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
| Property | Tool Steel H13 | Tool Steel S7 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 1,380 MPa (200 ksi) | 1,517 MPa (220 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 1,207 MPa (175 ksi) | 1,310 MPa (190 ksi) |
| Hardness | 44-52 HRC | 54-58 HRC |
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ | 7.83 g/cm³ |
| Machinability Rating | 38/100 | 42/100 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 24.3 W/m·K | 30.0 W/m·K |
| Melting Point | 1,427 °C | 1,425 °C |
| Tolerance | ±0.02 mm | ±0.02 mm |
Key Differences
| Property | Tool Steel H13 | Tool Steel S7 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Hardness | Excellent (540°C) | Good | Tool |
| Impact Toughness | Good | Exceptional | Tool |
| Thermal Fatigue | Excellent | Good | Tool |
| Tensile Strength | 1,380 MPa | 1,517 MPa | Tool |
| Machinability | 38/100 | 42/100 | Tool |
| Heat Check Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Tool |
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
Choose Tool Steel S7 when:
- Impact and shock-loaded tools
- Chisels and punches
- Gripper jaws
- Injection mold cavities
- Cold heading dies
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