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E: enquiry@qilumetal.com
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1.2343 is a widely recognized hot work tool steel that conforms to the German standard DIN 17350. It is renowned for its exceptional toughness, good wear resistance, and high thermal stability, making it suitable for applications involving high temperatures and mechanical stress. Due to its versatile properties and reliable performance, many countries have developed equivalent steels to DIN 1.2343. Such as the American standard H11 (ASTM A681), the international standard X37CrMoV5-1 （ISO 4957), the Japanese standard SKD6 (JIS G4404) and the Chinese standard 4Cr5MoSiV (GB/T 1299).
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DIN 1.2343 is a premium hot work tool steel engineered to excel in high-temperature and high-stress industrial environments, adhering to the strict specifications of DIN 17350 (German standard). Renowned for its balanced combination of exceptional toughness, superior wear resistance, and high thermal stability, this steel is a go-to choice for manufacturers worldwide seeking reliable performance in heat-intensive processes. Its versatility has led to the development of equivalent grades across major global standards, ensuring consistent availability and compatibility with international manufacturing workflows. Key equivalents include AISI H11 (per ASTM A681), X37CrMoV5-1 (per ISO 4957), JIS SKD6 (per JIS G4404), and 4Cr5MoSiV (per GB/T 1299), making it a universally recognized material in the tool steel industry.
At Hunan Qilu Steel Co., Ltd., we specialize in supplying DIN 1.2343 in a full range of forms—from hot-rolled bars to forged blocks—with consistent quality guaranteed by advanced steelmaking processes (including EF+LF+VD and EAF+LF+VD+ESR). Our monthly stock of over 10,000 tons of hot-rolled and forged bars ensures quick delivery for urgent orders, while our customizable size options meet the unique needs of diverse industrial applications. Whether you require small-diameter bars for precision tooling or large forged blocks for heavy-duty molds, DIN 1.2343 from Hunan Qilu Steel delivers the mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy needed to optimize your production efficiency.
The standout performance of DIN 1.2343 stems from its carefully engineered composition, rigorous manufacturing processes, and precise heat treatment capabilities. Below is a detailed breakdown of its core features, supported by critical data to highlight its industrial relevance.
The alloying elements in DIN 1.2343 and its equivalents are tailored to enhance thermal resistance, hardness, and durability. Each element plays a critical role: chromium (Cr) boosts high-temperature hardness and softening resistance, molybdenum (Mo) improves wear resistance, and vanadium (V) enhances overall strength and grain refinement. The table below outlines the chemical composition ranges for key equivalents (all values are in weight percentage, %):
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P (Max) | S (Max) | Cr | Mo | V |
AISI H11 | 0.33-0.43 | 0.80-1.25 | 0.20-0.60 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 4.75-5.5 | 1.10-1.60 | 0.30-0.60 |
X37CrMoV5-1 | 0.33-0.41 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.25-0.50 | 0.030 | 0.020 | 4.8-5.5 | 1.10-1.50 | 0.30-0.50 |
DIN 1.2343 | 0.36-0.42 | 0.90-1.20 | 0.30-0.50 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 4.8-5.5 | 1.10-1.40 | 0.25-0.50 |
JIS SKD6 | 0.32-0.42 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.50 Max | 0.030 | 0.020 | 4.5-5.5 | 1.00-1.50 | 0.30-0.50 |
This composition ensures DIN 1.2343 maintains its structural integrity even when exposed to repeated heating and cooling cycles—critical for applications like die casting and hot forging.
DIN 1.2343 exhibits excellent hardness across different heat treatment states, making it adaptable to varying application requirements. The table below summarizes its typical hardness values:
Heat Treatment State | Hardness |
Annealed (+A) | HB229 Max |
Cold-Drawn Condition | HB262 Max |
Hardened & Tempered (+HT) | HRC48 Min |
The hardened and tempered state (HRC48 Min) is particularly valuable for tools that require both strength and ductility, such as extrusion dies and hot stamping tools. To achieve this hardness, we recommend a quenching temperature of 1010-1030℃ (in a salt bath furnace) followed by tempering at 540-560℃—a process that minimizes brittleness while maximizing thermal fatigue resistance.
