H13, 1.2344 and SKD61 are three of the most commonly used hot work tool steel grades in the mold and die industry. Buyers often ask whether these grades are the same, whether they can be used interchangeably, and what should be checked before placing an order.
The short answer is: H13, 1.2344 and SKD61 are broadly equivalent hot work tool steels, but they belong to different standards. Their chemical composition, heat treatment requirements, hardness range and final performance should always be confirmed according to the required standard, mill certificate and application condition.
This article explains the relationship between H13, 1.2344 and SKD61, their applications, supply forms and practical buying notes for international buyers.
1. What Are H13, 1.2344 and SKD61?
H13, 1.2344 and SKD61 are chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot work tool steels. They are designed for applications that require good thermal fatigue resistance, hot strength, toughness and wear resistance.
- Aluminum die casting dies
- Hot forging dies
- Extrusion dies
- Die inserts
- Core pins
- Hot shear blades
- Plastic mold components requiring good toughness
- High-temperature tooling parts
Although these grades are often treated as equivalent materials, buyers should not rely only on the grade name. The actual material should be checked by chemical composition, delivery condition, hardness, heat treatment and quality documents.
2. Equivalent Grade Comparison
| Standard / Region | Grade Name |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM | H13 |
| DIN / W.Nr. | 1.2344 |
| EN / DIN Name | X40CrMoV5-1 |
| JIS | SKD61 |
| GB | 4Cr5MoSiV1 |
These grades are commonly used as equivalents in international trade. For example, a buyer asking for SKD61 in Japan may accept H13 or 1.2344 if the chemical composition, heat treatment and application requirements match the project.
However, for precision molds, die casting dies or high-temperature tooling, the buyer should confirm the required standard before purchase.
3. Are H13, 1.2344 and SKD61 Exactly the Same?
They are similar, but not always exactly the same. Each grade belongs to a different national or industrial standard. The allowed chemical composition range, impurity control, heat treatment process and inspection requirements may vary slightly.
- Required standard
- Chemical composition
- Delivery condition
- Hardness requirement
- ESR or non-ESR requirement
- Ultrasonic testing requirement
- Surface condition
- Final application
- Heat treatment process
4. Typical Chemical Composition
The following table shows a general composition reference for H13 / 1.2344 / SKD61 type hot work tool steel. Actual values should be confirmed by the applicable standard and Mill Test Certificate.
| Element | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Carbon C | Around 0.35-0.42% |
| Silicon Si | Around 0.80-1.20% |
| Manganese Mn | Around 0.20-0.50% |
| Chromium Cr | Around 4.80-5.50% |
| Molybdenum Mo | Around 1.10-1.75% |
| Vanadium V | Around 0.80-1.20% |
5. Main Performance Features
- Good resistance to thermal fatigue
- Good toughness after heat treatment
- Good hot strength
- Good hardenability
- Good resistance to heat checking
- Good machinability in annealed condition
- Suitable for nitriding and surface treatment
- Suitable for die casting and hot forming applications
6. Common Applications
Aluminum Die Casting Dies
H13 / 1.2344 / SKD61 is one of the most common materials for aluminum die casting dies. It can handle repeated heating and cooling cycles and offers good resistance to heat checking.
- Die casting molds
- Die inserts
- Core pins
- Sleeves
- Slides
- Hot work mold components
Hot Forging Dies
For hot forging applications, this steel provides toughness and hot strength under repeated impact and high-temperature working conditions.
- Hot forging dies
- Press forging tools
- Hammer forging dies
- Die blocks
- Inserts
Extrusion Tools
H13-type steel is also used for extrusion tooling because it maintains strength under high temperature.
- Extrusion dies
- Mandrels
- Die holders
- Hot extrusion tooling
7. Available Supply Forms
- Steel plate
- Round bar
- Flat bar
- Block
- Cut-to-size pieces
- Milled plate
- Ground plate
- Forged block
- ESR material upon request
8. Delivery Condition
| Delivery Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Annealed | Easier for machining before final heat treatment |
| Pre-machined | Cut, milled or ground according to size requirement |
| Quenched and tempered | Supplied according to hardness requirement |
| ESR | Higher cleanliness and improved performance for demanding tools |
9. Heat Treatment Notes
Heat treatment has a strong influence on the final performance of H13 / 1.2344 / SKD61. Buyers should not judge the material only by grade name. A correct heat treatment process is essential for tool life.
