CNC machined H13 tool steel mold core

Description

1. Product Overview

This precision-engineered H13 tool steel mold core is manufactured for high-pressure die casting, injection molding, and forging applications requiring exceptional thermal fatigue resistance and hardness at elevated operating temperatures. By combining premium electro-slag remelted (ESR) H13 metallurgy with 5-axis CNC finishing and vacuum heat treatment, this component delivers extended service life and dimensional stability under cyclic thermal loads. For global industrial buyers, securing a reliable source of certified H13 mold cores is a strategic lever to reduce downtime, lower per-part tooling costs, and maintain repeatable part quality in high-volume production environments.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Material Composition (wt%):
  C: 0.37–0.42 | Si: 0.80–1.20 | Mn: 0.20–0.50 | Cr: 4.75–5.50 | Mo: 1.10–1.75 | V: 0.80–1.20 | P ≤ 0.015% | S ≤ 0.003%

• Material Grade & Purity:
  AISI H13 / DIN 1.2344 / JIS SKD61 – ESR (Electro-Slag Remelted) refined, inclusion rating ≤ 1.0 per ASTM E45

• Physical Characteristics:

  • Form: Fully machined net-shape or near-net-shape core

  • Hardness: 46–48 HRC (as delivered, tempered)

  • Heat treatment: Vacuum quenching + double tempering

  • Surface finish: ≤ Ra 0.8 µm (optional mirror polish ≤ Ra 0.2 µm)

  • Tolerance: ISO 2768-f (fine) or as per drawing (≤ ±0.01 mm on critical features)

• Packaging Options:
  VCI anti-rust film + individual foam-lined plywood case; export-worthy palletization with desiccant

• Shelf Life (if relevant):
  Indefinite under dry storage (< 60% RH); recommended remachining of mating surfaces after 12 months

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Primary industries: Automotive tier 1 suppliers, aerospace components, consumer electronics molding, and industrial aluminum/zinc die casting foundries

• Operational use cases:

  • High-pressure die casting (Al, Mg, Zn) – cores for engine blocks, transmission housings, structural EV battery trays

  • Injection molding of filled polymers (glass fiber reinforced plastics)

  • Hot forging dies for small-to-medium metal parts

• Performance vs alternatives:
  Outperforms 4140, P20, or conventional H13 due to ESR refinement (reduced heat checking), tighter grain structure, and consistent hardness through core cross-section. Direct result: 30–50% longer die life before heat crack initiation compared to non-ESR H13, plus lower scrap rates from thermal deformation.

• Efficiency / cost advantage:
  Pre-machined to near-net shape reduces your in-house EDM and milling time by up to 60%. Vacuum heat treatment eliminates post-delivery distortion risks.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency:
  Each batch certified with ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949-compliant inspection reports – including ultrasonic testing (ASTM A388), hardness traverse, and microstructure analysis.

• Supply reliability:
  Dedicated production line for tool steel components; 20,000+ mold cores shipped annually to EU, North America, and SE Asia with < 0.3% non-conformance rate over 24 months.

• Logistics capability:
  In-house CNC (5-axis, wire EDM, and grinding) combined with strategic warehouse hubs near major seaports – typical lead time 15–20 working days for standard geometries.

• Price competitiveness:
  Vertically integrated from annealed bar stock → machining → heat treatment → inspection. No middle margin on subcontracted finishing.

• Sustainability / environmental benefits:
  100% recyclable material; vacuum tempering reduces energy use by 25% vs. atmospheric furnaces; machining coolant recycling system with zero liquid discharge.

• Technical support:
  Full drawing validation (STEP/IGES), DFM analysis, and on-demand metallurgical failure analysis provided free for contract customers.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
  Standard geometries – 10 pieces
  Custom drawing-based – 20 pieces

• BULK 20MT Loading capacity:
  Approximately 6,000–8,000 mold cores depending on average core weight (2.5–3.3 kg per core typical)

• MT per container:

  • 20-ft standard container: 18–20 MT (max load, palletized)

  • 40-ft HC container: 24–25 MT (weight-limited)