H13 tool steel delivers the rare combination of strength, toughness, and thermal stability that modern mold manufacturing demands.
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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-21 Origin: Site
When selecting materials for injection molds, one question often arises:
Is H13 a hot work steel or a cold work steel?
At first glance, some may think it’s a cold work steel because injection molding operates at moderate temperatures.
However, H13 (AISI H13 / DIN 1.2344 / JIS SKD61) is in fact a true hot work tool steel — engineered to endure high heat, repeated thermal cycling, and constant mechanical stress.
In automotive lighting molds — especially in hot runner systems, precision inserts, and two-shot interfaces — H13 is recognized for its ability to deliver precision, stability, and durability over long production cycles.
H13 is a chromium–molybdenum–vanadium alloyed hot work tool steel, part of the H-series family designed to perform under extreme heat and stress.
| Standard | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| AISI | H13 | Hot Work Tool Steel |
| DIN | 1.2344 | Hot Work Tool Steel |
| JIS | SKD61 | Hot Work Tool Steel |
High-temperature strength and stability
Toughness and crack resistance
Excellent wear resistance
Dimensional accuracy after heat treatment
These qualities make H13 ideal not only for die-casting and forging molds but also for high-precision injection molds that experience sustained heat and pressure.
| Element | % Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.38–0.42 | Improves hardness and strength |
| Cr | 5.0–5.5 | Enhances wear and oxidation resistance |
| Mo | 1.2–1.5 | Maintains hot hardness (red hardness) |
| V | 1.0 | Refines grain and increases toughness |
| Si | 1.0 | Boosts strength and heat resistance |
| Mn | 0.4 | Improves machinability and toughness |
Mechanical Performance:
Hardness after tempering: 45–52 HRC
Maximum operating temperature: up to 600°C
Excellent resistance to thermal fatigue and cracking
Cold work steels like D2, SKD11, or Cr12MoV are built for low-temperature operations such as stamping or cutting. While they offer superior hardness, they cannot withstand constant heat and thermal cycling.
H13 is the opposite — designed specifically for high-temperature performance. It offers:
Resistance to thermal shock
Uniform hardness across large sections
Resistance to softening during continuous heating
This makes H13 perfect for molds with hot runner systems or when molding PC or PMMA at 230–260°C. Under these conditions, cold work steels would quickly lose strength and stability.
H13 is used strategically in molds — only where the conditions demand its full performance potential.
H13 is the go-to steel for nozzle seats, gate inserts, and runner blocks, where mold temperatures can exceed 200°C. It resists deformation and cracking even after thousands of cycles.
For core pins, fine ribs, and deep inserts, H13 offers both strength and toughness. It can handle high injection pressure while maintaining long-term dimensional precision.
In two-shot molds combining materials like PC and ABS, H13’s thermal stability prevents dimensional shifts and ensures seamless alignment between molding stages.
While S136 or NAK80 are preferred for optical surfaces, H13 is often used for adjacent high-heat sections, maintaining stability and preventing heat-induced cracking.
| Steel | Category | Hardness (HRC) | Heat Resistance | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P20 (1.2311) | Pre-hardened steel | 30–35 | Low | Mold bases, large cores |
| 1.2738 | Ni-Cr-Mo steel | 32–36 | Medium | Large cavity inserts |
| H13 (1.2344) | Hot work steel | 45–52 | High | Hot runner blocks, inserts |
| NAK80 | Pre-hardened steel | 37–43 | Medium | High-polish surfaces |
| S136 (1.2083) | Stainless steel | 48–52 | Medium | Optical or mirror-finish molds |
To fully realize H13’s performance, precision heat treatment is key.
Annealing: 850–900°C
Hardening: 1020–1050°C
Tempering: Three cycles at 500–600°C for toughness
Optional: Gas or ion nitriding to reach surface hardness of 950–1100 HV
At Guangdian Technology, every H13 component undergoes rigorous heat treatment control to ensure even hardness, minimal deformation, and long-term stability.
At Guangdian Technology, we design and manufacture precision injection molds for automotive lighting and trim components.
H13 is one of our signature materials — chosen based on performance, reliability, and customer requirements.
Use H13 in hot runner and insert zones to guarantee long-term thermal stability
Combine with P20 / 2738 / S136 for an optimal balance of polishability and cost efficiency
Utilize 5-axis CNC machining and CMM measurement to maintain precision
Ensure complete heat-treatment traceability for all steel components
Rich experience in tail light and headlamp mold manufacturing
Advanced know-how in two-shot (PC+ABS) molds
Proven durability in high-volume, long-lifecycle projects
H13 tool steel delivers the rare combination of strength, toughness, and thermal stability that modern mold manufacturing demands.
In automotive lighting molds, it’s not merely a steel — it’s the foundation of accuracy and endurance.
At Guangdian Technology, we apply H13 with intention and expertise — using the right steel, in the right place, for the right reason.
Every mold we build reflects our pursuit of engineering excellence and lasting precision.
