SKD61 Hot Work Die Steel
JIS SKD61 · AISI H13 · DIN X40CrMoV5-1 (1.2344)
SKD61 is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot work tool steel widely regarded as the benchmark grade for high-temperature tooling worldwide. Classified under JIS G4404, it is directly equivalent to AISI H13 and DIN 1.2344 — ensuring that designers and toolmakers working to international specifications can specify it with full confidence in cross-standard traceability.
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Material Properties
SKD61 achieves a hardened hardness range of 44–54 HRC depending on tempering temperature. In the annealed condition, hardness is typically ≤229 HB, facilitating machining and EDM prior to heat treatment. The steel exhibits excellent isotropy through proper electroslag remelting (ESR) or vacuum arc remelting (VAR) production routes. Thermal conductivity is relatively high for a tool steel, which aids in heat dissipation during die casting. Impact toughness at tempering temperatures between 560–620°C is optimized for die casting applications.
The grade excels under the severe demands of hot work applications: cyclic thermal loading, high contact pressures, and the need to maintain hardness at elevated temperatures. Its balanced alloy composition — particularly the combination of chromium for oxidation resistance, molybdenum for high-temperature strength, and vanadium for fine carbide formation — produces a steel with outstanding resistance to thermal fatigue cracking (heat checking), which is the primary failure mode in pressure die casting dies.
Supplied by PT. Precision Special Steel in both plate and round bar forms, sourced directly from Tiangong International. Full material mill certificates are provided with every delivery.
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.35 – 0.42 |
| Si | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| Mn | 0.25 – 0.50 |
| Cr | 4.75 – 5.50 |
| Mo | 1.10 – 1.75 |
| V | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| P | ≤ 0.030 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Annealed) | ≤ 229 HB |
| Hardness (After Hardening) | 44 – 54 HRC |
| Tensile Strength (QT) | 1 300 – 1 600 MPa |
| Yield Strength (QT) | 1 100 – 1 400 MPa |
| Impact Toughness (KU2) | ≥ 60 J |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~24 W/m·K at 200°C |
Heat Treatment
Annealing
Heat to 840–880°C, hold 2–4 hours, furnace cool to ≤500°C at ≤20°C/hr, then air cool. Target: ≤229 HB.
Preheating
Preheat to 500–550°C, then 800–850°C before austenitising. Essential to minimise thermal shock in thick sections.
Hardening
Austenitise at 1 000–1 050°C (typically 1 020°C), soak 20–40 min, then quench in still air, pressurised gas, or oil depending on section size.
Tempering
Double temper immediately after quench (before cold to hand). First temper: 560–620°C for die casting (44–50 HRC). Second temper: same temperature. Allow to cool to room temperature between tempers.
Typical Applications
Sourced from Tiangong International
This grade is sourced directly from Tiangong International Co., Ltd. (天工国际) — one of China's foremost manufacturers of special steel and the global leader in high-speed steel production. All material is supplied with original Tiangong mill test certificates, providing full heat number traceability from the production mill to your facility. PT. Precision Special Steel holds official authorized agent status for Tiangong International in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hot Work Die Steel
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