Description

H11 is a hot work tool steel known for its excellent combination of hardness, toughness, and heat resistance. It is commonly used in high-temperature applications such as forging, die casting, and extrusion.

Applications

H11 is widely used in various tooling applications where high strength and resistance to thermal fatigue are required. It is commonly used for manufacturing dies, punches, mandrels, and other hot work tooling components.

Blacksmith Applications

H11 is commonly used by blacksmiths for making hot work tools such as hammers, chisels, and drifts. Its excellent heat resistance and hardness make it suitable for heavy-duty forging and shaping tasks.

H11 Forging Temperature

Forging should be done between 1950°F - 2200°F (1066°C to 1204°C), followed by air cooling or slow cooling in a furnace to relieve internal stresses.

H11 Heat Treatment

H11 Annealing Temperature

Annealing is typically performed at 1600°F (871°C) for a sufficient amount of time, followed by slow cooling in the furnace to minimize distortion and improve machinability.

H11 Normalizing Temperature

Normalizing can be carried out at 1750°F to 1800°F (954°C to 982°C) for a proper soak time, followed by air cooling. This process helps refine the grain structure and improve toughness.

H11 Hardening Temperature

Hardening is achieved by heating the steel to 1850°F to 1950°F (1010°C to 1066°C) and then quenching in oil or air. This process results in high hardness and wear resistance.

H11 Tempering Temperature

Tempering should be performed between 1000°F to 1200°F (538°C to 649°C) to achieve the desired balance of hardness and toughness. Higher temperatures result in reduced hardness.

Machinability

H11 has a machinability rating of 50, indicating fair machinability. Carbide tooling and proper cutting techniques should be used to minimize tool wear and achieve good surface finish.

Weldability

H11 has good weldability with conventional welding methods such as arc welding and resistance welding. Preheating and post-weld heat treatment may be required to minimize cracking and maintain desired properties.