Hunan Qilu Steel offers DIN 1.2343 in a wide range of product types, sizes, and surface finishes to suit diverse industrial needs. Key supply details include:
Hot-Rolled Bars: Diameter range of Φ20-Φ200mm, length of 2000-5800mm, surface finish options (black rolled, peeled) with tolerance of +0/+1mm (black rolled) or +0/+0.1mm (peeled).
Hot-Forged Bars: Diameter range of Φ200-Φ600mm, length of 2000-5800mm, surface finish (black forged) with tolerance of +0/+5mm.
Hot-Rolled Plates/Sheets: Thickness (T) of 10-60mm, width (W) of 310-810mm, length of 2000-5800mm, surface finish (milled, grinding) with tolerance of +0/+3mm (milled) or +0/+0.05mm (grinding).
Hot-Forged Plates: Thickness (T) of 70-250mm, width (W) of 310-810mm, length of 2000-5800mm, surface finish (black forged) with tolerance of +0/+5mm.
Our standard stock includes common sizes (e.g., Φ20mm, Φ50mm, Φ100mm, 10mm-thick plates) for immediate shipment, while custom sizes can be produced within 2-4 weeks.
To ensure consistent quality, DIN 1.2343 undergoes a strict manufacturing process at Hunan Qilu Steel:
Steel Making: We use either EF+LF+VD (Electric Arc Furnace + Ladle Furnace + Vacuum Degassing) or EAF+LF+VD+ESR (Electroslag Remelting) processes. ESR is recommended for high-precision applications, as it reduces impurities and improves material uniformity.
Forging: Ingot preheating to 700-800℃ followed by heating to the initial forging temperature of 1050-1150℃. Forging is performed at a minimum temperature of 850-900℃ to avoid cracking, and the material is cooled in sand to prevent thermal stress.
This process enhances the material’s mechanical properties, ensuring DIN 1.2343 meets the highest industry standards for toughness and wear resistance.
DIN 1.2343 (and its equivalents like AISI H11 and JIS SKD6) is widely used across industries due to its ability to withstand high temperatures, mechanical stress, and repeated thermal cycles. Below are its key application areas, with details on how its features address specific industrial needs.
Hot-work processes demand materials that resist thermal fatigue and maintain hardness at elevated temperatures—qualities DIN 1.2343 excels at.
Die Casting Dies: Ideal for aluminum, magnesium, and zinc alloy die casting. The steel’s high thermal stability (maintained up to 600℃) and wear resistance prevent die degradation from molten metal flow, extending die life by 20-30% compared to lower-grade steels.
Hot Forging Dies: Used for forging carbon steel, alloy steel, and non-ferrous metals (e.g., copper, brass). Its exceptional toughness absorbs the impact of forging blows, while its Cr-Mo-V composition resists deformation under high pressure.
Extrusion Dies: Critical for aluminum and copper extrusion processes. The steel’s wear resistance (from Mo and V) ensures consistent extrudate dimensions, even after thousands of cycles. It is commonly used for extruding profiles for the automotive and construction industries.
Hot Stamping Tools: Applied in the automotive sector for forming high-strength steel (HSS) parts (e.g., door beams, chassis components). Its hardened & tempered hardness (HRC48 Min) maintains sharp tool edges, ensuring precise part shaping.
While primarily a hot work tool steel, DIN 1.2343 is also suitable for high-temperature plastic molding due to its heat resistance.
Injection Molds: Used for molding engineering plastics (e.g., PA66, PBT, PC) that require processing temperatures above 250℃. The steel’s thermal stability prevents mold warping, while its smooth surface finish (achievable via grinding) ensures plastic parts have a high-quality appearance.
