# H13 tool steel equivalents

H13 tool steel is nearest to EN 1.2344 (X40CrMoV5-1), JIS SKD61 and China GB 4Cr5MoSiV1. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | H13 |
| EN steel name | X40CrMoV5-1 |
| EN steel number | 1.2344 |
| JIS | SKD61 |
| China GB | 4Cr5MoSiV1 |

Family: Hot-work tool steel

## What it is

A chromium hot-work tool steel. It keeps its strength at elevated temperature and resists heat checking from repeated heating and cooling.

## Typical uses

Aluminium and zinc die-casting dies, extrusion dies, forging dies, hot shear blades and plastic moulds.

## Machining notes

Machine annealed or pre-hardened. Leave stock for finishing after hardening.

## Related grades

- P20 tool steel (1.2311): Pre-hardened mould steel

Equivalents are nearest matches, not identical grades. The governing standard or mill certificate decides.

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of H13 tool steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.2344, steel name X40CrMoV5-1.

**What is the JIS equivalent of H13 tool steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is SKD61.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of H13 tool steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is 4Cr5MoSiV1.

**Is 1.2344 the same as H13?**
1.2344 (X40CrMoV5-1) is the nearest European equivalent of H13, not an identical grade. Composition limits and required properties differ in detail, so check the governing standard or the mill certificate when it matters.

**What is H13 used for?**
Aluminium and zinc die-casting dies, extrusion dies, forging dies, hot shear blades and plastic moulds.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/h13-tool-steel/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)