SKD61 is a type of hot work tool steel that is widely used in the manufacturing of dies and molds for hot forging and extrusion applications. It is also known as AISI H13 tool steel, and it is characterized by its high toughness, excellent heat resistance, and good wear resistance.

SKD61 tool steel contains a high percentage of chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, which provide its excellent properties. It can be hardened by heat treatment and is often used in applications that require high strength, toughness, and resistance to thermal fatigue.

SKD61 tool steel is commonly used in the manufacturing of die-casting dies, extrusion dies, forging dies, and hot stamping dies. It is also used in the manufacturing of plastic molds for injection molding applications. The high-temperature resistance of SKD61 tool steel makes it ideal for applications where high temperatures are required, such as in the production of automotive parts, aerospace components, and industrial machinery.

Technical Data

Chemical composition

C(％)	0.35～0.42	Si(％)	0.80～1.20	Mn(％)	0.25～0.50
P(％)	≤0.030	S(％)	≤0.030	Cr(％)	4.80～5.50
Mo(％)	1.00～1.50	V(％)	0.80～1.15	-	-

SKD61 steel equivalent hot work alloy tool steel

USA	Germany	China	Japan	France	England
ASTM/AISI/SAE/UNS	DIN,WNr	GB	JIS	AFNOR	BS
H13 / T20813	X40CrMoV5-1/ 1.2344	4Cr5MoSiV1	SKD61	X40CrMoV5/Z40CDV5	BH1

SKD61 tool steel tempering

Heat the SKD61 tool steel parts to tempering temperature, soak enough time until to Soak thoroughly. The usual tempering temperature range is 400-650°C(752-1202°F), It depend on the tools hardness require and the operating temperature. SKD61 tempering data for your reference as below:

Temperature [°C]	400	500	550	600	650
Hardness [HRc]	54	56	54	49	47

Hot work tool steel SKD61 Forging

For forging SKD61 tool steel, first slowly Preheat to 750°C(1382°F), soak enough time, then rapidly heat to 1050-1100 °C(1922-2030°F). then start forging, ensure the forging temperature higher than 850°C(1562°F). Cool SKD61 tool steel must be slowly after H13 steel forging finished.

Hot work SKD61 tool steel Annealing

Heat to 840-860°C(1544-1580°F), Soak thoroughly before furnace cool at a maximum rate of 20°C(68°F) / hour, Cool down to 600°C (1112°F). Then cool in air.