Compression Molds: Ideal for manufacturing composite parts (e.g., fiberglass-reinforced plastics) and thick-walled plastic components. Its toughness resists the high clamping pressures of compression molding machines (up to 50 MPa), reducing mold damage risks.
Hot Runner Systems: Integrated into plastic injection molds to maintain molten plastic flow. The steel’s resistance to softening at high temperatures ensures consistent flow rates, minimizing plastic waste and improving production efficiency.
Beyond hot work and plastic molding, DIN 1.2343 is used in various general tooling applications:
Shear Blades: Used in steel mills and metal processing plants to cut hot steel plates and bars. Its wear resistance (from Mo and V) extends blade life, reducing maintenance downtime.
Mandrels & Cores: Critical for tube and pipe manufacturing (e.g., seamless steel pipes). The steel’s high strength and corrosion resistance (from Cr) prevent core deformation during pipe extrusion, ensuring uniform pipe wall thickness.
Heat Treatment Fixtures: Used to hold parts during annealing, quenching, or tempering. Its thermal fatigue resistance allows it to withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without cracking.
While not a primary cold work steel, DIN 1.2343 is occasionally used for light cold-work tasks:
Cold Forming Dies: For cold extrusion of non-ferrous metals (e.g., aluminum, copper) where high temperature is not a factor. Its hardness (HRC48 Min) ensures die precision, while its toughness resists cracking from cold working stress.
Punching & Blanking Tools: Suitable for high-precision cutting of thin metal sheets (up to 5mm thick). Its sharp edge retention (from V) ensures clean cuts, reducing the need for post-processing.
Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about DIN 1.2343 hot work tool steel, designed to address common customer concerns and support informed purchasing decisions.
DIN 1.2343 and AISI H11 are technically equivalents, but they have minor differences in chemical composition and hardness:
Chemical Composition: AISI H11 has a slightly wider range for Mo (1.10-1.60% vs. 1.10-1.40% for DIN 1.2343) and V (0.30-0.60% vs. 0.25-0.50% for DIN 1.2343). These differences are minimal and do not affect performance in most applications—both steels can be used interchangeably for die casting, forging, and extrusion.
Hardness: Both have an annealed hardness of HB229 Max and a hardened & tempered hardness of HRC48 Min, so they meet the same strength requirements.
At Hunan Qilu Steel, we supply both grades (labeled to match customer specification) with identical quality standards.
The optimal heat treatment for DIN 1.2343 depends on the application, but the standard process for hot-work tools is:
Annealing: Heat to 840-880℃, soak for 2-4 hours (depending on part size), and cool slowly in the furnace (≤50℃ per hour) to HB229 Max. This reduces internal stress and prepares the material for hardening.
Quenching: Preheat to 788℃ (to prevent thermal shock), then heat to 1010-1030℃ in a salt bath furnace. Soak for 25 +/- 1 minutes (for cold/hot work steels) before quenching in oil.
Tempering: Heat to 540-560℃, soak for 60 minutes, and cool in air. This step reduces brittleness and achieves the target hardness of HRC48 Min.
For precision tools (e.g., extrusion dies), we recommend a second tempering cycle to ensure stability.
We offer DIN 1.2343 in a comprehensive range of sizes to meet diverse needs:
Hot-Rolled Bars: Φ20mm to Φ200mm (length: 2000-5800mm)
Hot-Forged Bars: Φ200mm to Φ600mm (length: 2000-5800mm)
Hot-Rolled Plates: 10mm (T) to 60mm (T), 310mm (W) to 810mm (W) (length: 2000-5800mm)
Hot-Forged Plates: 70mm (T) to 250mm (T), 310mm (W) to 810mm (W) (length: 2000-5800mm)
Common stock sizes (e.g., Φ20mm, Φ50mm, Φ100mm, 10mm-thick plates) are available for same-week shipment. Custom sizes (e.g., Φ650mm forged bars, 300mm-thick plates) can be produced with a 2-4 week lead time.
