1.2344 ESR (H13) Tool Steel for the Aluminum Extrusion Supply Chain
Every batch of 1.2344 ESR we ship is annealed and turned, melted through EAF, LF, VD, and ESR, and 100% ultrasonic tested to SEP 1921 class D/d or E/e. Each shipment carries an original MTC (EN 10204 3.1) and full heat-number traceability. We supply this program in container volumes to distributors, stockists, and importers whose customers run aluminum extrusion die shops.
If you stock and resell die steel, the buying decision comes down to what you can promise downstream. That means consistent ESR quality from batch to batch, documentation your customers’ QC will accept without pushback, and a monthly supply commitment solid enough to build a catalog on.
- EAF + LF + VD + ESR melting, verified genuine ESR on every heat
- Spheroidized annealed ≤ 229–235 HB, turned / peeled surface, decarburization removed
- Original MTC (EN 10204 3.1) + heat-number traceability per batch
- 20GP FCL ≈ 26 t, mixed sizes and grades supported per container
Aobo Steel supplies 1.2344 ESR (H13) tool steel in the annealed condition, turned or peeled, for distributors and importers serving aluminum extrusion and hot-work tooling. Send your target diameters, lengths, and monthly tonnage for a bulk supply proposal.
Who This Supply Program Is For
This page is built for companies that buy tool steel in volume and resell it. It is not aimed at one-off sample buyers. The program answers the questions distributors actually ask before changing suppliers. Can you prove the ESR? Can you keep batch quality consistent? Can you commit to monthly tonnage? Will the documentation hold up at my customer’s incoming inspection?
- Distributors & stockists get a consistent monthly allocation with mixed diameters per 20GP container
- Importers & traders get an original-mill documentation chain from furnace to your warehouse
- No conflict with your customers since we supply you and never approach your end users
1.2344 ESR Supply Specification
The delivery condition below is our standard export program for aluminum extrusion die steel distributors.
| Parameter | 1.2344 ESR Supply Program |
|---|---|
| Equivalent grades | AISI H13 · DIN 1.2344 / X40CrMoV5-1 · JIS SKD61 · GB 4Cr5MoSiV1 |
| Melting route | EAF + LF + VD + ESR (electro-slag remelted) |
| Delivery condition | Spheroidized annealed, ready for machining |
| Annealed hardness | About 229–235 HB max, verified per heat |
| Surface | Turned / peeled (also black or polished on request), decarburization removed |
| Ultrasonic testing | 100% UT, SEP 1921-82 class D/d or E/e |
| Available forms | Round bar, flat bar, forged block, mixed sizes per container |
| Documentation | Original MTC (EN 10204 3.1) + heat number, UT report; third-party inspection (SGS / BV) on request |
| Optional alignment | NADCA #207 premium-grade parameters on request |
Why ESR Matters for Extrusion Die Steel
Extrusion dies fail mainly by thermal fatigue and heat checking. Standard EAF steel carries more inclusions and micro-segregation; the ESR re-melting route removes them and improves transverse toughness. For a distributor, the practical consequence is simple. Steel that gives your customer longer die life and fewer rejects is steel they reorder from you.
| Property | EAF H13 | 1.2344 ESR |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-inclusions (ASTM E45) | 2–3 typical | ≤ 1 |
| Segregation / micro-banding | Visible in large sections | Minimal, uniform carbide distribution |
| Transverse toughness | Lower | Higher, more isotropic |
| Heat-checking resistance | Standard | Premium |
| Result at the die shop | More rework and die changes | Longer die life, fewer profile rejects |
Supply Stability and Lead Time
Hot-work tool steel runs on a dedicated, scheduled production line for us. That is what lets us offer distributors a repeatable monthly program instead of spot lots.
| Parameter | Commitment |
|---|---|
| ESR capacity | About 200 tons per month |
| H13 hot-work scheduling | About 1,000 tons per month |
| MOQ | From 5 tons; FCL ≈ 26 tons in a 20GP with a loading plan |
| Lead time (ingot stock) | About 25 days |
| Lead time (fresh EAF melt) | 35–50 days |
| Lead time (ESR melt) | About 60 days |
| Container mixing | Multiple diameters and grades per container to lower your landed cost |
| Export packing | Anti-rust oil, VCI film, steel-strapped crates for long sea transit |
Aobo Steel supplies 1.2344 ESR in the annealed condition and does not provide final heat-treatment services such as hardening, quenching, or tempering. Annealed, turned bars are the standard feed for die shops that machine and heat-treat in-house.
This supply program is intended for distributors, stockists, importers, and traders. We do not contact or sell around your established end customers.
Questions Distributors Ask Before Switching Supplier
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the ESR genuine? | Every heat is melted EAF + LF + VD and then ESR-refined; the melting route is stated in the MTC and third-party verification (SGS / BV) can be arranged before shipment. |
| Can you commit to monthly volumes? | Yes. With about 200 t/month of ESR allocation under a ~1,000 t/month hot-work schedule, distributors can book a standing monthly tonnage. |
| Do you support mixed sizes per container? | Yes. Multiple diameters and lengths can ship in one 20GP (≈ 26 t) with a loading plan, which cuts your freight cost per ton. |
| What documentation is provided? | Original MTC (EN 10204 3.1) with heat number, UT report, and dimensional / surface inspection records. Third-party inspection on request. |
| What condition do you supply? | Annealed (≤ 229–235 HB), turned / peeled. We do not supply final-hardened or heat-treated tooling. |
Request a Distributor Quote
Tell us target diameters, lengths, monthly tonnage, and your delivery port. We reply within 24 hours with a line and a loading plan.
- Direct communication with our export sales team, without intermediary handling
- A single consultation covers grade, condition, volume, and destination port
- Strict confidentiality maintained; we do not approach your end customers
Distributor Inquiry
1.2344 ESR · annealed & turned · FCL supply
Replies within 24 hours · MTC and batch traceability on every shipment
Need 1.2344 ESR for your extrusion die steel program?
Aobo Steel supplies 1.2344 ESR (H13) in the annealed, turned condition for distributors and importers serving aluminum extrusion. Send your size list and monthly tonnage for a mixed-basket or FCL quote.