1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar (H10 Hot Work Tool Steel)

Product Description

FUSHUN METAL's 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar (equivalent to AISI H10) is a premium tungsten-based hot work tool steel offering an exceptional combination of extreme high-temperature hardness, outstanding wear resistance, excellent heat checking resistance, and superior toughness. With a carefully engineered chemical composition featuring a balanced ratio of tungsten, chromium, and vanadium, our 1.2345 flat bar delivers remarkable thermal stability and red hardness retention while maintaining good machinability and polishability. Available in precision-milled finishes and tight dimensional tolerances, this specialized flat steel bar is ideal for demanding applications in hot forging dies, hot extrusion tooling, aluminum die casting, hot stamping dies, and other applications requiring exceptional wear resistance at elevated temperatures. Unlike standard chromium hot work tool steels, FUSHUN METAL's 1.2345 flat bars provide superior performance at elevated temperatures up to 600°C (1110°F) with enhanced resistance to thermal fatigue and hot wear. Each bar undergoes comprehensive quality control to ensure consistent properties, precise dimensions, and superior surface quality for reliable performance in the most demanding high-temperature tooling applications.

Flat Bar Specifications

FUSHUN METAL offers 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar in a comprehensive range of specifications to meet diverse application requirements:

Available Dimensions

* Custom dimensions available upon request

Dimensional Tolerances

Surface Finishes

• Hot Rolled: Standard industrial finish
• Hot Rolled and Annealed: Stress relieved for better machinability
• Hot Rolled, Annealed, and Pickled: Clean scale-free surface
• Precision Ground: Four sides ground with precision tolerances
• Fine Milled: High-quality surface finish with tight tolerances
• Polished: Smoother finish for reduced post-processing requirements
• Custom Finishes: Available upon request for specific applications

Supply Conditions

• Annealed: Soft condition for optimal machinability (190-235 HB)
• Pre-hardened: Hardened and tempered to 35-42 HRC for applications requiring moderate hardness
• Fully Heat Treated: Hardened and tempered to 45-52 HRC for immediate use
• Custom Heat Treatment: Available to meet specific hardness and toughness requirements

Packaging Options

• Individual Plastic Wrapping: For protection against environmental contaminants
• Wooden Crates: For secure shipping of multiple bars
• Steel Strapped Bundles: For economical shipping of standard orders
• VCI Paper Wrapping: For enhanced corrosion protection
• Oil Coating: Available for additional corrosion protection
• Custom Packaging: Available to meet specific handling and storage requirements

Applications

FUSHUN METAL's 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar is specifically engineered for applications requiring an optimal combination of high-temperature strength, extreme wear resistance, and good thermal fatigue resistance:

Hot Forging Applications

• Heavy-duty forging dies
• Hot heading tools and dies
• Hot upsetting dies
• Cross wedge rolling dies
• Hot piercing punches
• Forging inserts for high wear areas
• Hot shear blades for forging operations

Extrusion Applications

• Hot extrusion dies for aluminum
• Extrusion tooling for copper and brass
• Extrusion liners and containers
• Extrusion stems and dummy blocks
• Mandrels for tube extrusion
• Wear parts in extrusion presses
• Extrusion die holders and backers

Die Casting Applications

• Aluminum die casting inserts
• Cores and pins for die casting
• Wear zones in large die casting dies
• Pressure blocks and plungers
• Hot chamber die casting components
• Sprue bushings for die casting
• Ejector pins for high-temperature applications

Hot Stamping and Forming

• Hot stamping dies for high-strength steel
• Hot forming punches and dies
• Hot trimming tools
• Press hardening tools
• Hot cutting tools and knives
• Progressive hot forming dies
• Hot punching tools

Glass Industry Applications

• Glass mold tooling components
• Hot glass handling equipment
• Glass forming dies
• Blow molds for glass containers
• Plungers for glass forming
• Hot glass cutting tools
• Neckring mechanisms for glass bottle production

Specialty Applications

• Hot working knives and shear blades
• Mandrels for precision tube manufacture
• Hot punching tools for high-alloy materials
• Gripper dies for high-temperature operations
• Tooling for isothermal forging
• Hot sizing dies for precision components
• Hot work trimming dies for complex shapes

