X38CrMoV5-1 KU Tool Steel Bar(DIN, WNr Alloy Die Steel Bars)

Product Description

Technical Specifications & Chemical Composition

According to EN ISO 4957 standards, the chemistry is precisely engineered to balance high temperature stability with structural ductility by maintaining a low, tightly controlled vanadium matrix.

Core Engineering Characteristics

• High Structural Ductility: Because it forms fewer primary vanadium carbides than 1.2344 (H13), 1.2343 exhibits outstanding resistance to impact energy and brittle crack propagation.

• Excellent Thermal Conductivity: It transfers heat away from the working die surface faster than higher-alloyed alternatives, keeping thermal stresses low and mitigating rapid thermal fatigue.

• Water Cooled Operation Compatibility: It tolerates localized thermal shock much better than higher-alloyed hot-work steels, allowing for light water-cooling routines during operation without immediate catastrophic failure.

Heat Treatment Parameters (EN ISO 4957 Guidelines)

To maximize the impact toughness profile of 1.2343, strict temperature windows are required:

• Spheroidize Annealing: Heat to 750C800C. Controlled slow cooling in the furnace at 10C to 20C per hour down to approximately 600C, followed by air cooling. Target delivery hardness: $\le$ 229 HBW.

• Stress Relieving: 600C650C. Hold for approximately 2 hours to relieve mechanical stresses prior to final hardening.

• Hardening (Austenitizing): 1000C1040C. Ensure thorough heating through the core.

• Quenching Media: Oil, vacuum gas pressure (nitrogen), or warm fluid baths (450C550C). Air or gas quenching is highly recommended for complex geometry to minimize distortion.

• Tempering: Minimum of two consecutive tempering cycles is mandatory within 520C650C. The second temper should typically match or slightly exceed the temperature of the first to break down retained austenite. Standard operational hardness is 45 to 52 HRC.

Primary Applications

Thanks to its premium mechanical resistance to extreme splitting forces, X38CrMoV5-1 round bars are widely specified for:

• High-Stressed Forging Hardware: Die blocks, punch components, extrusion press parts, and hot-shear blades where impact spikes are high.

• Light-Alloy Processing: Dies, mandrels, and container liners used in high-pressure aluminum and magnesium extrusion or die-casting.

• Highly-Stressed Structural Tooling: Heavy-duty ejector mechanisms, pinions, and aviation structural parts requiring an elevated fatigue limit at temperature.