H13 (1.2344) Tool Steel

It is most widely used of all the hot work steel and is characterized by high hardenability and excellent toughness. It can be welded using oxyacetylene, inert shielded gas and shielded metal arc processes. Preheating and post heating are recommended. Filler metals should be similar in composition to the base metal. Applications include tools which require resistance to softening at elevated temperatures such as forging dies and punches; aluminum magnesium and zinc die casting dies; aluminum extrusion dies; hot heading dies; piercing and forming punches; forging dies; cold work dies where extreme toughness is required, such as dies with deep recesses and other corners, mandrels for tube extrusion on brass, cupronickel aluminum and magnesium; nut piercers and punches.