Chemical Composition

FUSHUN METAL's 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar features the following nominal composition per DIN 17350/EN ISO 4957 standards:

Key Element Functions

• Carbon (0.35-0.42%): Provides optimal hardness and strength while maintaining good toughness. The moderate carbon content offers a good balance between wear resistance and thermal shock resistance.
• Tungsten (2.50-3.20%): Primary alloying element that forms stable carbides providing exceptional hot hardness and resistance to softening at elevated temperatures. Tungsten significantly enhances the "red hardness" of this steel.
• Molybdenum (2.50-3.00%): Works synergistically with tungsten to further enhance hot strength and creep resistance. Molybdenum improves hardenability and contributes to secondary hardening during tempering.
• Chromium (2.80-3.50%): Enhances hardenability, oxidation resistance, and wear resistance. Forms stable carbides that maintain hardness at elevated temperatures.
• Vanadium (0.40-0.60%): Forms fine, hard carbides that provide resistance to wear and abrasion. Refines grain structure for improved toughness and contributes to secondary hardening during tempering.
• Silicon (0.80-1.20%): Improves oxidation resistance and high-temperature strength. Contributes to overall toughness of the steel.
• Manganese (0.25-0.50%): Enhances hardenability and contributes to strength.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Our 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar offers an impressive combination of physical and mechanical properties that make it ideal for demanding hot work applications:

Physical Properties

Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)

Mechanical Properties (Hardened and Tempered to 46 HRC)

Mechanical Properties (Hardened and Tempered to 52 HRC)

Hot Hardness

1.2345 maintains exceptional hardness at elevated temperatures, which is crucial for hot work applications:

Special Features of FUSHUN METAL's 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar

Our 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar offers several distinctive advantages that set it apart from conventional hot work tool steel products:

Superior Hot Work Performance

1.2345 provides exceptional performance in hot work applications:

• Outstanding Hot Hardness: Superior retention of hardness at elevated temperatures up to 600°C (1110°F), significantly outperforming standard chromium hot work steels.
• Enhanced Wear Resistance at High Temperatures: The tungsten and vanadium carbides provide exceptional resistance to abrasive and adhesive wear even at elevated temperatures.
• Excellent Thermal Fatigue Resistance: Outstanding resistance to heat checking and thermal cracking during repeated heating and cooling cycles.
• Thermal Shock Resistance: Good resistance to cracking when subjected to rapid temperature changes.
• Oxidation Resistance: Good resistance to scaling and oxidation at elevated temperatures.
• Tempering Resistance: Excellent resistance to softening during prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
• Dimensional Stability: Maintains dimensions and shape during thermal cycling.

Balanced Mechanical Properties

1.2345 offers an excellent combination of properties for tool and die applications:

• Good Toughness: Better than most high-alloy hot work steels, reducing the risk of catastrophic die failure.
• Superior Wear Resistance: The tungsten-rich composition provides exceptional resistance to wear mechanisms common in hot working operations.
• High Compressive Strength: Excellent resistance to plastic deformation under high loads at elevated temperatures.
• Adequate Machinability: Better machinability than many tungsten-based tool steels in the annealed condition.
• Good Polishability: Can be polished to a high finish, important for die casting and extrusion applications.
• Limited Weldability: Can be welded with proper precautions and pre/post-heating treatments.
• High Temperature Strength: Maintains strength at temperatures where standard hot work steels begin to soften.

Heat Treatment Response

1.2345 offers predictable and favorable response to heat treatment:

• Excellent Hardenability: Deep hardening capability in sections up to 150mm with appropriate quenching.
• Dimensional Stability: Exhibits minimal distortion during heat treatment when properly processed.
• Secondary Hardening: Pronounced secondary hardening effect during tempering, contributing to excellent hot hardness.
• Wide Hardening Range: Can be hardened to various hardness levels (42-54 HRC) to optimize the balance between wear resistance and toughness for specific applications.
• Double Tempering Response: Responds exceptionally well to double or triple tempering for optimal property development and transformation of retained austenite.
• Predictable Size Change: Undergoes minimal and predictable dimensional changes during proper heat treatment.
• Air Hardening Capability: Can be air hardened in smaller sections, reducing distortion compared to oil quenching.