Yes, DIN 1.2343 is an excellent choice for high-temperature plastic injection molds, especially for engineering plastics (e.g., PA66, PBT, PC) that require processing temperatures of 250-350℃. Its key advantages for this application include:
Thermal Stability: Maintains hardness and shape at elevated temperatures, preventing mold warping.
Wear Resistance: Resists abrasion from glass-filled plastics, extending mold life.
Surface Finish: Can be ground to a smooth surface (Ra ≤ 0.8μm), ensuring plastic parts have a high-quality appearance.
1: Steel equivalent
Country | USA | ISO | Germany | China | Japan |
Standard | ASTM A681 | ISO 4957 | DIN17350 | GB/T1299 | JIS G4404 |
Grade | H11 | X37CrMoV5-1 | 1.2343 | 4Cr5MoSiV | SKD6 |
2: Chemical composition
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | V |
H11 | 0.33-0.43 | 0.80-1.25 | 0.20-0.60 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 4.75-5.5 | 1.10-1.60 | 0.30-0.60 |
X37CrMoV5-1 | 0.33-0.41 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.25-0.50 | 0.030Max | 0.020Max | 4.8-5.5 | 1.10-1.50 | 0.30-0.50 |
1.2343 | 0.36-0.42 | 0.90-1.20 | 0.30-0.50 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 4.8-5.5 | 1.10-1.40 | 0.25-0.50 |
4Cr5MoSiV | 0.33-0.43 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 4.75-5.5 | 1.10-1.60 | 0.30-0.60 |
SKD6 | 0.32-0.42 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.50Max | 0.030Max | 0.020Max | 4.5-5.5 | 1.00-1.50 | 0.30-0.50 |
3: Surface hardness and hardenability.
Heat Treatment | Hardness |
Annealed (+A) | HB229Max |
Cold-drawn condition | HB262Max |
Hardening and Tempering (+HT) | HRC48 Min |
4: Supply size & Tolerance & Stock size
Product type | Size range | Length |
Hot rolled bar | Φ20-Φ200mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot forged bar | Φ200-Φ600mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot rolled plate/sheet | T:10-60mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot forged plate | T:70-250mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot Forged block | T: 260-500mm; W: 300-1000mm | 2000-5800mm |
Surface Finish | Turned | Milled | Grinding(Best) | Polished(Best) | Peeled(Best) | Black Forged | Black Rolled |
Tolerance | +0/+3mm | +0/+3mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.1mm | +0/+5mm | +0/+1mm |
Straighness | 1mm/1000mm max. | 3mm/1000mm max. | |||||
Qilu steel stock hot rolled bar and forged bars more than ten thousands tons every month, below our our stock size for round bars
20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 |
95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 115 | 120 | 130 | 140 | 150 | 160 | 170 | 180 | 190 | 200 |
Since the stocks change everyday, if you want to know our stock available information, please contact our salesman.
5: Ultrasonic Test
EN10228-3 class III or Sep 1921-84 D/D
6：Steel making & Forging processing
1): Steel making process:
EF+LF+VD
EAF+LF+VD
EF+LF+VD+ESR
EAF+LF+VD+ESR
2): Forging processing:
Put the 1.2343 ingot into the furnace and pre-heat to 700-800℃
Continue heating the ingot to initial temperature: 1050-1150℃
Forge the ingot, forging temperature should be not less than 850-900℃
Cooling in the sand after forging
7: Heat treatment
1): Annealed:
Heat 1.2343 steel to 840-880℃ in the furnace
Soak at this temperature in the furnace
Cooling in the furnace slowly
2): Quenching and tempering:
Preheat Temperature: 788℃
Heat 1.2343 steel to 1010-1030℃ in the salt bath furnace
Soak at this temperature in the furnace
Quench in oil
Temper steel at 540-560℃ in the furnace
Take out from furnace and cool in the air.
