X30WCrV9-3
1.2581Tungsten-alloyed hot work tool steel (AISI H21) with 9% W for exceptional high-temperature strength and resistance to tempering. Low thermal conductivity makes rapid cooling unacceptable — tools must be preheated to ~300°C before use. Achieves 44-50 HRC. Used for die casting dies for copper alloys (brass/bronze), hot forging dies, hot extrusion tooling, hot shear blades, and mandrels. The go-to steel for copper alloy die casting where H13 would soften. JIS: SKD5.
Chemical composition comparison (wt%)
Side-by-side: X30WCrV9-3 (EN) (EN ISO 4957) vs ASTM
| Element | X30WCrV9-3 (EN) | ASTM | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.25–0.35% | — | — |
| Si | 0.1–0.4% | — | — |
| Mn | 0.15–0.45% | — | — |
| P | ≤ 0.03% | — | — |
| S | ≤ 0.02% | — | — |
| Cr | 2.5–3.2% | — | — |
| V | 0.3–0.5% | — | — |
| W | 8.5–9.5% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
Annealed
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness HB | ≤ 235 | HB |
QT
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness HRC | 44–50 | HRC |
| Density | ≥ 8.36 | g/cm3 |
Heat treatment
| Process | Temperature | Medium | Holding Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| annealing | 800–850 °C | furnace | — | Slow cool max 4°C/hr, max 235 HB |
| hardening | 1050–1100 °C | air | — | Air cool; preheat 300-500°C required |
| tempering | 600–650 °C | air | — | Min 1hr/25mm, max 50 HRC |
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