Manufacturing Excellence

FUSHUN METAL employs specialized processes to ensure our 1.2345 tool flat bars deliver reliable performance in critical applications:

• Premium Melting Processes: Vacuum degassed or electroslag remelted options available for enhanced cleanliness and performance in critical applications.
• Precise Chemical Control: Tight control of alloying elements, particularly tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium, to ensure consistent heat treatment response and mechanical properties.
• Controlled Forging: Optimized forging practices within specific temperature ranges to ensure homogeneous microstructure and carbide distribution.
• Optimized Annealing: Precise annealing cycles to achieve uniform hardness and excellent machinability.
• Stress Relieving: Proper stress relief treatments to minimize distortion during machining and subsequent heat treatment.
• Precision Milling: Advanced milling capabilities to achieve tight dimensional tolerances and excellent surface finish.
• Rigorous Inspection: Comprehensive non-destructive testing to ensure internal quality and surface integrity.
• Carbide Evaluation: Microstructural examination to verify proper carbide size, type, and distribution.

Heat Treatment Recommendations

For customers performing their own heat treatment of 1.2345 tool flat steel bar, FUSHUN METAL recommends the following parameters:

Stress Relieving

• Heat slowly to 650-700°C (1200-1290°F)
• Hold for minimum 2 hours per 25mm of thickness
• Cool slowly in furnace to below 500°C (930°F), then air cool
• Recommended before extensive machining to minimize distortion

Annealing

• Heat slowly to 850-880°C (1560-1615°F)
• Hold for 1-2 hours per 25mm of thickness
• Cool slowly in furnace at a rate not exceeding 15°C (27°F) per hour to 600°C (1110°F)
• Continue cooling in furnace or air
• Resulting hardness: 190-235 HB

Hardening

• Preheating: Step 1: 650-750°C (1200-1380°F)
• Preheating: Step 2: 850-950°C (1560-1740°F)
• Austenitizing: 1020-1080°C (1870-1975°F)
• Lower temperatures for better toughness, higher temperatures for maximum wear resistance
• Holding time: 15-30 minutes after thorough heating
• Quenching: Oil, warm bath at 500-550°C (930-1020°F), or positive pressure gas quenching
• Air cooling possible for sections under 15mm
• For complex shapes, martempering in salt bath is recommended to minimize distortion
• Achievable hardness after quenching: 52-56 HRC

Tempering

• Temper immediately after cooling to hand-warm temperature (50-70°C/120-160°F)
• Tempering temperature selection based on desired final hardness:
  • 540-580°C (1000-1075°F): 44-48 HRC (balanced wear resistance and toughness)
  • 580-620°C (1075-1150°F): 40-44 HRC (maximum toughness for heavy duty applications)
  • 500-540°C (930-1000°F): 48-52 HRC (increased wear resistance)
  • 400-500°C (750-930°F): 52-54 HRC (maximum hardness, but reduced toughness)
• Hold at temperature for minimum 2 hours
• Triple tempering recommended (minimum two tempers)
• Cool to room temperature between tempering cycles
• Final sub-zero treatment before the last tempering can be used to convert retained austenite

Nitriding

• For enhanced surface hardness and wear resistance, 1.2345 responds well to nitriding
• Perform after final heat treatment and tempering at minimum 525°C (980°F)
• Gas nitriding: 500-520°C (930-970°F) for 10-30 hours
• Plasma nitriding: 480-520°C (895-970°F) for 4-12 hours
• Salt bath nitriding: 540-560°C (1000-1040°F) for 2-4 hours
• Achievable surface hardness: 900-1100 HV (67-70 HRC)
• Typical case depth: 0.1-0.3 mm

Quality Assurance and Testing

Every batch of FUSHUN METAL's 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets our exacting quality standards:

• Chemical Composition Analysis: Spectrographic testing to verify precise element content critical for performance, with special attention to tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium levels.
• Mechanical Property Testing: Hardness testing to confirm proper annealing or heat treatment.
• Microstructural Examination: Metallographic analysis to verify proper structure, grain size, and carbide distribution.
• Ultrasonic Testing: 100% ultrasonic inspection available to detect internal defects and ensure soundness.
• Magnetic Particle Inspection: Available to detect surface or near-surface defects.
• Dimensional Verification: Precision measurement to ensure tight dimensional tolerances.
• Flatness Testing: Verification of flatness to ensure minimal warpage.
• Heat Treatment Response Verification: Sample testing to confirm proper response to hardening and tempering.
• Hot Hardness Testing: Available to verify performance at elevated temperatures.
• Hardenability Testing: Jominy end-quench testing available upon request.
• Inclusion Assessment: Evaluation of non-metallic inclusion content for critical applications.
• Carbide Distribution Analysis: Examination of carbide type, size, and distribution for performance-critical applications.

