H13 steel, as a widely used hot work die steel worldwide, can obtain a mixed microstructure of martensite and bainite after normal forging process. It has high hardness and is difficult to cut, so spheroidization annealing is necessary. Spheroidization annealing plays a significant role in eliminating residual stress in steel, reducing hardness, and evenly distributing alloy carbides. It also prepares the microstructure for final quenching and tempering heat treatment.
Hot work tool steels, such as H11 (1.2343) and H13 (1.2344), play a critical role in various industrial applications, particularly where tools are subjected to high temperatures and harsh conditions. These steels are specifically engineered to withstand the intense thermal cycles, mechanical stresses, and abrasive wear that are typical in hot working processes, such as forging, casting, and extrusion.
Hot work tool steels, such as H13 (1.2344), are critical materials used in industries like forging, die-casting, and extrusion, where tools are exposed to high temperatures, mechanical stresses, and thermal cycles. These steels are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of hot working processes, ensuring the durability and performance of molds, dies, and other tooling components.