NLMK Verona Tool Steel DB6 (DIN 1.2714): Properties, Applications & Supply in India
If you own a forging shop, die-making unit or heavy tooling operation, you know that the difference between a die that lasts one production run and one that lasts hundreds comes down to the steel underneath it. NLMK Verona Tool Steel DB6 is one of the European grades that is increasingly being specified by Indian manufacturers for close die forging, hammer dies and heavy-impact tooling – and with good reason.
This guide will explain what NLMK Verona DB6 really is, its real composition and mechanical properties, how it machines and heat-treats, where it is used and how to decide if it is the right grade for your application – all from verified technical data.
What Is NLMK Verona Tool Steel DB6?
NLMK Verona Tool Steel DB6 is a specialty tool steel plant of the NLMK Group, located in the north of Italy, close to Verona. The plant produces forged blocks, plates, and ingots for tool and die applications, and currently supplies its hot-work die steel to the Indian market under the DB6 designation — the specific grade Virat Steels stocks and distributes from this mill.
DB6 is not a proprietary or obscure code. It corresponds to well-established international standards:
| Designation | Standard |
| DB6 | Commercial/trade name |
| DIN 1.2714 | German (Werkstoff) standard |
| AISI L6 | American standard |
| AFNOR 55NCDVV7 | French standard |
| Standard family | 55NiCrMoV (Cr-Ni-Mo-V alloyed hot-work steel) |
To summarize, a buyer searching for “NLMK Verona DB6”, “db6 nmlk verona” or “nmlk verona die steel” is looking for this specific chromium-nickel-molybdenum-vanadium alloyed hot-work die steel, a popular grade in the European and Indian tooling supply chains, now available from NLMK Verona’s Italian production.
Chemical Composition of NLMK Verona Tool Steel DB6 / DIN 1.2714
DB6 is a Cr-Ni-Mo-V alloy system which provides a balance of toughness and hardness:
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | Mo | V |
| % Range | 0.50–0.60 | 0.10–0.40 | 0.65–0.95 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 | 1.00–1.20 | 1.50–1.80 | 0.45–0.55 | 0.07–0.12 |
DB6 has high toughness and impact resistance (compared to more common hot-work grades such as H13) and high nickel content (compared to more common hot-work grades such as H13) for exceptional toughness and impact resistance rather than pure high-temperature hardness retention.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | 1000–1400 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 1045 MPa |
| Elongation | 15%–20% |
| Impact Toughness | 20–25 J/cm² |
| Hardness (working) | 50–55 HRC |
| Compressive Strength | 2500 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 205 GPa |
Typical supply hardness ranges (depending on treatment condition):
- Annealed condition: 255 BHN max
- Hardened & tempered: 38–42 HRC (die-ready condition), with tools further hardened up to 50–55 HRC for service
- Hardness variation, surface to core: 20–25 BHN
Physical Properties
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (10⁻⁶ m/m·K) | 20–100°C | 20–200°C | 20–300°C | 20–400°C | 20–500°C | 20–600°C |
| Value | 12.1 | 13.1 | 13.2 | 13.5 | 14.1 | 14.3 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 20°C | 350°C | 700°C |
| Value | 35.0 | 39.0 | 36.0 |
Note: Exact physical values can vary slightly with heat treatment and section size — always cross-check against the mill test certificate for critical applications.
Machinability of NLMK Verona DB6
DB6 is easy to work and the machinability can be rated at about 90 % relative to W-group water-hardening low-alloy steels taken as the 100 % reference. This makes it much easier to machine than many high-alloy cold-work or high-speed steel grades, and still retains the toughness needed for heavy forging dies.