Certifications Provided

• Material Test Certificates according to EN 10204 3.1
• Chemical composition analysis
• Mechanical property test results
• Dimensional inspection report
• Heat treatment certification when applicable
• Special property verifications available upon request
• Certificate of conformity to ordered specifications
• Ultrasonic testing reports when specified
• Metallographic examination reports when specified

International Standards Compliance

Our 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar complies with the following international standards:

Machining Recommendations

To achieve optimal results when machining 1.2345 tool flat steel bars, FUSHUN METAL recommends the following parameters:

Annealed Condition (190-235 HB)

Hardened and Tempered Condition (44-48 HRC)

* These values are guidelines only; adjustments may be necessary based on specific equipment and conditions

Machining Tips

• Use rigid setups with minimum overhang to minimize vibration and chatter.
• Apply adequate cooling, especially when machining in hardened condition.
• For complex geometries, consider machining in the annealed condition and then heat treating.
• Use sharp tools and replace at regular intervals to maintain dimensional accuracy.
• After EDM processing, remove the affected layer by grinding or polishing to ensure maximum tool performance.
• After heavy machining, consider stress relieving to minimize distortion during final heat treatment.
• When grinding hardened material, use gentle cutting conditions and adequate cooling to prevent rehardening of the surface.
• The tungsten content in 1.2345 may cause slightly more tool wear than in standard chromium hot work steels; adjust tooling selection accordingly.

Welding Recommendations

1.2345 can be welded with proper precautions and procedures, though more care is required than with 1.2343/H11:

• Preheat: 300-450°C (570-840°F) depending on section thickness
• Filler Material: Matching composition or AWS A5.14 ERNiCrFe-3
• Process: TIG/GTAW strongly preferred for highest quality; SAW, MMA/SMAW also possible with appropriate electrodes
• Interpass Temperature: Maintain 300-450°C (570-840°F)
• Post-weld Heat Treatment: Cool slowly to 100°C (212°F), then temper immediately at a temperature at least 25°C (45°F) below the previous tempering temperature
• Hydrogen Control: Use low hydrogen processes and consumables; bake electrodes according to manufacturer recommendations
• Joint Design: Use simple joint designs with adequate access; avoid sharp corners
• Special Consideration: Due to high tungsten and molybdenum content, 1.2345 is more susceptible to cracking than standard chromium hot work steels and requires more careful welding procedures

Surface Treatments

1.2345 can be enhanced with various surface treatments for improved performance:

• Nitriding: Excellent response to nitriding processes (gas, plasma, salt bath), achieving surface hardness up to 1100 HV
• PVD Coating: Suitable for TiN, TiCN, TiAlN and other PVD coatings after proper heat treatment and surface preparation
• CVD Coating: Generally not recommended due to high process temperatures that may affect the base material properties
• Hard Chrome Plating: Can be chrome plated for improved surface hardness and corrosion resistance
• Oxidizing Treatment: Steam or chemical blackening for some corrosion protection
• Duplex Treatments: Combinations such as nitriding plus PVD coating for superior surface performance
• Boriding: Can be borided for extreme surface hardness (up to 1600 HV) for specialized applications

Comparative Advantages over Other Tool Steel Grades

Understanding how 1.2345/H10 tool flat steel bar compares to other grades helps in selecting the optimal material for your application:

Application-Specific Recommendations

FUSHUN METAL provides tailored recommendations for specific applications of 1.2345 tool flat steel bar:

