Tool steel h13 price manufacturers

H13 is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloyed steel. The price is primarily driven by the melting process: Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) is standard, while Electro-Slag Remelting (ESR) provides superior purity and toughness at a higher cost. Key chemical markers include Chromium (4.75-5.50%) and Vanadium (0.80-1.20%). Ensure the supplier provides a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) confirming the steel meets ASTM A681 or DIN EN ISO 4957 standards.

H13 is typically sold in the Annealed state (Hardness ≤ 235 HB) to allow for easier machining. If you require Pre-hardened material, the price will increase due to the additional processing time and energy costs. For high-precision molds, verify the ultrasonic test (UT) grade (e.g., Sep 1921-84 Class D/d or E/e); higher purity grades for die-casting will command a 15-25% price premium.

H13 is the industry standard for hot-work applications due to its excellent red-hardness and resistance to thermal fatigue (heat checking). It is predominantly used for aluminum extrusion dies, pressure die-casting tools, hot forging dies, and plastic molds requiring high toughness. When sourcing for die-casting, specify high-impact toughness requirements to prevent premature cracking.

The price of H13 is sensitive to molybdenum and vanadium market fluctuations. To optimize costs, consider the surface finish: Black surface (hot rolled/forged) is the most economical, while Peeled or Machined surfaces reduce your internal processing time but increase the purchase price. For orders exceeding 5-10 tons, buyers can usually negotiate a 5-10% volume discount on Made-in-China.com.

The biggest risk is material substitution, where lower-grade Cr12 or standard alloy steel is labeled as H13. Another risk is internal defects like porosity or inclusions in non-ESR material. Always demand a Third-Party Inspection (TPI) such as SGS or BV to perform a chemical analysis (PMI test) and ultrasonic flaw detection before the final balance payment is made.

Utilize Secured Trading Services on Made-in-China.com to protect your funds. Negotiate a payment structure of 30% deposit and 70% against the Bill of Lading (B/L) after receiving the inspection report. Clearly define the tolerance levels for dimensions (e.g., +2mm/-0mm) and flatness in the proforma invoice to avoid disputes upon arrival.

Steel is heavy and subject to anti-dumping duties (AD) or safeguard measures in certain regions (e.g., EU, USA). Check your local HS Code (typically 7228.30 or 7224.90) for applicable tariffs. Ensure the supplier uses seaworthy packaging, including anti-rust oil and plastic wrapping, as sea moisture can cause severe surface oxidation during long-transit cross-border shipping.