AISI H12 X35CrWMoV5 1.2605 SKD62 Hot Work Tool Steel

Alloying elements work synergistically:

• Chromium boosts hardenability and oxidation resistance

• Molybdenum & Tungsten provide solid‑solution strengthening and high‑temperature stability

• Vanadium forms fine, stable carbides to enhance wear resistance and tempering resistance

Product Features

Chemical Composition

Hardness & Heat Treatment

Hardness Range

• Annealed (+A): ≤ HB 229

• Hardened & Tempered (+HT): ≥ HRC 48

• Cold‑drawn: ≤ HB 262

• Quenched & Tempered (+QT): HRC 28–32 (common range)

Heat Treatment

Annealing

• Heat to 820–840°C, hold, then furnace cool

• Purpose: soften for machining, relieve stress

Quenching & Tempering

• Preheat evenly

• Austenitize at 1010–1030°C (salt bath or vacuum furnace)

• Quench in oil

• Temper at 540–560°C, then air cool

• Double tempering is recommended for stability and toughness.

Above curve in figure is a rough guide to the tempering behaviour of steels.

Melting & Forging Process

• Melting: EF + LF + VD; optional ESR for high purity

• Forging start: 1100–1150°C

• Forging finish: ≥ 950°C

• Cooling: Furnace or sand cooling to avoid cracking

• UT: EN 10228‑3 Class III / SEP 1921‑84 D/D

Supply Form & Size Range

Surface & Tolerance

To ensure optimal performance for your application, we produce 1.2605 tool steel on a dedicated make-to-order basis. This approach guarantees fresh production and allows us to customize the process for your specific requirements. Tell us your needs, and let's get started.

Typical Applications

Die Casting Dies

• Aluminum alloy: engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmission housings, wheels

• Copper / brass / bronze: faucets, valves, gears, connectors

Extrusion Tooling

• Aluminum / copper bar, tube, profile extrusion dies

• Hot extrusion liners and mandrels

Hot Forging & Stamping

• Forging dies for high‑alloy steel, titanium, and high‑melting alloys

• Hot punches, shear blades, forging inserts

Plastic Molds

• Molds for high‑temperature engineering plastics

• Corrosive plastics (e.g., PVC) requiring heat & corrosion resistance

1.2605 (H12) vs Other Hot Work Steels

1.2605 vs H13

• 1.2605 (H12): Lower vanadium; better toughness & thermal shock resistance; preferred for dies prone to cracking

• H13: Higher vanadium; better wear resistance; widely used for high‑pressure die casting

• Choice: Use 1.2605 for high thermal cycling & toughness; use H13 for maximum wear life.

1.2605 vs SKD61

• SKD61: Similar to H13; higher vanadium, stronger wear resistance

• 1.2605: Better toughness & thermal fatigue; less prone to cracking in rapid heating/cooling

• Application: 1.2605 for copper alloy die casting, hot forging; SKD61 for high‑volume aluminum die casting

1.2605 vs SKD62

• SKD62 is the Japanese direct equivalent of 1.2605

• Composition and performance are nearly identical; interchangeable in most applications.

FAQ

Q1: Is 1.2605 the same as H12?

A1: Yes. 1.2605 (X35CrWMoV5) is the German DIN designation, H12 is ASTM AISI, and SKD62 is JIS. They are equivalent grades with similar composition and performance.

Q2: What is the main advantage of tungsten-alloyed H12 (1.2605) over standard H13 for copper die casting?

A2: Tungsten provides higher hot hardness and temper resistance at temperatures above 550°C, reducing heat checking and die wear when casting copper alloys (melting point ~1085°C). H13 tends to soften faster under such extreme cyclic loads.

Q3: What heat treatment gives the best performance?

A3: Quench at 1010–1030°C (oil) + temper at 540–560°C (double temper recommended) for HRC 48–52.

Q4: Is 1.2605 suitable for copper die casting?

A4: Yes. Excellent thermal fatigue and toughness make it a top choice for brass/copper die casting.

Q5: What surfaces are available?

A5: Black, peeled, turned, ground, polished. We customize per drawing.

Q6: Do you provide ultrasonic testing?

A6: Yes, EN 10228‑3 Class III or SEP 1921‑84 D/D for internal soundness.

Contact us: send your required size, hardness, and application to get a custom offer within 24 hours.