What is the typical tempering temperature setting for H13 steel?

For H13 steel, tempering temperatures typically range from 550 to 600°C, with 580°C ± 5°C being the ideal value. This temperature range is the standard process parameter for hot work die steel because it successfully balances toughness, hardness, and microstructural stability.

1. Tempering Temperature and Performance Relationship

Setting the Temperature

Range of Hardness (HRC)

Features of Performance

Relevant Situations

550°C

50–52

Excellent wear resistance and high hardness, but marginally reduced toughness

High standards for wear resistance and the need to avoid brittleness

580°C (Suggested)

49–51

The ideal ratio of durability, strength, and resistance to wear

Ideal for the majority of hot work dies

600°C

48–50

Enhanced durability and a minor matrix softening

High-impact or complicated stress situations

Practical Application: Die companies in Wuhan frequently employ the well-established procedure of tempering at 580°C for two hours for two cycles. The hot runner nozzle life can exceed 500,000 cycles, and the measured hardness is steady at 49.8~50.3 HRC.

2. Crucial Elements of Temperature Management

It is necessary to employ a PID temperature control system and make sure that the difference between the actual furnace temperature and the set temperature is less than or equal to ±5°C.

Multi-point temperature measurement verification: Set up a minimum of three temperature measurement points in the furnace's upper, middle, lower, and corner regions to verify a temperature difference of ≤ ±5°C.

Steer clear of low temperatures: temperatures below 550°C can easily result in inadequate tempering, which can cause extreme brittleness and a hardness more than 52 HRC.

Avoid overheating: Temperatures above 600°C can lead to over-tempering, which reduces strength and results in a hardness of less than 48 HRC.

Case Study: A temperature control problem caused a corporation to set the temperature to 530°C. Brittle fracture happened after just three days of surgery, and the measured hardness reached 53.5 HRC.

3. Supporting Procedures Guaranty Consistent Performance

Double Tempering: To fully relieve residual tension, the furnace must air cool to room temperature following the initial tempering.

Sufficient Holding Time: For thicker sections, add 30 minutes for every 25 mm of thickness. Each tempering session must last at least two hours.

Process Recording and Traceability: To achieve closed-loop quality management, furnace temperature curves and hardness records are kept for every furnace.

Safety Principles: It is crucial to maintain accurate temperature, a sufficient number of tempering cycles, and data records.