In die casting, the selection of mold steel plays a critical role in mold life, casting quality, and production efficiency. Different countries adopt different standards and commonly used steel grades due to local supply chains, material performance preferences, and manufacturing experience. This article compares globally recognized die casting mold steels and provides practical guidance for selecting the right grade.
Key Performance Requirements for Die Casting Mold Steels
A high-quality mold steel must meet the following performance criteria:
- Excellent thermal fatigue resistance to withstand continuous heating and cooling cycles.
- High strength and hardness at elevated temperatures to prevent deformation and wear.
- Dimensional stability after heat treatment for reliable precision.
- Moderate thermal conductivity to ensure efficient mold cooling.
- Good machinability and polishability for efficient mold fabrication and maintenance.
Common Mold Steels by Country/Standard
🇺🇸 USA (AISI Standard)
| Steel Grade | Key Features |
|---|---|
|
H13 |
The most widely used die steel with balanced heat resistance and toughness. |
|
H11 |
Higher toughness than H13, suitable for high-impact tooling. |
|
AISI 8407 |
An upgraded version of H13 developed by Uddeholm, ideal for high-life tools. |
|
H21 |
Superior heat crack resistance for high-temperature applications. |
🇩🇪 Germany (DIN Standard)
| Steel Grade | Key Features |
|---|---|
|
1.2344 |
German version of H13, widely used for aluminum die casting. |
|
1.2367 |
Enhanced thermal fatigue and toughness for long-life molds. |
|
1.2714 |
High-impact resistance, ideal for large hot working dies. |
|
1.2888 |
Excellent heat resistance for extreme temperature conditions. |
🇯🇵 Japan (JIS Standard)
| Steel Grade | Key Features |
|---|---|
|
SKD61 |
Japanese equivalent of H13, known for thermal stability and machinability. |
|
DAC / DAC10 |
Daido Steel’s proprietary grade with superior heat crack resistance. |
|
HPM1 / HPM38 |
High polishability for mirror-finish and precision molds. |
🇨🇳 China (GB Standard)
| Steel Grade | Key Features |
|---|---|
|
4Cr5MoSiV1 |
Equivalent to H13/SKD61/1.2344, most commonly used domestically. |
|
3Cr2W8V |
A traditional hot work steel for medium-life molds. |
|
LD |
Similar to 1.2367, ideal for long-life die casting molds. |
🌏 Other Regions
| Country | Popular Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
🇮🇳 India |
H13, SKD61, 1.2344 (mostly imported) |
Prefer Japanese and German steel for stability. |
|
🇮🇹 Italy / 🇫🇷 France |
QRO 90 Supreme, Orvar Supreme |
High-end Uddeholm steels for complex or long-life tools. |
Performance Comparison (Quick Summary)
- Heat crack resistance: Dievar > 8407 > H13 ≈ SKD61
- Toughness & impact resistance: DAC10 > SKD61 > H13
- Thermal conductivity (cooling efficiency): FDAC > SKD61 ≈ H13
- Heat treatment stability: 8407 > 1.2344 ≈ SKD61
Each grade excels in different areas. Proper selection depends on casting material, mold complexity, batch size, and cooling requirements.
Steel Selection Guide by Application
| Application Scenario | Recommended Grades |
|---|---|
|
Long-life molds |
1.2367, DAC, QRO 90 Supreme |
|
General aluminum die casting |
H13, SKD61, 1.2344 |
|
High impact molds |
H11, 1.2714 |
|
Extreme heat casting |
H21, 1.2888, LD |
|
Mirror surface finish |
FDAC, HPM38 |
Tip: Choosing the right mold steel is not about going for the most expensive, but the most suitable for your process.
Conclusion
While H13 and its equivalents remain the industry standard, modern high-performance grades like 1.2367, DAC, and QRO 90 Supreme offer superior durability and crack resistance for high-pressure, long-cycle production.
But material alone isn’t everything — mold design is just as critical. A well-designed mold ensures efficient metal flow, better cooling, longer tool life, and ultimately higher casting quality. That’s why choosing the right mold partner matters.
At Sanon Casting, we don’t just supply castings — we also design and manufacture die casting molds in-house. With over 10,000 die-casting molds successfully developed, we offer strong advantages in tooling cost, lead time, and precision control. Whether you need a new mold or want to optimize an existing design, our experienced engineering team is here to support you.
We help our clients choose the right mold steel based on project requirements and deliver complete solutions from die cast tooling to die casting, CNC machining, and surface treatment.
📩 Looking to develop a new die casting mold? Contact us today for expert guidance and a customized solution.
