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Steel H10 ESR-ANN

Grade

AISI/SAE H10 · UNS T20810

ESR-ANN = eSR (electroslag remelted), annealed

Pick for large die-casting blocks needing isotropic toughness, low inclusion content and mirror polishability.

Premium cost $$$

Values for the ESR-ANN condition

Other H10 tempers and conditions

H10 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at H10.

Compare all 6 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
ANNDefault
Annealed
Standard mill supply condition for bar, plate and forged blocks; machine the die cavity here, then harden.50078022210 HB30 W/m·K
ESR-ANNThis page
ESR (electroslag remelted), annealed
Pick for large die-casting blocks needing isotropic toughness, low inclusion content and mirror polishability.5007802414 HRC3.3 % IACS
Q&T 40–44 HRC
Choose for large hot-forging dies and extrusion tooling where impact and gross cracking dominate over wear.1,1501,3501242 HRC29 W/m·K
Q&T 44–48 HRC
The usual hardened working condition: best balance of hot strength, heat-checking resistance and toughness for Al die-casting dies.1,3501,5701046 HRC28 W/m·K
Q&T 48–52 HRC
Use for hot punches, mandrels and shear blades where abrasion and hot compressive strength matter more than impact toughness.1,5201,800750 HRC27 W/m·K
As-quenched
Transient condition only — must be tempered immediately; never used in service because of retained austenite and quench stresses.1,5502,000255 HRC3 % IACS

What is H10 ESR-ANN?

H10 ESR-ANN is H10 in the ESR-ANN grade — pick for large die-casting blocks needing isotropic toughness, low inclusion content and mirror polishability. H10 ESR-ANN has a yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 63% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). H10 ESR-ANN has a density of 7.81 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). ANN is the default condition FabDigit quotes; ESR-ANN is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 99% of steel grades
  • High service temperature — 500°C (932 °F), better than 90% of steel grades
  • Good corrosion resistance — 22/100, better than 90% of steel grades

Limitations

  • High embodied carbon — 2.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 87% of steel grades
  • Low electrical conductivity — 3.3 % IACS, worse than 86% of steel grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 30 W/m·K (17.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 83% of steel grades

H10 ESR-ANN properties

Typical room-temperature values for H10 ESR-ANN; 24 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are H10 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

H10 ESR-ANN has a density of 7.81 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).

Density7.81 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,425°C2,597 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,480°C2,696 °F

Mechanical14

H10 ESR-ANN has a yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 63% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus210 GPa30.5 Msi
Shear Modulus81 GPa11.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)780 MPa113 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)500 MPa72.5 ksi
Elongation at Break24%
Reduction in Area54%
Shear Strength470 MPa68.2 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)370 MPa53.7 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)75 J55.3 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell205 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B94 HRB
Hardness, Vickers215 HV

Thermal6

H10 ESR-ANN is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 30 W/m·K (17.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 83% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.5 µm/m·K (6.39 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity30 W/m·K17.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)500°C932 °F
Min Service Temperature-30°C-22 °F

Electrical3

H10 ESR-ANN conducts electricity at 3.3 % IACS, worse than 86% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity3.3 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity5.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m20.5 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is poor (22/100), better than 90% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.6 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor22/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryNot corrosion resistant: rusts in humid air and requires oil or protective coating; attacked by acids and by chloride-bearing water-based die lubricants and coolant; resists molten aluminium erosion moderately well when nitrided/coated.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of H10 ESR-ANN takes about 34 MJ of energy and emits 2.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)34 MJ/kg14,617 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water65 L/kg7.8 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content45%

Manufacturability7

H10 ESR-ANN's machinability is good (57/100, better than 71% of steel grades); weldability fair (42/100); formability poor (27/100).

MachinabilityGood57/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)57%
WeldabilityFair42/100
Formability (cold)Poor27/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair45/100
PolishabilityExcellent85/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use nitriding, PVD (CrN/AlTiN) or black oxide instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with H10 ESR-ANN

Is H10 easy to machine?

Machine fully in the annealed condition with rigid setups and carbide tooling; after hardening above ~45 HRC use EDM, grinding or ceramic/CBN tools and stress-relieve after EDM.

Can H10 be welded?

Weldable for die repair with matched hot-work filler at 300–350 °C preheat, interpass held above preheat, slow cool and a temper 20–30 °C below the last tempering temperature.

Can H10 be formed, bent or molded?

Hot-work only: forge at 1050–1150 °C, stop above ~900 °C and slow-cool/anneal at 800–860 °C; cold forming is not practical.

What surface finishes work on H10?

Nitride, gas nitrocarburize or PVD-coat working faces for soldering and erosion resistance; polish/EDM-skin removal before nitriding; keep oiled since the steel is not stainless.

H10 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CASTM A681 H10; DIN 1.2365 is leaner at 0.28–0.35 C0.35 – 0.450.4
Si1.2365 typically 0.10–0.40 Si0.8 – 1.21
Mn0.25 – 0.70.4
Cr3 – 3.753.3
Mosecondary hardening / hot strength2 – 32.5
Vgrain refinement, wear resistance0.25 – 0.750.45
Niresidual max≤ 0.3—
Curesidual max≤ 0.25—
P≤ 0.03—
S≤ 0.03—
Febalance—

H10 ESR-ANN — frequently asked

What is H10 ESR-ANN used for?

H10 ESR-ANN is typically used for die-casting dies, hot forging dies, extrusion tooling and mandrels. In short: cr-Mo-V hot-work grade; good heat-check resistance; 500 °C service capability.

What is the yield strength of H10 ESR-ANN?

H10 ESR-ANN has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 63% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.

Is H10 ESR-ANN easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (57/100, better than 71% of steel grades). Machine fully in the annealed condition with rigid setups and carbide tooling; after hardening above ~45 HRC use EDM, grinding or ceramic/CBN tools and stress-relieve after EDM.

Can H10 ESR-ANN be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (42/100). Weldable for die repair with matched hot-work filler at 300–350 °C preheat, interpass held above preheat, slow cool and a temper 20–30 °C below the last tempering temperature.

What surface finishes work on H10 ESR-ANN?

Nitride, gas nitrocarburize or PVD-coat working faces for soldering and erosion resistance; polish/EDM-skin removal before nitriding; keep oiled since the steel is not stainless.

Can H10 ESR-ANN be formed, bent or molded?

Hot-work only: forge at 1050–1150 °C, stop above ~900 °C and slow-cool/anneal at 800–860 °C; cold forming is not practical.

What is the maximum service temperature of H10 ESR-ANN?

H10 ESR-ANN is rated for continuous use to about 500°C (932 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between H10-ANN and H10-AQ?

ANN is the default condition — standard mill supply condition for bar, plate and forged blocks; machine the die cavity here, then harden. AQ: transient condition only — must be tempered immediately; never used in service because of retained austenite and quench stresses. Yield strength is 500 MPa in ANN versus 1,550 MPa in AQ.

Sources

  1. ASTM A681 Standard Specification for Tool Steels Alloy — ASTM International (2022)
  2. EN ISO 4957 Tool steels (X32CrMoV3-3 / 1.2365) — ISO/CEN (2018)
  3. GB/T 1299 (3Cr3Mo3W2V / 4Cr3Mo3SiV class) — SAC (2014)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys (Hot-Work Tool Steels) — ASM International (1990)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.4 — Heat Treating of Tool Steels — ASM International (1991)
  6. 1.2365 / H10 hot-work tool steel datasheet — Böhler / voestalpine (2022)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.