Above curve in figure is just a rough guide to the tempering behaviour of steels. When applying the curves for an estimation of the hardness which can be expected in quenched and tempered tools, it should be taken into account that the optimum heat-treatment conditions for the tools are not necessarily identical with those specified for the test pieces.
DIN 1.2343 is a premium hot work tool steel engineered to excel in high-temperature and high-stress industrial environments, adhering to the strict specifications of DIN 17350 (German standard). Renowned for its balanced combination of exceptional toughness, superior wear resistance, and high thermal stability, this steel is a go-to choice for manufacturers worldwide seeking reliable performance in heat-intensive processes. Its versatility has led to the development of equivalent grades across major global standards, ensuring consistent availability and compatibility with international manufacturing workflows. Key equivalents include AISI H11 (per ASTM A681), X37CrMoV5-1 (per ISO 4957), JIS SKD6 (per JIS G4404), and 4Cr5MoSiV (per GB/T 1299), making it a universally recognized material in the tool steel industry.
At Hunan Qilu Steel Co., Ltd., we specialize in supplying DIN 1.2343 in a full range of forms—from hot-rolled bars to forged blocks—with consistent quality guaranteed by advanced steelmaking processes (including EF+LF+VD and EAF+LF+VD+ESR). Our monthly stock of over 10,000 tons of hot-rolled and forged bars ensures quick delivery for urgent orders, while our customizable size options meet the unique needs of diverse industrial applications. Whether you require small-diameter bars for precision tooling or large forged blocks for heavy-duty molds, DIN 1.2343 from Hunan Qilu Steel delivers the mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy needed to optimize your production efficiency.
The standout performance of DIN 1.2343 stems from its carefully engineered composition, rigorous manufacturing processes, and precise heat treatment capabilities. Below is a detailed breakdown of its core features, supported by critical data to highlight its industrial relevance.
The alloying elements in DIN 1.2343 and its equivalents are tailored to enhance thermal resistance, hardness, and durability. Each element plays a critical role: chromium (Cr) boosts high-temperature hardness and softening resistance, molybdenum (Mo) improves wear resistance, and vanadium (V) enhances overall strength and grain refinement. The table below outlines the chemical composition ranges for key equivalents (all values are in weight percentage, %):
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P (Max) | S (Max) | Cr | Mo | V |
AISI H11 | 0.33-0.43 | 0.80-1.25 | 0.20-0.60 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 4.75-5.5 | 1.10-1.60 | 0.30-0.60 |
X37CrMoV5-1 | 0.33-0.41 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.25-0.50 | 0.030 | 0.020 | 4.8-5.5 | 1.10-1.50 | 0.30-0.50 |
DIN 1.2343 | 0.36-0.42 | 0.90-1.20 | 0.30-0.50 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 4.8-5.5 | 1.10-1.40 | 0.25-0.50 |
JIS SKD6 | 0.32-0.42 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.50 Max | 0.030 | 0.020 | 4.5-5.5 | 1.00-1.50 | 0.30-0.50 |
This composition ensures DIN 1.2343 maintains its structural integrity even when exposed to repeated heating and cooling cycles—critical for applications like die casting and hot forging.
DIN 1.2343 exhibits excellent hardness across different heat treatment states, making it adaptable to varying application requirements. The table below summarizes its typical hardness values:
Heat Treatment State | Hardness |
Annealed (+A) | HB229 Max |
Cold-Drawn Condition | HB262 Max |
Hardened & Tempered (+HT) | HRC48 Min |
The hardened and tempered state (HRC48 Min) is particularly valuable for tools that require both strength and ductility, such as extrusion dies and hot stamping tools. To achieve this hardness, we recommend a quenching temperature of 1010-1030℃ (in a salt bath furnace) followed by tempering at 540-560℃—a process that minimizes brittleness while maximizing thermal fatigue resistance.
