H11 Tool Steel (AISI H11): Chemical Composition, Properties, Applications & Price in India
H11 tool steel, also referred to as AISI H11, is a chromium-based hot work tool steel known for its high toughness, thermal fatigue resistance, and ability to withstand extreme heat and stress. It is widely used for making dies, molds, and hot-working tools subjected to repeated heating and cooling cycles.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything about H11 carbon steel—from its chemical composition and mechanical properties to heat treatment, applications, equivalent grades, and suppliers in India.
🔍 What is H11 Tool Steel?
H11 is a hot work chromium tool steel with a composition that offers a balance between hot strength, wear resistance, and toughness. It belongs to the H-series of tool steels (H10–H19), which are specifically designed to maintain strength and hardness at elevated temperatures.
H11 is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, die casting, and plastic molding, where components are subjected to high thermal loads.
🧪 Chemical Composition of H11 Tool Steel
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.32 – 0.42 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.75 – 5.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.10 – 1.75 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.30 – 0.60 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20 – 0.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
🔍 High chromium and molybdenum content enhances hardenability, hot strength, and corrosion resistance.
⚙️ Mechanical Properties of H11 Tool Steel
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Annealed) | ~190 – 220 HB |
| Hardness (Hardened) | Up to 50 – 54 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 1,350 – 1,650 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~1,000 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~210 GPa |
| Toughness (Charpy V) | Excellent |
| Working Temperature | Up to 1000°C |
💡 H11 retains high hardness and toughness even when used continuously at high temperatures.
🔥 Heat Treatment Process of H11
H11 responds well to heat treatment processes that enhance its mechanical and thermal fatigue properties:
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Annealing: 800–850°C (slow furnace cooling)
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Hardening: 1000–1050°C (air or oil quench)
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Tempering: 540–650°C (double tempering recommended)
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Stress Relieving: ~600°C after rough machining
⚠️ Do not temper between 400–500°C as it may lead to embrittlement (tempering brittleness zone).
🧰 Applications of H11 Tool Steel
H11 is used in components that face thermal shock, high-pressure working environments, and abrasive wear during elevated temperature operations.
🔩 Common Applications:
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🔧 Extrusion dies for aluminum and copper
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🧰 Forging dies and inserts
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🦾 Hot shear blades and punches
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🛠 Plastic molds for high-temperature polymers
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🚀 Aerospace landing gear components
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🧱 Die casting dies (zinc, aluminum, magnesium)
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🛞 Automotive stamping dies
📌 H11 is ideal where dimensional stability and high strength are required under hot working conditions.
🔁 Equivalent Grades of H11 Steel
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| AISI/SAE | H11 |
| DIN | X38CrMoV5-1 / 1.2343 |
| JIS | SKD6 |
| BS | BH11 |
| ISO | 32CrMoV12-28 |
🌍 H11 and DIN 1.2343 are often used interchangeably in global tooling industries.
📦 Available Forms of H11 Steel
H11 tool steel is available in multiple supply conditions including annealed, pre-hardened, and fully hardened.
Stock Forms:
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Round Bars (Bright or Black)
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Forged Bars and Flats
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Square and Hex Bars
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Blocks for Die Forging
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Cut Pieces on Request
📏 Diameter Range: 16 mm – 500 mm
📏 Length: 2 to 6 meters (or cut to size)
🧽 Finish: Bright drawn, turned, black forged
💰 H11 Tool Steel Price in India (Indicative)
| Form | Price (INR/kg) |
|---|---|
| H11 Bright Round Bar | ₹250 – ₹350 |
| H11 Forged Bar | ₹230 – ₹320 |
| H11 Ground Bar | ₹280 – ₹360 |
📌 Prices depend on size, condition, surface finish, and location. Bulk orders may get discounts.
🧭 Top H11 Tool Steel Suppliers in India
Here are some reputed stockists and distributors of H11 steel:
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Triton Alloys Inc., Mumbai
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Virwadia Steels, Chennai
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Bright Steel Centre, Maharashtra
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Bhansali Inc., Gujarat
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Mohan Steels, Delhi NCR
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Steel House India, Mumbai
✅ Always ask for mill test certificates (MTC) and confirm heat treatment condition before placing orders.
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✅ Conclusion
H11 tool steel is a high-performance hot work carbon steel used for demanding applications that require excellent thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability. Its superior toughness, combined with high-temperature hardness, makes it ideal for forging dies, extrusion dies, and die casting tools.
With wide availability across India and globally, H11 continues to be a preferred material in the automotive, aerospace, metal forming, and mold-making industries.
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