Practical machining notes:
- Best machined in the annealed condition (≤255 BHN) before final hardening
- Finish machining should ideally be completed before final hardening and tempering, with only grinding/polishing done after
- Stress-relief before hardening reduces distortion risk in large die blocks
Heat Treatment Guide
| Process | Parameters |
| Annealing | Soak at 740–760°C, furnace-cool at max 10°C/hr down to 600°C, then air cool |
| Hardening | Preheat to 650°C, raise quickly to 900–950°C, quench in oil |
| Hardening (mill data) | 840–880°C oil quench → 57 HRC; 860–900°C air quench → 55 HRC |
| Tempering | Multiple tempers; hardness drops from ~56 HRC (100°C temper) to ~34 HRC (650°C temper) |
| Stress Relieving | Heat to 600–650°C, soak 2 hrs per 25mm section, slow cool |
| Forging | Warm to 700°C, raise to 1050°C, keep forging above 800°C, cool slowly in furnace/vermiculite |
| Nitriding | Possible after hardening + tempering; done ~50°C above nitriding temperature |
| Normalizing | Not recommended — DB6 is air-hardening |
Applications of NLMK Verona DB6 Tool Steel
DB6’s high toughness and impact resistance make it especially suited to heavy-impact forging applications rather than pure high-temperature die casting:
- Dies for drop forging hammers & mechanical presses
- Die holders, cassettes, and shoe blocks
- Hot shear blades
- Piston rods, cranks, and boosters
- Punches and blanking/forming dies
- Trimmer dies
- Clutch parts, pawls, shafts, knuckle pins
- Forming rolls, spindles, and rollers
Industries: Automotive component manufacturing, heavy forging, aerospace tooling, general engineering, and metalworking.
Advantages of NLMK Verona DB6 Tool Steel
- Superior toughness and impact resistance compared to many hot-work alternatives — ideal where shock loading, not just heat, is the main stress
- Good hardenability through thick sections, suited to large forging die blocks
- European mill origin (NLMK Verona, Italy) with documented alloy composition
- Good machinability (~90% relative rating) compared to many alloy tool steels
- Nitriding-compatible for surface wear resistance without sacrificing core toughness
- Supplied by Virat Steels with extra forging reduction, upsetting, and double tempering for improved ultrasonic quality in die blocks
DB6 vs H13 vs D2 — Comparison Table
| Factor | DB6 (DIN 1.2714) | H13 (DIN 1.2344) | D2 (Cold Work) |
| Category | Hot-work, high-toughness | Hot-work, high-temp hardness | Cold-work, high wear resistance |
| Key strength | Toughness & impact resistance | Thermal fatigue resistance | Abrasion/wear resistance |
| Typical hardness | 50–55 HRC | ~50 HRC | 58–62 HRC |
| Best suited to | Hammer/press forging dies, shock loading | Die casting, extrusion dies | Blanking, punching, cold forming |
| Machinability | Good (~90% rating) | Good | Moderate (high alloy content) |
| Nickel content | High (1.5–1.8%) | None | None |
How to Choose Between NLMK Verona Tool Steel DB6 (and Other Grades)?
- Is your tooling exposed to repeated impact/shock loading? DB6 is specifically strong here — hammer forging and heavy press dies benefit most from its toughness.
- Is your process purely high-temperature (die casting, hot extrusion) with less shock? H13 (DIN 1.2344) may be a better fit than DB6 due to superior thermal fatigue resistance.
- What supply condition do you need? DB6 is available annealed or hardened & tempered — confirm this at order stage based on your in-house heat treatment capability.
- What section size does your die need? Large forged blocks require good through-thickness hardenability — DB6’s alloy design supports this.
- Do you need surface hardening? DB6 can be nitrided after hardening/tempering for improved wear resistance while keeping core toughness.
- Do you need ultrasonic-tested quality die blocks? Ask specifically for extra forging reduction and double-tempered blocks — Virat Steels supplies DB6 this way for critical forging applications.
Why Source NLMK Verona DB6 Through Virat Steels?
- NLMK Verona origin DB6/DIN 1.2714 Steel – Official stockist and supplier
- PAN-India supply network covering major forging & auto hubs (Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Ludhiana etc.)
