1.2343 Material Detailed Information
1.2343 is a high-performance hot work tool steel, typically used for dies and molds in high-temperature applications. It is also known as AISI H11 in the United States and JIS SKD6 in Japan. The material is known for its good toughness, thermal fatigue resistance, and excellent hot hardness, making it ideal for plastic molding, die-casting, and forging dies.
1.2343 is commonly used in applications where heat resistance, wear resistance, and strength at elevated temperatures are critical. It is particularly useful in applications involving high-pressure die-casting, forging dies, and hot working molds.
Key Features
- High Heat Resistance: Excellent resistance to thermal fatigue and heat checking under extreme temperature variations.
- Good Toughness: Suitable for high-impact applications and materials that experience thermal stress.
- Wear Resistance: Strong performance in high-pressure molding applications, particularly in die-casting molds.
- Excellent Machinability: Easy to machine and process in both the annealed and hardened states.
- High Hot Hardness: Retains hardness even at high operating temperatures, making it ideal for hot working tools.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.35 – 0.45 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 0.60 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.75 – 5.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.00 – 1.50 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.20 – 0.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Hardness (Annealed) | ≤ 235 HB |
| Hardness (Hardened & Tempered) | 48 – 52 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | ~1,200 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~950 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 15% |
| Impact Toughness | Good |
1.2343 vs. 1.2344 vs. H11
| Property | 1.2343 | 1.2344 | H11 (AISI) |
| Hardness (After Tempering) | 48-52 HRC | 48-52 HRC | 48-52 HRC |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Toughness | Good | Good | Medium |
| Wear Resistance | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Thermal Fatigue Resistance | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Machinability | Good | Good | Moderate |
Applications
1.2343 is mainly used in high-temperature tool steel applications, including:
- Die-casting molds (especially for aluminum, magnesium, and zinc die-casting)
- Plastic injection molds (especially for high-temperature plastics)
- Forging dies and extrusion dies
- Hot stamping and hot shear blades
- Forging and molding tools used in high-heat environments
- Core and cavity inserts in die-casting and metal forming
Heat Treatment Process
Annealing
- Heat to 850–900°C and slowly cool in the furnace to relieve internal stresses.
Hardening
- Heat to 1,000–1,050°C and soak for sufficient time, followed by quenching in air or oil.
Tempering
- Heat at 500–600°C for the desired hardness, typically 48–52 HRC for die-casting and hot working applications.
Surface Treatment
- Nitriding or PVD coating can be applied to enhance wear resistance in high-pressure molding conditions.
Alternative Materials
- 1.2344 – Higher wear resistance and toughness compared to 1.2343.
- H13 (AISI) – Common alternative with similar properties, but may require additional heat treatment.
- 1.2714 – Offers higher toughness but may not match the thermal resistance of 1.2343.
- 1.2767 – Another hot work steel with superior wear resistance for high-demand applications.
Conclusion
1.2343 is a high-performance hot work tool steel with excellent heat resistance, wear resistance, and toughness. It is ideal for die-casting molds, plastic injection molds, and forging dies that operate under high-temperature conditions.
