PD613 Material Detailed Information
PD613 is a high-performance cold work tool steel with excellent toughness, wear resistance, and good machinability. It is developed for use in applications requiring high precision, long tool life, and resistance to impact and wear. PD613 is commonly used in precision stamping dies, punches, and forming tools.
This material is considered an improved version of SKD11 (AISI D2, DIN 1.2379) but with enhanced toughness and better machinability, making it ideal for high-demand cold work applications.
Key Features
- High Wear Resistance: Comparable to SKD11 but with better toughness.
- Superior Toughness: Reduces chipping and cracking under impact loads.
- Good Machinability: Easier to process compared to conventional cold work tool steels.
- Improved Heat Treatment Performance: Good hardness stability after quenching and tempering.
- High Precision Retention: Excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 1.50 – 1.60 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11.50 – 12.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.70 – 1.20 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.20 – 0.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20 – 0.50 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Hardness (Annealed) | ≤ 250 HB |
| Hardness (Hardened & Tempered) | 58-62 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 2,000 – 2,300 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~1,800 MPa |
| Elongation | 8-12% |
| Impact Strength | High |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent |
PD613 vs. SKD11 vs. D2 (1.2379)
| Property | PD613 | SKD11 (JIS) | D2 (AISI) | 1.2379 (DIN) |
| Toughness | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hardness (After Tempering) | 58-62 HRC | 58-62 HRC | 58-62 HRC | 58-62 HRC |
| Machinability | Better | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Dimensional Stability | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Applications
PD613 is widely used in cold work tooling applications, including:
- Precision stamping dies
- Punches and cutting tools
- Forming and bending dies
- Cold forging tools
- Slitting cutters and shearing blades
- Wear-resistant mechanical parts

Heat Treatment Process
Annealing
- Heat at 800–850°C, then slow cool in the furnace.
Hardening
- Heat to 1,020–1,050°C, hold for proper soaking time.
- Quench in oil, air, or vacuum for uniform hardness.
Tempering
- Heat at 180–250°C for maximum hardness.
- Heat at 500–550°C for a balance of hardness and toughness.
- Final hardness: 58-62 HRC, depending on tempering conditions.
Alternative Materials
- SKD11 / AISI D2 / DIN 1.2379 – Similar wear resistance but lower toughness.
- DC53 – Another improved version of SKD11 with enhanced toughness.
- K340 (Böhler) – A European alternative with high wear resistance.
- PD613L – A modified version of PD613 with enhanced machinability.
Conclusion
PD613 is an upgraded cold work tool steel offering a perfect balance of wear resistance, toughness, and machinability. It is an ideal material for high-precision stamping dies, forming tools, and wear-resistant components.





