How to choose the ideal steel for hot work?

In industry, the ideal hot work steel must withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, impact forces and wear. But how do you select the right steel? 

Toughness vs. Hot Strength: What Do You Need to Prioritize?  

1. High toughness: To withstand impacts – hot work  

If your application requires withstanding shock, deformation or impact loads under high temperature conditions, you will need a steel with high toughness. In this category, the following stand out:  

• TQ1: Offers excellent performance for applications where constant shocks are a challenge, such as forging tools.  

• USN (AISI H11): This is another example that is at the top of the chart. It has a lot of toughness, which makes it ideal for critical parts. These parts need to absorb energy without breaking.  

2. High hot strength: To withstand high temperatures – ideal steel  

In environments where heat is the main enemy, hot strength is indispensable. These steels retain their shape and properties even under extreme temperatures:  

• HMoD and FTCo: They are on the far right of the graph. They are perfect for molds and parts that are in high friction and constant heat environments.  

3. A perfect balance: Toughness and strength combined – ideal steel  

For applications that require both hot strength and toughness, it is important to choose steels that are in the central area of ​​the graph, such as:  

• USD (AISI H13): With exceptional balance, it is a versatile option for molds, tools and parts exposed to both demands.  

• RPU (DIN 1.2367): Its intermediate performance makes it suitable for multiple applications.  

Conventional or ESR? The impact of technology  

Manufacturing technology also plays an important role. Steels manufactured using the technology ESR (Electro Slag Remelting) They offer greater homogeneity, purity and resistance to thermal fatigue. This significantly improves the performance of steels such as CS1, TQ1 y HMoD, making them more reliable for critical applications.  

The final decision should be based on the specific challenges of your project:  

• Do you need to withstand repeated impacts? Go for a steel with high tenacity.  

• Is extreme heat your main concern? Opt for hot resistance.  

• Are both properties important? Look for a balance like the one offered by the USD (AISI H13).  

In the world of hot work steels, the key is to know your needs and the capabilities of each material. Each choice is an investment in the durability and efficiency of your tools.  

What type of steel do you use most in your industry? Share your experience and let's discuss the best options for your application.  

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