Hot Forging Applications

• Recommended hardness: 42-46 HRC for heavy duty forging, 46-50 HRC for precision forging
• Consider using 1.2345 for inserts or areas of the die that experience extreme wear
• Ensure adequate corner and fillet radii to minimize stress concentration (minimum 2-3mm)
• Preheat dies to 200-300°C (390-570°F) before use for increased thermal fatigue resistance
• Design proper cooling channels for temperature control during operation
• Nitriding can significantly extend die life in severe applications
• Triple tempering strongly recommended for maximum dimensional stability

Extrusion Die Applications

• Recommended hardness: 45-48 HRC for aluminum extrusion, 44-46 HRC for brass extrusion
• Nitriding recommended for aluminum extrusion dies to improve surface hardness and reduce sticking
• Highly polished die surfaces recommended for improved material flow
• For complex dies, use a proper stress relieving process before final machining
• Consider PVD coating for extended die life in abrasive applications
• Die correction by welding should be avoided if possible; if necessary, follow strict welding procedures
• For severe applications, consider using 1.2345 for the die insert with 1.2343 or 1.2344 for the die holder

Die Casting Applications

• Recommended hardness: 44-46 HRC for aluminum, 42-45 HRC for zinc, 46-48 HRC for magnesium
• Ideal for high-wear areas and inserts in large die casting dies
• Consider nitriding for enhanced surface durability and better release properties
• For core pins and parts with severe thermal cycles, use properly tempered material
• Polish in the direction of material flow to optimize release
• Consider PVD coating for extended die life in high-pressure applications
• 1.2345 is particularly suitable for high-temperature die casting conditions where standard hot work steels show premature softening

Customization Capabilities

FUSHUN METAL offers extensive customization options to meet your specific application requirements:

• Custom Dimensions: Special sizes manufactured to exact specifications for your application.
• Modified Chemical Composition: Slight adjustments to standard composition available to optimize specific properties.
• Special Melting Routes: Vacuum degassed or electroslag remelted material available for critical applications requiring enhanced cleanliness.
• Pre-Machining Services: Basic machining including cutting to length, face milling, drilling, and tapping available.
• Heat Treatment Services: Custom heat treatment to achieve specific hardness and toughness combinations.
• Surface Treatments: Nitriding, PVD coating, and other treatments available upon request.
• Specialized Testing: Application-specific testing protocols available upon request.
• Custom Packaging: Specialized packaging for long-term storage or export shipments.
• Edge Preparation: Chamfering and deburring of edges for safe handling.
• Technical Consultation: Expert metallurgical support for your specific application challenges.
• Material Certification: Enhanced certification packages for critical applications.
• Proof Machining: Test machining to verify machinability for complex parts.

Why Choose FUSHUN METAL for 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar

When you select FUSHUN METAL as your supplier for 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar, you partner with a leading manufacturer committed to excellence:

• Tungsten Tool Steel Expertise: Specialized experience in manufacturing premium tungsten-alloyed tool steel products with optimal properties.
• Advanced Production Facilities: State-of-the-art melting, forging, and processing equipment specifically optimized for high-alloy tool steels.
• Stringent Quality Control: Comprehensive testing and inspection protocols ensure consistent performance in demanding applications.
• Metallurgical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of heat treatment and microstructural control of hot work tool steels.
• Supply Chain Reliability: Robust inventory management and production planning to ensure consistent availability of critical materials.
• Technical Support: Expert assistance in material selection, heat treatment guidance, and application support.
• Global Capabilities: Worldwide shipping network with experience in international documentation and compliance.
• Material Traceability: Complete documentation and batch traceability for quality assurance.
• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing research and development in tool steel processing and performance.
• Industry Compliance: Materials and processes that meet or exceed international standards for critical applications.
• Competitive Pricing: Excellent value combined with superior quality and service.
• Environmental Responsibility: Commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and environmental management.

Request Information

Contact FUSHUN METAL today to discuss your 1.2345 Tool Flat Steel Bar requirements. Our technical team is ready to assist you with:

• Detailed product specifications
• Technical consultations for your specific application
• Heat treatment recommendations for optimal properties
• Custom dimension and processing requirements
• Pricing inquiries and delivery schedules
• Sample requests for evaluation

FUSHUN METAL – Your trusted partner for premium tungsten hot work tool steel solutions that deliver consistent quality, superior high-temperature performance, and exceptional wear resistance in the most demanding hot working applications.