Hunan Qilu Steel offers DIN 1.2343 in a wide range of product types, sizes, and surface finishes to suit diverse industrial needs. Key supply details include:
Hot-Rolled Bars: Diameter range of Φ20-Φ200mm, length of 2000-5800mm, surface finish options (black rolled, peeled) with tolerance of +0/+1mm (black rolled) or +0/+0.1mm (peeled).
Hot-Forged Bars: Diameter range of Φ200-Φ600mm, length of 2000-5800mm, surface finish (black forged) with tolerance of +0/+5mm.
Hot-Rolled Plates/Sheets: Thickness (T) of 10-60mm, width (W) of 310-810mm, length of 2000-5800mm, surface finish (milled, grinding) with tolerance of +0/+3mm (milled) or +0/+0.05mm (grinding).
Hot-Forged Plates: Thickness (T) of 70-250mm, width (W) of 310-810mm, length of 2000-5800mm, surface finish (black forged) with tolerance of +0/+5mm.
Our standard stock includes common sizes (e.g., Φ20mm, Φ50mm, Φ100mm, 10mm-thick plates) for immediate shipment, while custom sizes can be produced within 2-4 weeks.
To ensure consistent quality, DIN 1.2343 undergoes a strict manufacturing process at Hunan Qilu Steel:
Steel Making: We use either EF+LF+VD (Electric Arc Furnace + Ladle Furnace + Vacuum Degassing) or EAF+LF+VD+ESR (Electroslag Remelting) processes. ESR is recommended for high-precision applications, as it reduces impurities and improves material uniformity.
Forging: Ingot preheating to 700-800℃ followed by heating to the initial forging temperature of 1050-1150℃. Forging is performed at a minimum temperature of 850-900℃ to avoid cracking, and the material is cooled in sand to prevent thermal stress.
This process enhances the material’s mechanical properties, ensuring DIN 1.2343 meets the highest industry standards for toughness and wear resistance.
DIN 1.2343 (and its equivalents like AISI H11 and JIS SKD6) is widely used across industries due to its ability to withstand high temperatures, mechanical stress, and repeated thermal cycles. Below are its key application areas, with details on how its features address specific industrial needs.
Hot-work processes demand materials that resist thermal fatigue and maintain hardness at elevated temperatures—qualities DIN 1.2343 excels at.
Die Casting Dies: Ideal for aluminum, magnesium, and zinc alloy die casting. The steel’s high thermal stability (maintained up to 600℃) and wear resistance prevent die degradation from molten metal flow, extending die life by 20-30% compared to lower-grade steels.
Hot Forging Dies: Used for forging carbon steel, alloy steel, and non-ferrous metals (e.g., copper, brass). Its exceptional toughness absorbs the impact of forging blows, while its Cr-Mo-V composition resists deformation under high pressure.
Extrusion Dies: Critical for aluminum and copper extrusion processes. The steel’s wear resistance (from Mo and V) ensures consistent extrudate dimensions, even after thousands of cycles. It is commonly used for extruding profiles for the automotive and construction industries.
Hot Stamping Tools: Applied in the automotive sector for forming high-strength steel (HSS) parts (e.g., door beams, chassis components). Its hardened & tempered hardness (HRC48 Min) maintains sharp tool edges, ensuring precise part shaping.
While primarily a hot work tool steel, DIN 1.2343 is also suitable for high-temperature plastic molding due to its heat resistance.
Injection Molds: Used for molding engineering plastics (e.g., PA66, PBT, PC) that require processing temperatures above 250℃. The steel’s thermal stability prevents mold warping, while its smooth surface finish (achievable via grinding) ensures plastic parts have a high-quality appearance.
Compression Molds: Ideal for manufacturing composite parts (e.g., fiberglass-reinforced plastics) and thick-walled plastic components. Its toughness resists the high clamping pressures of compression molding machines (up to 50 MPa), reducing mold damage risks.