- Flat, square, and round bar available in project-based quantities
- Extra forging reduction and double tempering for improved ultrasonic quality on die blocks
- Technical support to confirm the right grade — DB6 vs H13 vs other die steels — for your specific application
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is NLMK Verona Tool Steel DB6?
It is a Cr-Ni-Mo-V alloyed hot-work die steel (DIN 1.2714 / AISI L6) produced by NLMK Verona, Italy and supplied in India by Virat Steels.
2. What is DB6 steel equivalent to?
DB6 is commonly equivalent to DIN 1.2714, AISI L6, and AFNOR 55NCDVV7.
3. What is the hardness of DB6 steel?
Working hardness is typically 50–55 HRC after hardening and tempering; annealed condition is supplied at 255 BHN max.
4. Is DB6 better than H13 steel?
DB6 provides higher toughness and impact resistance, hence better suited for heavy forging, whereas H13 is more suitable for high temperature hot-work processes such as die casting.
5. Which steel is better for hammer forging dies?
DB6 is generally preferred for hammer forging dies due to its superior toughness and shock resistance.
6. What is the chemical composition of DB6?
Approximately 0.50–0.60% C, 1.00–1.20% Cr, 1.50–1.80% Ni, 0.45–0.55% Mo, and 0.07–0.12% V.
7. Can DB6 steel be welded or re-hardened?
Yes, but it must be done carefully — with stress tempering for pre-hardened condition — to avoid cracking.
8. Is DB6 steel suitable for hot work applications?
Yes, DB6 performs well in hot-work applications due to its strength and toughness at elevated stress conditions.
9. What is the machinability of DB6 steel?
DB6 rates roughly 90% machinability relative to W-group water-hardening steels (100% baseline) — considered good.
10. Should DB6 be normalized?
No — DB6 is air-hardening and should not be normalized.
11. Can DB6 be nitrided?
Yes, after hardening and tempering, at approximately 50°C above the intended nitriding temperature.
12. What shapes is NLMK Verona DB6 available in?
Flat, square, and round bar, supplied by Virat Steels across India.
13. Does Virat Steels supply NLMK Verona DB6 in India?
Yes, Virat Steels is a stockist and supplier of NLMK Verona-origin DB6/DIN 1.2714 tool steel.
14. What industries use DB6 tool steel?
Automotive components, heavy forging, aerospace tooling and general engineering.
15. What is the forging temperature range for DB6?
Heat to 700°C and then raise rapidly to 1050°C. Keep forging temperature above 800°C.
16. What’s the distinction between DB6 and DIN 2713?
The DIN 2713 is improved for better die performance and is called DIN 2714 (DB6).
17. What tensile and yield strength does DB6 offer?
Tensile strength 1000–1400 MPa, yield strength ~1045 MPa.
18. Does DB6 require oil or air quenching?
Both are used. Oil quenching at 840-880 °C gives ~57 HRC. Air quenching at 860-900 °C gives ~55 HRC.
19. What documentation should I request when ordering NLMK Verona DB6?
Always request a mill test certificate (MTC) confirming the heat/batch chemical composition and mechanical test results.
20. Where can I buy NLMK Verona DB6 tool steel in India?
Virat Steels supplies and stocks NLMK Verona DB6/DIN 1.2714 steel PAN-India, including to Gurugram, Delhi NCR, Pune, Chennai, and other major industrial hubs.
Conclusion
NLMK Verona Tool Steel DB6 (DIN 1.2714 / AISI L6) is the best solution for one simple reason: toughness where it counts – in heavy forging dies subject to repeated shock loading. Its Cr-Ni-Mo-V alloy design, excellent machinability and good hardenability make it a preferred choice for forging shops and die makers across India.
Need NLMK Verona DB6 die blocks, flats, squares, or round bars for your next forging project? Get in touch with Virat Steels — share your drawing and section size requirement, and our team will confirm grade, stock availability, and delivery timelines.
+91-98140 21775 | info@viratsteels.com