How to process 1.2344 using a vacuum quenching furnace

2026-01-05 15:02

Material Overview

1.2344 (typically corresponding to American standard AISI H13 or Chinese standard 4Cr5MoSiV1) is a high-performance, widely used hot-work tool steel. Its key characteristic is its ability to maintain stable strength, toughness, and wear resistance at high temperatures.

Primary Applications

Generally, it is primarily used in the manufacture of products such as automotive engine blocks, LED heat sinks, automotive crash beams, large gears, and aerospace forgings.
1.2344 steel heat sink base

Heat Treatment Performance & Process

After vacuum quenching, the theoretical hardness of 1.2344 can reach HRC 54-56.
The following is the heat treatment process for 1.2344 in a SIMUWU vacuum quenching furnace:

● Phase 1: Preheating, 550-650℃, holding for 180 minutes.

● Phase 2: Preheating, 850℃, holding for 120 minutes.

● Phase 3: Quenching heating, 1030℃, 90 minutes.

● Phase 4: Gas quenching and cooling, 6 bar nitrogen gas, 60 minutes, cooling down to approximately 80℃ before removal from the furnace.
H13 die steel heat sink component

Equipment Specifications

The following are the technical specifications of the SIMUWU vacuum quenching furnace required for vacuum quenching of material 1.2344:

Furnace Type	Horizontal type,single chamber, internal recycle.
Loading method	Front Loading
Max. Loading size	400×400×600 (W×H×L mm)
Max. Loading weight	200 kg(including jig)
Power supply	3 phase, 380V(±5%); 50Hz
Total power	140kw
Heating power	100kw
Cooling fan motor power	110kw
Max.design temperature	1300℃
Working temperature	1250℃
Temperature uniformity	9 points temp testing ±5℃ (standard AMS 2750E)
Temperature control accuracy	S Type thermocouple ≤±1℃ (standard AMS 2750E)
Quantity of heating zones	1 zone
Heating element	High purity graphite
Heating rate(The room temperature of the empty furnace rises to 1200℃)	0～20℃/min（Adjustable）
Ultimate vacuum	6.7×10-4Pa
Working vacuum	6.7 x 10-3Pa
Vacuum pumping speed	≤35min(cold and empty condition to 5 Pa)
Pressure rising rate(cold empty furnace condition)	≤0.67Pa/h
Cooling method	Air cooling/natural cooling
Cooling air	Nitrogen or Argon (purity: 99.99% or 99.999%)
Cooling rate(empty furnace 1100℃~150℃)	≤6min
Max charging pressure(absolute pressure)	≤6bar (absolute pressure-adjustable)
Temperature control mode	Intelligent programmable temperature controller for automatic temperature control
Control mode	PLC automatic / manual control interlock protection
Equipment color	Customized