Hot Runner Systems: Integrated into plastic injection molds to maintain molten plastic flow. The steel’s resistance to softening at high temperatures ensures consistent flow rates, minimizing plastic waste and improving production efficiency.
Beyond hot work and plastic molding, DIN 1.2343 is used in various general tooling applications:
Shear Blades: Used in steel mills and metal processing plants to cut hot steel plates and bars. Its wear resistance (from Mo and V) extends blade life, reducing maintenance downtime.
Mandrels & Cores: Critical for tube and pipe manufacturing (e.g., seamless steel pipes). The steel’s high strength and corrosion resistance (from Cr) prevent core deformation during pipe extrusion, ensuring uniform pipe wall thickness.
Heat Treatment Fixtures: Used to hold parts during annealing, quenching, or tempering. Its thermal fatigue resistance allows it to withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without cracking.
While not a primary cold work steel, DIN 1.2343 is occasionally used for light cold-work tasks:
Cold Forming Dies: For cold extrusion of non-ferrous metals (e.g., aluminum, copper) where high temperature is not a factor. Its hardness (HRC48 Min) ensures die precision, while its toughness resists cracking from cold working stress.
Punching & Blanking Tools: Suitable for high-precision cutting of thin metal sheets (up to 5mm thick). Its sharp edge retention (from V) ensures clean cuts, reducing the need for post-processing.
Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about DIN 1.2343 hot work tool steel, designed to address common customer concerns and support informed purchasing decisions.
DIN 1.2343 and AISI H11 are technically equivalents, but they have minor differences in chemical composition and hardness:
Chemical Composition: AISI H11 has a slightly wider range for Mo (1.10-1.60% vs. 1.10-1.40% for DIN 1.2343) and V (0.30-0.60% vs. 0.25-0.50% for DIN 1.2343). These differences are minimal and do not affect performance in most applications—both steels can be used interchangeably for die casting, forging, and extrusion.
Hardness: Both have an annealed hardness of HB229 Max and a hardened & tempered hardness of HRC48 Min, so they meet the same strength requirements.
At Hunan Qilu Steel, we supply both grades (labeled to match customer specification) with identical quality standards.
The optimal heat treatment for DIN 1.2343 depends on the application, but the standard process for hot-work tools is:
Annealing: Heat to 840-880℃, soak for 2-4 hours (depending on part size), and cool slowly in the furnace (≤50℃ per hour) to HB229 Max. This reduces internal stress and prepares the material for hardening.
Quenching: Preheat to 788℃ (to prevent thermal shock), then heat to 1010-1030℃ in a salt bath furnace. Soak for 25 +/- 1 minutes (for cold/hot work steels) before quenching in oil.
Tempering: Heat to 540-560℃, soak for 60 minutes, and cool in air. This step reduces brittleness and achieves the target hardness of HRC48 Min.
For precision tools (e.g., extrusion dies), we recommend a second tempering cycle to ensure stability.
We offer DIN 1.2343 in a comprehensive range of sizes to meet diverse needs:
Hot-Rolled Bars: Φ20mm to Φ200mm (length: 2000-5800mm)
Hot-Forged Bars: Φ200mm to Φ600mm (length: 2000-5800mm)
Hot-Rolled Plates: 10mm (T) to 60mm (T), 310mm (W) to 810mm (W) (length: 2000-5800mm)
Hot-Forged Plates: 70mm (T) to 250mm (T), 310mm (W) to 810mm (W) (length: 2000-5800mm)
Common stock sizes (e.g., Φ20mm, Φ50mm, Φ100mm, 10mm-thick plates) are available for same-week shipment. Custom sizes (e.g., Φ650mm forged bars, 300mm-thick plates) can be produced with a 2-4 week lead time.
Yes, DIN 1.2343 is an excellent choice for high-temperature plastic injection molds, especially for engineering plastics (e.g., PA66, PBT, PC) that require processing temperatures of 250-350℃. Its key advantages for this application include:
Thermal Stability: Maintains hardness and shape at elevated temperatures, preventing mold warping.
