H-21

H-21

H21 Hot Work Tool Steel For Extreme-Temperature Applications

H21 is a tungsten-based hot work tool steel specifically designed for severe thermal environments where conventional hot work tool steels may not provide sufficient high-temperature performance.

It is suitable for demanding applications including hot forging, hot shearing, die casting, extrusion tooling, and glass & ceramic moulding.

Built For Extreme Heat. Designed For Long Tool Life.

  • Excellent hot hardness
  • High resistance to softening at extreme temperatures
  • Performs reliably during continuous high-heat cycles
  • Maintains strength and wear resistance above 650–700°C
  • Handles high mechanical loads under hot-working conditions
  • Good resistance to thermal cracking
  • Reliable performance in semi-abrasive and high-friction environments

Category: Hot Work Tool Steel

Category:

Technical Specifications

Property Specification
Material H21
Steel Type Tungsten-Based Hot Work Tool Steel
AISI / SAE H21
Material No. 1.2581
European Grade X30WCrV9-3
W-Nr. / Equivalent W100
JIS Equivalent SKD5
Typical Heat-Treated Hardness HRC 46–52

Chemical Composition

Element Composition
Carbon (C) 0.25–0.35%
Silicon (Si) 0.10–0.40%
Manganese (Mn) 0.15–0.45%
Phosphorus (P) 0.035% max
Sulphur (S) 0.035% max
Chromium (Cr) 2.50–3.20%
Tungsten (W) 8.00–9.00%
Vanadium (V) 0.30–0.50%

Applications

Where H21 Is Used

H21 is particularly suited to applications involving extreme temperatures, continuous heating and high mechanical loading.

Forging

  • Hot Forging Dies
  • Hot Forging Tools
  • Hot Punches
  • High-Temperature Forging Components

Hot Shearing

  • Hot Shear Blades
  • Hot Cutting Tools
  • High-Temperature Cutting Components

Die Casting

  • Die Casting Dies
  • Die Components
  • High-Temperature Die Tooling

Extrusion

  • Extrusion Dies
  • Extrusion Tooling
  • Hot Forming Tools

Glass & Ceramic

  • Glass Moulding Tools
  • Ceramic Moulding Tools
  • High-Temperature Mould Components

Heat Treatment

Designed For High-Temperature Stability

H21 is heat treated to develop the required combination of hot hardness, strength, toughness and dimensional stability.

Annealing
Controlled annealing can be used to provide a suitable condition for machining and subsequent hardening.

Hardening
The material is heated under controlled conditions to develop the required hardened structure.

Quenching
Controlled cooling is used after austenitizing to achieve the required hardness while limiting distortion and thermal stresses.

Tempering
Tempering after hardening helps establish the required balance between hardness, toughness and high-temperature performance.

Typical Post-Treatment Hardness:
HRC 46–52

Available Forms

Available In Multiple Forms

Available In:
Round Bars | Flats | Blocks | Custom Sizes

Supply Condition:
Annealed | Hardened & Tempered

Cutting Services:
Horizontal | Vertical | Lateral Bandsaw Cutting

Supply Condition

From Standard Stock To Custom Requirements

TSI Metals can supply H21 according to the required supply conditions, subject to size, availability, and applicable specifications.

Annealed
Suitable for machining and subsequent heat treatment.

Hardened & Tempered
Suitable for applications requiring developed hardness, strength and high-temperature performance.

As-Rolled
Available subject to stock availability and applicable specification.

Full Length
Supplied according to available dimensions.

Cut-to-Size
Precision cut according to customer requirements.

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