Grade H11/ 1.2343 ESR
Grade H11, also known as 1.2343 in DIN standards, is a premium hot-work tool steel designed for applications involving high temperatures, thermal cycling, and mechanical stress. The ESR (Electro Slag Remelting) version offers superior cleanliness, refined microstructure, and enhanced performance compared to conventional H11 steel.
This steel belongs to the chromium-molybdenum-vanadium family and is widely recognized for its excellent toughness, resistance to thermal fatigue, and ability to maintain strength under extreme heat conditions. It performs reliably in demanding industrial environments such as die-casting, forging, and extrusion.
H11 ESR maintains high hardness and structural integrity even at elevated temperatures of 600–650°C. Its resistance to thermal shock makes it suitable for applications involving repeated heating and cooling cycles without cracking or distortion.
Due to ESR refining, the steel offers improved fatigue resistance, better polishability, and longer tool life. This makes it a preferred choice for high-performance tooling where durability and consistency are critical.
Chemical Properties of Grade H11/ 1.2343 ESR
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.35 – 0.42 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.25 – 0.50 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.80 – 5.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.10 – 1.75 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.30 – 0.60 |
Mechanical Properties of Grade H11/ 1.2343 ESR
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (After Heat Treatment) | 44 – 52 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 1200 – 1500 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 1000 – 1300 MPa |
| Hot Strength | Excellent up to 600–650°C |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Good |
| Toughness | Very High |
Key Features
- ESR refined for high purity and performance
- Excellent hot strength up to 600–650°C
- Superior resistance to thermal shock
- High toughness and ductility
- Uniform hardness in large sections
- Good wear and abrasion resistance
- Extended tool life and reduced failure risk
Key Properties
- Maintains hardness at elevated temperatures
- Resistant to cracking under thermal cycling
- High fatigue resistance due to ESR process
- Good dimensional stability under stress
- Improved polishability and microstructure
- Suitable for heavy-duty hot work applications
Common Applications
- High-pressure die casting dies
- Hot forging dies and inserts
- Aluminum extrusion dies
- Die holders and bolsters
- Shear blades for hot cutting
- Hot punches and mandrels
- Plastic mould tools requiring high toughness
- Tools exposed to high thermal cycling
- Aerospace components
PUROHIT STEEL is a trusted name in the tool steel industry, with humble beginnings dating back to 1965 and over three decades of expertise in delivering high-quality materials and solutions. Today, the group operates multiple well-established units, maintaining a vast inventory ranging from hot work and cold work tool steels to specialized materials. Known for reliability and strong technical support, PUROHIT STEEL caters to the diverse requirements of small, medium, and large-scale industries. The company specializes in manufacturing moulds and tooling components using premium grades such as Grade H11/ 1.2343 ESR which is ideal for applications including injection moulds (medium to large size), blow moulds, low-pressure die-casting dies, automotive moulds, tooling plates, extrusion dies, machine parts, shafts, and general tooling components. With a focus on quality, performance, and precision, PUROHIT STEEL continues to deliver durable and efficient tooling solutions.