Wear Resistance: Resists abrasion from glass-filled plastics, extending mold life.
Surface Finish: Can be ground to a smooth surface (Ra ≤ 0.8μm), ensuring plastic parts have a high-quality appearance.
1: Steel equivalent
Country | USA | ISO | Germany | China | Japan |
Standard | ASTM A681 | ISO 4957 | DIN17350 | GB/T1299 | JIS G4404 |
Grade | H11 | X37CrMoV5-1 | 1.2343 | 4Cr5MoSiV | SKD6 |
2: Chemical composition
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | V |
H11 | 0.33-0.43 | 0.80-1.25 | 0.20-0.60 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 4.75-5.5 | 1.10-1.60 | 0.30-0.60 |
X37CrMoV5-1 | 0.33-0.41 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.25-0.50 | 0.030Max | 0.020Max | 4.8-5.5 | 1.10-1.50 | 0.30-0.50 |
1.2343 | 0.36-0.42 | 0.90-1.20 | 0.30-0.50 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 4.8-5.5 | 1.10-1.40 | 0.25-0.50 |
4Cr5MoSiV | 0.33-0.43 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 4.75-5.5 | 1.10-1.60 | 0.30-0.60 |
SKD6 | 0.32-0.42 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.50Max | 0.030Max | 0.020Max | 4.5-5.5 | 1.00-1.50 | 0.30-0.50 |
3: Surface hardness and hardenability.
Heat Treatment | Hardness |
Annealed (+A) | HB229Max |
Cold-drawn condition | HB262Max |
Hardening and Tempering (+HT) | HRC48 Min |
4: Supply size & Tolerance & Stock size
Product type | Size range | Length |
Hot rolled bar | Φ20-Φ200mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot forged bar | Φ200-Φ600mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot rolled plate/sheet | T:10-60mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot forged plate | T:70-250mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot Forged block | T: 260-500mm; W: 300-1000mm | 2000-5800mm |
Surface Finish | Turned | Milled | Grinding(Best) | Polished(Best) | Peeled(Best) | Black Forged | Black Rolled |
Tolerance | +0/+3mm | +0/+3mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.1mm | +0/+5mm | +0/+1mm |
Straighness | 1mm/1000mm max. | 3mm/1000mm max. | |||||
Qilu steel stock hot rolled bar and forged bars more than ten thousands tons every month, below our our stock size for round bars
20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 |
95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 115 | 120 | 130 | 140 | 150 | 160 | 170 | 180 | 190 | 200 |
Since the stocks change everyday, if you want to know our stock available information, please contact our salesman.
5: Ultrasonic Test
EN10228-3 class III or Sep 1921-84 D/D
6：Steel making & Forging processing
1): Steel making process:
EF+LF+VD
EAF+LF+VD
EF+LF+VD+ESR
EAF+LF+VD+ESR
2): Forging processing:
Put the 1.2343 ingot into the furnace and pre-heat to 700-800℃
Continue heating the ingot to initial temperature: 1050-1150℃
Forge the ingot, forging temperature should be not less than 850-900℃
Cooling in the sand after forging
7: Heat treatment
1): Annealed:
Heat 1.2343 steel to 840-880℃ in the furnace
Soak at this temperature in the furnace
Cooling in the furnace slowly
2): Quenching and tempering:
Preheat Temperature: 788℃
Heat 1.2343 steel to 1010-1030℃ in the salt bath furnace
Soak at this temperature in the furnace
Quench in oil
Temper steel at 540-560℃ in the furnace
Take out from furnace and cool in the air.
Above curve in figure is just a rough guide to the tempering behaviour of steels. When applying the curves for an estimation of the hardness which can be expected in quenched and tempered tools, it should be taken into account that the optimum heat-treatment conditions for the tools are not necessarily identical with those specified for the test pieces.
