Hot-work die steel is a category of alloy tool steel specifically designed for the pressure processing of hot or molten metals in high-temperature environments; it is primarily used to manufacture molds for applications such as hot forging, hot extrusion, and die casting.
Typically containing between 0.3% and 0.6% carbon, these steels are classified as medium-carbon alloy steels. They are alloyed with elements such as Cr, W, Mo, and V to meet rigorous performance requirements, including high-temperature strength, resistance to thermal fatigue, good thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and oxidation resistance.
