
W.Nr. 1.2713 (standardized as 55NiCrMoV6) is a prominent nickel-chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy hot-work tool steel. It is the direct close relativeand immediate predecessor in standard selectionto the ubiquitous 1.2714 (55NiCrMoV7) grade.
While extremely similar in behavior, 1.2713 features a slightly lower chromium content and marginal differences in vanadium and molybdenum. It remains a premier choice for heavy-duty hot-forging die applications, prized for its excellent structural uniformity, high core toughness, and deep through-hardenability in massive cross-sections.
| Standard | Designation |
| DIN / W.Nr. | 1.2713 / 55NiCrMoV6 |
| AISI / ASTM (US) | L6 / ~6F3 |
| AFNOR (France) | 55NCDV6 |
| GOST (Russia) | 5KhNV (5) |
| JIS (Japan) | SKT4 (Close match) |
Understanding the minor chemistry differences helps explain why these two grades are frequently cross-referenced or used interchangeably depending on regional mill availability:
| Element | W.Nr. 1.2713 (55NiCrMoV6) | W.Nr. 1.2714 (55NiCrMoV7) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.50% 0.60% | 0.50% 0.60% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.50% 1.80% | 1.50% 1.80% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.60% 0.90% (Lower) | 1.00% 1.30% (Higher) |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.25% 0.35% | 0.40% 0.60% |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.05% 0.15% | 0.07% 0.15% |
The Technical Difference: The slightly higher Chromium and Molybdenum in 1.2714 gives it marginally better high-temperature wear resistance and temper resistance. However, 1.2713 counters with exceptional, unimpeded structural impact toughness because its lower carbide-forming content slightly reduces micro-segregation risk in the center of ultra-large forging blocks.
Extreme Resistance to Shock: The high nickel content acts as a major safeguard against brittle failure under the highly dynamic impact loads typical of drop-hammer operations.
Deep Hardenability: Thanks to the synergistic effect of Nickel, Chromium, and Molybdenum, this grade undergoes a uniform martensitic transformation deep into the core of thick bars and square blocks during quenching.
Resistance to Heat Checking: It easily accommodates the intense cyclic thermal stress (rapid heating from contact with hot billets followed by rapid cooling from lubricants) without developing deep premature thermal fatigue cracks.
55NiCrMoV6 is supplied as forged round bars, flat bars, and rough-machined die blocks for heavy tool building:
Drop Hammer Dies: Particularly large die blocks where high impact toughness takes priority over pure abrasive wear resistance.
Hot Upsetting and Press Dies: Tooling inserts for mechanical presses processing steel, brass, or aluminum.
Forming Dies & Punchers: Hot work punches, piercing mandrels, and extrusion die holders.
Clamping Hardware: Heavy-duty industrial hardware exposed to elevated temperatures and cyclic tensile stresses.
Temperature: 650C to 700C
Cooling: Slow furnace cooling down to roughly 600C at a controlled rate ($10^circtext{C} - 20^circtext{C}/text{hr}$), then air cool.
Delivery Hardness: Max 241 HBW.
Preheating: Slow preheat stage at 600C 650C to prevent thermal stress fracturing.
Austenitizing Temperature: 820C to 860C
Quenching: Typically quenched in oil or warm chemical polymer baths. For less massive dimensions, forced air/gas quenching can be utilized to minimize dimensional distortion.
Temperature: 530C to 630C based on the intended service environment.
Execution: Must be tempered at least twice with intermediate cooling to room temperature to guarantee stable transformation of retained austenite into tempered martensite.
Typical Operational Hardness: 36 to 48 HRC depending on whether toughness (lower hardness for hammers) or wear-resistance (higher hardness for press inserts) is preferred.
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