Tool Steel H13 vs S7: Hot Work vs Shock-Resistant Steel

H13 is the standard for hot-work applications like die casting and forging with excellent thermal fatigue resistance. S7 offers the highest impact toughness of any tool steel for applications with repeated shock loading.

Side-by-Side Property Comparison

PropertyTool Steel H13Tool Steel S7
Tensile Strength1,380 MPa (200 ksi)1,517 MPa (220 ksi)
Yield Strength1,207 MPa (175 ksi)1,310 MPa (190 ksi)
Hardness44-52 HRC54-58 HRC
Density7.80 g/cm³7.83 g/cm³
Machinability Rating38/10042/100
Thermal Conductivity24.3 W/m·K30.0 W/m·K
Melting Point1,427 °C1,425 °C
Tolerance±0.01 mm±0.01 mm

Key Differences

PropertyTool Steel H13Tool Steel S7Winner
Hot HardnessExcellent (540°C)GoodTool
Impact ToughnessGoodExceptionalTool
Thermal FatigueExcellentGoodTool
Tensile Strength1,380 MPa1,517 MPaTool
Machinability38/10042/100Tool
Heat Check ResistanceExcellentModerateTool

Which Material Should You Choose?

Choose Tool Steel H13 when:

  • Die casting dies and cores
  • Forging dies
  • Extrusion tooling
  • Hot shear blades
  • Parts subject to thermal cycling
View Details Tool Steel H13

Choose Tool Steel S7 when:

  • Impact and shock-loaded tools
  • Chisels and punches
  • Gripper jaws
  • Injection mold cavities
  • Cold heading dies
View Details Tool Steel S7

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