The Performance Difference Between H12 and H10 Tool Steel

Explore the differences between H12 and H10 tool steel, focusing on their unique properties and best use cases in high-temperature applications.

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Introduction: H12 and H10 Tool Steel

H12 and H10 Tool Steel

H12 Tool Steel

H12 steel,also known as hot working die steel,which is a material widely used in industrial manufacturing.H12 has good heat resistance,it can maintain its good strength and hardness,high wear resistance and toughness,and good thermal fatigue performance in high temperature at the same time.H12 has good machinability,it can be heat treated and quenched to reach an ideal hardness and organizational structure.The oxidation resistant properties of H12 steel is good in high temperature,and it can keep long time service life.

H10 Tool Steel

H10 steel,also known as hot working die steel which working in high temperature.H10 has good heat resistance,it can maintain its good strength and hardness,high wear resistance and toughness,and good thermal fatigue performance in high temperature at the same time.

The metallographic structure of H10 mainly consists of martensite and a small amount of remained austenite that can provide good strength and toughness.H10 has good machinability,it can be heat treated in order to make it harder and tougher than tungsten hot working steel.H10 tool steel has good thermal fatigue properties.

Chemical Composition: H12 and H10 Tool Steel

H12 Tool Steel

GradeCSiMnPSCrMoV
H120.32-0.450.8-1.20.2-0.5≤ 0.030≤ 0.0304.75-5.501.25-1.750.8-1.2

H10 Tool Steel

GradeCSiMnPSCrMoV
H100.32-0.400.20-0.500.20-0.60≤ 0.030≤ 0.0304.75-5.502.0-2.50.30-0.60

Comparison of H12 and H10 Tool Steel

Common features

H12 and H10 tool steel both are hot working die steel. In industrial application, they are mainly used to manufacture molds and tools that working in high temperature. Here are some common features as blow:

  • High temperature properties: Both of these two steels has good high temperature strength and heat resistance,which can keep their stable properties in high temperature environment.
  • Heat treatment: H12 and H10 both can improve their hardness and wear resistance by heat treatment. Usually they can reach the require hardness by quenching and tempering.
  • Wear resistance: Both of these two steels had excellent wear resistance, which is suitable for manufacturing molds and tools that need bear high abrasion.
  • Toughness: H12 and H10 both have good toughness and can reduce the risk of breakage caused by impact and pressure.
  • Application: They both are widely used in manufacture hot working molds, such as forging molds, die casting molds,hot extrusion molds,etc.
  • Chemical composition: Both of two steels contain chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo), these alloy elements can improve the hot strength and wear resistance.
  • Hardenability: H12 and H10 both has good hardenability, which means that they can form martensitic structure evenly during quenching process.
  • Processing properties: Both of these two steels can be processed by regularly metal processing methods, such as milling,turning,drilling etc.
  • Physical properties: H12 and H10 have some similarities in physical properties, such as thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity and elastic modulus.

Differences: H12 and H10 Tool Steel

H12 and H10 tool steels are both hot work die steels, widely used in the manufacture of molds that require high wear resistance and toughness. Although they have common basic functions,there are some critical differences between them:

  • Chemical composition:

H12 contains higher chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) contents, which enhances its wear resistance and heat resistance.

H10 contains chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo), but has a higher content of vanadium (V), which helps improve its hardenability and strength.

  • Hardness of heat treatment:

The hardness of H12 usually can reach 58-62HRC after heat treatment.

The hardness of H10 usually between HRC52 to 56 after heat treatment.

  • Application:

Due to its high wear resistance and toughness, H12 usually used to manufacture high requirements molds such as hot extrusion molds, forging molds, ad die-casting molds, etc.

H10 is usually used to manufacture high stress hot working tools, for example heavy alloy processing molds.

  • Toughness and strength:

H12 has good toughness while maintaining its high hardness.

H10 provides a good balance between strength and toughness.

  • Thermal stability:

H12 has good thermal stability and suitable for working at high temperature.

The thermal stability of H10 is not as good as H12, but it is also good in regular hot working molds applications.

  • Corrosion resistance:

The high chromium content of H12 gives it a relatively good corrosion resistance.

The corrosion resistance of H10 is relatively low, but it can meet the use requirement in most cases.

Application: H12 and H10 Tool Steel

Application of H12

Hot extrusion dies: hot extrusion dies used to make metal profiles.

Forging dies: used to make various metal parts.

Die casting dies: used to make aluminum, zinc, copper and their alloys.

Plastic molds: used to make plastic molds that work at high temperatures, such as injection molds.

Bearing industry: used to make bearing parts that work at high temperatures.

Auto parts manufacturing: used to make engine parts and other parts that require high wear resistance.

Application of H10

Hot forging dies: used to manufacture various metal parts.

Die-casting dies: suitable for manufacturing die-casting dies that do not require high loads.

Forging tools: used to manufacture jaws, punches and other tools that work in the forging process.

Hot shearing tools: used to manufacture tools for hot shearing metal plates.

Hot stamping dies: used to manufacture stamping dies that work at high temperatures.

Die repair: used to repair worn dies and increase the service life of the dies.

H12 and H10 Tool Steel: Which should I choose?

H12 and H10 Tool Steel

When choosing between H12 and H10 tool steel, you should consider the following factors:

Operating conditions: The operating temperature of the mold, the type and size of loads it is subjected to.

Wear resistance requirements: If the mold needs to withstand extremely high wear, H12 may be a better choice.

Toughness requirements: While both have good toughness, H12 generally has higher toughness.

Cost: Due to its higher alloy content, H12 can be more expensive than H10.

Heat treatment: Both require proper heat treatment to achieve optimal performance.

Conclusion: H12 and H10 Tool Steel

H12 and H10 tool steels are both hot work die steels that are resistant to high temperatures, wear, and have a certain degree of toughness. H12 steel has a higher content of chromium and molybdenum, and has better wear resistance and heat resistance. H10 steel contains chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, and has good high temperature strength and wear resistance. But compared to H12, its high temperature resistance is better.

In general, if you need the die steel to have extremely high wear resistance and toughness at high temperatures, H12 will be a more suitable choice. If cost is a consideration, or your application does not require the full performance of H12, H10 may be a cost-effective alternative.

FAQ

H12 and H10 tool steel, which one is better in corrosion resistance?

H12 steel contains high levels of chromium and molybdenum, which gives it good wear and heat resistance, as well as high corrosion resistance. The high chromium content of H12 helps it form a dense chromium oxide surface film, which improves corrosion resistance.

H12 and H10 tool steel, which is better in high temperature resistance?

H12 steel contains higher levels of chromium and molybdenum, which gives it good strength and wear resistance at high temperatures. H12 has good high temperature resistance and is suitable for working in higher temperature environments.

H12 and H10 tool steel, which one has better hardenability?

H12 steel is generally considered a hot work die steel with high hardenability, meaning it can be hardened uniformly over a large cross section. The high hardenability of H12 makes it suitable for manufacturing large dies that require uniform hardness and strength across the entire cross section.

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