- Preheating
- Austenitizing temperature
- Quenching method
- Tempering temperature
- Number of tempering cycles
- Final hardness
- Stress relieving
- Nitriding or surface treatment if required
10. H13 vs 1.2344 vs SKD61: How to Choose?
Choose H13 if:
- Your drawing or customer standard follows AISI / ASTM grade naming.
- You are buying for North American or international projects.
- You need general hot work tool steel for die casting, forging or extrusion.
Choose 1.2344 if:
- Your project follows DIN / European standard.
- Your customer requires X40CrMoV5-1 or 1.2344.
- You are supplying European mold makers or die casting companies.
Choose SKD61 if:
- Your drawing follows JIS standard.
- Your customer is from Japan, Southeast Asia or a market using Japanese steel grades.
- The project specifically requests SKD61 hot work tool steel.
11. Buying Notes for International Buyers
Confirm the Required Standard
- H13 according to AISI
- 1.2344 according to DIN / EN
- SKD61 according to JIS
- ESR or non-ESR
- Annealed or heat treated
- Required hardness
Confirm Size and Surface Condition
- Black surface
- Peeled surface
- Milled surface
- Ground surface
- Cut-to-size condition
Ask for MTC and UT Testing
A Mill Test Certificate is important for confirming chemical composition, heat number and material traceability. For thick plates, blocks and important die components, ultrasonic testing may be required.
Confirm Weight, Tolerance and Lead Time
Tool steel is usually calculated by weight. Buyers should check theoretical weight, actual weight tolerance, cutting tolerance, packing method and lead time before confirming the order.
12. Common Mistakes When Buying H13-Type Steel
- Only asking for the cheapest H13 without confirming standard
- Not checking whether ESR material is required
- Ignoring heat treatment requirements
- Not asking for MTC
- Not confirming UT testing for thick blocks
- Mixing H13, 1.2344 and SKD61 without confirming customer approval
- Not checking surface condition before shipment
- Not calculating final machining allowance
13. How Haoyuan Special Steel Supports Buyers
Haoyuan Special Steel supplies H13 / 1.2344 / SKD61 hot work tool steel in plates, round bars, blocks and cut-to-size materials.
- Grade comparison
- Stock checking
- Weight calculation
- Cutting to size
- Milling and grinding
- Heat treatment support
- MTC
- Hardness test
- Ultrasonic testing upon request
- Export packing
- Shipment coordination
Conclusion
H13, 1.2344 and SKD61 are commonly used equivalent grades of hot work tool steel. They are widely used for die casting dies, hot forging dies, extrusion tools and other high-temperature tooling applications.
Although they are similar, buyers should always confirm the required standard, chemical composition, delivery condition, heat treatment, hardness, inspection requirements and MTC before ordering.
Request a Quote
Looking for H13 / 1.2344 / SKD61 tool steel from China? Send us your inquiry with steel grade, size or drawing, quantity, surface condition, heat treatment requirement, destination port and required documents.
- Steel grade
- Size or drawing
- Quantity
- Surface condition
- Heat treatment requirement
- Destination port
- Required documents
FAQ
1. Are H13, 1.2344 and SKD61 the same steel?
They are broadly equivalent hot work tool steels, but they belong to different standards. H13 is commonly used under AISI / ASTM, 1.2344 under DIN / EN, and SKD61 under JIS. The final material should be confirmed by standard, composition and MTC.
2. Can H13 be used instead of SKD61?
In many applications, H13 can be used as an equivalent to SKD61, but the buyer should confirm the drawing requirement, chemical composition, heat treatment and customer approval before substitution.
3. What is 1.2344 steel used for?
1.2344 is commonly used for die casting dies, extrusion tools, hot forging dies, die inserts, hot work mold components and tooling parts that work under high temperature.
4. Is ESR H13 better than regular H13?
ESR H13 usually has better cleanliness and more stable performance, making it suitable for demanding die casting dies and high-performance tooling. However, it is also more expensive than conventional material.
5. What documents should I ask for when buying H13 steel?
Buyers should ask for Mill Test Certificate, hardness test, chemical composition report, ultrasonic testing if required, dimension inspection and packing photos before shipment.
6. Can H13 / 1.2344 / SKD61 be supplied as cut-to-size material?
Yes. H13-type hot work tool steel can be supplied as plates, round bars, blocks and cut-to-size pieces according to customer requirements.