Special Quality Die Steel & Heat Treatment Acceptance Criteria for Die Casting Dies

These acceptance criteria and specifications are not intended for all die casting applications. They apply where high volume production or critical performance is required. Die casters and tool builders should insist that certification of the Material Quality accompany each piece of Special Quality die steel purchased for use in die casting dies and that certification of the Heat Treatment Quality accompany each furnace load of Special Quality die steel hardened in accordance with this protocol.


For applications requiring a high level of Material Quality and Heat Treatment Quality, a variety of commercially available Special Quality die steels are listed in this specification, designated as Grades B through E, Class 1 or 2, and should meet the appropriate specification requirements of NADCA #207-2011.


For applications requiring a lesser level of Material Quality and/or Heat Treatment Quality, Premium H13 die steel is available and should meet the specification requirements of NADCA #207-2011 as Grade A or Grade F, Class 1 or 2.