1. Specifications & Capability
FUSHUN METAL forges die blocks in H13 (1.2344 / SKD61) and 56NiCrMoV7 (1.2714), 200-2000 mm thick, with a forging ratio of at least 4:1. These are the hammer and press die blocks of forging, extrusion and die-casting shops, produced as rough blocks or finish-machined to drawing.
Each block is upset and drawn to refine the grain and close porosity, then ultrasonically tested to SEP 1921 (E/e and D/d classes) to confirm internal soundness.
| Grade | Standard | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| H13 / 1.2344 / SKD61 | EN ISO 4957 | Die-casting, extrusion dies |
| 56NiCrMoV7 / 1.2714 | EN ISO 4957 | Hammer and press dies |
2. Components & Service Conditions
Die blocks are the large tool steel blocks into which the working impression is cut for hammer, press, extrusion and die-casting tooling. They endure repeated thermal cycling and heavy impact or pressure at elevated temperature, so resistance to heat checking, wear and thermal fatigue is the controlling requirement.
H13’s 5% chromium and molybdenum-vanadium content gives the hot hardness and resistance to thermal fatigue needed for die casting and extrusion, while 56NiCrMoV7 provides the deep hardenability and toughness required for large hammer dies. Forging with a 4:1 reduction ratio refines the grain and closes porosity, giving the uniform through-thickness properties a large die block must have.
3. Grade Equivalents – H13 / 56NiCrMoV7
| Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| H13 / 1.2344 / SKD61 | EN ISO 4957 | Hot-work tool steel |
| 56NiCrMoV7 / 1.2714 | EN ISO 4957 | Hot-work tool steel |
| L6 | ASTM A681 | US low-alloy die steel |
| 5CrNiMo | GB/T 1299 | Reference only, not used in certification |
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | Cr | Mo | V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H13 (1.2344) | 0.35-0.42 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.25-0.50 | 4.80-5.50 | 1.10-1.75 | 0.80-1.20 |
| 56NiCrMoV7 (1.2714) | 0.50-0.60 | 0.10-0.40 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.35-0.55 | 0.07-0.12 |
H13’s higher chromium and vanadium resist thermal fatigue; 56NiCrMoV7’s nickel gives the toughness for large hammer dies. FUSHUN METAL helps select the grade for the application.
4. Manufacturing Process
Melting. FUSHUN METAL melts in an electric arc furnace with refining, and ESR where maximum cleanliness is specified.
Forging. The block is upset and drawn with a 4:1 minimum reduction ratio, refining the grain and closing porosity.
Heat treatment. The block is spheroidise annealed or quenched and tempered to the ordered hardness, for the best machinability or service properties.
Testing. UT to SEP 1921 (E/e and D/d classes), hardness and grain size checks, with full traceability.
5. Standards & Certification
Die blocks are supplied to EN ISO 4957 (tool steels), with ultrasonic testing to SEP 1921 and inspection certificates under EN 10204 3.1. FUSHUN METAL holds ISO 9001 and AS9120B certification.
Related forgings: press columns and press cylinders.
6. Typical Applications
Hammer dies
Die blocks for drop and counterblow hammers.
Press dies
Die blocks for forging and extrusion presses.
Die-casting dies
H13 die blocks for die-casting tools.
Extrusion dies
H13 blocks for extrusion tooling.
7. Inquiry Essentials
To quote your die block, please provide the block dimensions, the required grade, the hardness, and any grain size requirements.
