GOST 4Kh5MFS. And the more premium 1.2344 versions are marketed as 8407 steel, 8418 tool steel, etc.

Supply Range & Tolerances

1. Round Bar

2. Flat Bar / Plate

3. Forgings / Special Shapes

1.2344 Equivalent

Standard System	Country/Region	Equivalent Grade	Common Search Terms
DIN / EN	Germany	1.2344, X40CrMoV5‑1	1.2344 steel, 1.2344 material, DIN 1.2344, steel 1.2344, 1.2344 ESR
AISI / ASTM	USA	H13, T20813	H13 tool steel, AISI H13
JIS	Japan	SKD61	SKD61 steel, JIS SKD61, SKD61 tool steel
GB	China	4Cr5MoSiV1	4Cr5MoSiV1 steel, GB 4Cr5MoSiV1
GOST	Russia	4Kh5MFS	4Х5МФС steel
ASSAB	Sweden	S136, Stavax ESR	S136 steel, Stavax ESR
ISO	International	X40CrMoV5‑1	X40CrMoV5‑1 steel, X40CrMoV5‑1 material

All grades listed are equivalent designations. Our actual supply follows steel 1.2344 standard, with ESR option upon request.

1.2344 Composition

standard	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Mo	V
DIN 17350-1980	0.37-0.43	0.90-1.20	0.30-0.50	≤0.030	≤0.030	4.80-5.50	1.20-1.50	0.90-1.10

The combination of Cr, Mo, and V in 1.2344 steel provides deep hardenability, secondary hardening, and grain refinement. Low S and P ensure cleanliness and isotropic properties.

1.2344 Properties

MECHANICAL PROPERTY	METRIC VALUE	IMPERIAL VALUE
Hardness (Annealed)	≤ 229 HB	≤ 229 HB
Hardness (Quenched & Tempered)	48 – 52 HRC	48 – 52 HRC
Tensile Strength (σb)	≥ 1900 MPa	≥ 276 ksi
Yield Strength (σ0.2)	≥ 1600 MPa	≥ 232 ksi
Elongation (δ5)	≥ 15 %	≥ 15 %
Reduction of Area (ψ)	~ 50 %	~ 50 %

Material 1.2344 offers excellent toughness, high-temperature strength, and resistance to thermal fatigue. The mechanical properties above represent typical values for the quenched and tempered condition; actual performance may vary depending on the specific heat treatment. Unit conversions: 1 MPa ≈ 0.145 ksi.

Delivery Condition of 1.2344

Black Surface, Bright Surface, Turned Surface, Grinded Surface, Poblished surface.

1.2344 Steel Application

Die Casting: Aluminum, magnesium, and zinc die‑casting dies, cores, cavities, shot sleeves, plunger tips.
Hot Forging: Closed‑die forging tools, upsetting dies, punches, trimming dies.
Extrusion: Aluminum and copper extrusion dies, mandrels, dummy blocks, containers.
Plastic Molding: Injection molds for engineering plastics (especially glass‑filled grades), mold inserts.
Hot Shearing: Shear blades, hot gripper dies, and trimming knives.
Tooling Components: Die holders, bolster plates, ejector pins, and guide pins for high‑temperature applications.

Heat Treatment & Processing of 1.2344

Heat Treatment

Soft Annealing: Heat to 840–880°C, hold, then furnace cool slowly at ≤20°C/h to 650°C, followed by air cooling. Hardness ≤229 HB.
Preheating: 600–800°C before austenitizing to avoid thermal shock.
Austenitizing (Heating): 1000–1050°C (recommended 1020–1040°C). Soak time: 30 minutes per 25mm thickness.
Quenching (Cooling): Air or high‑pressure gas quench. For large sections, oil quench may be used. Quench to 50–70°C, then temper immediately.
Tempering: Double tempering is mandatory at 550–600°C for 2 hours each cycle. Triple tempering recommended for large dies. Avoid the range 450–500°C to prevent embrittlement.

Heat Treat Temperature	As Quenched	500°C	550°C	600°C	650°C
Hardness (HRC)	52-56	50-52	48-52	46-48	40-44

For aluminum die casting, temper at 560–600°C (48–52 HRC). For hot forging, slightly higher tempering (600°C) gives better toughness.

Processing Guide:

Forging: Heat to 1050–1150°C, start forging at 1050°C, finish above 900°C. Slow cool and anneal afterward.
Machining: Annealed condition (≤229 HB) machines well with carbide tools. Hardened parts require grinding with CBN wheels.
Polishing: This steel can be polished to fine finishes; use SiC paper #240 to #2000 followed by diamond paste.
Welding: Not recommended for tooling cavities. If unavoidable, preheat to 300–400°C and perform post‑weld heat treatment.
Nitriding: Gas or plasma nitriding produces a surface hardness of 1000+ HV, improving wear and erosion resistance.

Quality Inspection & Control of 1.2344 Material

Full-process control:

Raw material and manufacturer control
Test : Chemical composition, mechanical properties, UT(ultrasonic testing), specification, surface condition, straightness, etc.
Packing: Wooden case or pallet or VCI plastic film

Why Purchase DIN 1.2344 from Keyspark Steel?

Fully Customizable: Dimensions, shapes, heat treatment, and hardness – all adjustable per batch order.
Certified Quality: Each batch of steel supplied with MTC certificate (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2) , including chemical analysis, mechanical properties, and microstructure report.
Stable Mass Production: Large forging capacity (advanced 5000-ton forging press) ensures consistent quality across multiple shipments.
Long-Term Supply: Reserved production slots for regular customers – no supply interruptions.
Neutral Export Packaging: material S136 bars oiled, plastic-wrapped, and steel-strapped. No brand markings unless requested.