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AISI H-12 / DIN 1.606

AISI H-12 is a chromium-based hot work tool steel designed for high-temperature applications. It is known for its excellent impact toughness, making it ideal for tooling exposed to harsh working conditions. Compared to H13, H12 has lower vanadium content but a higher tungsten level, which provides superior temper resistance. It also offers excellent resistance to thermal fatigue cracking (heat checking) and is particularly effective in preventing gross cracking and thermal shock, especially when water-cooled during use.

Steel Properties

AISI H-12 offers excellent wear resistance and high strength at elevated temperatures. The steel’s fine structure enhances its toughness and resistance to cracking, ensuring reliable performance under severe conditions. Its high homogenization further improves durability, and the absence of grain-boundary carbides increases its longevity, even in the most demanding applications.

Application

AISI H-12 is primarily used for applications that require resistance to cracking, such as hot punches, die casting dies, shaping dies, hot shear blades, gripper dies, and extrusion tooling. Its high impact toughness and resistance to thermal shock make it ideal for forming dies, press dies, and hot shear applications, as well as immediate rollers in cold rolling processes.