DIN 1.2714
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Cut-to-Size Die Blocks: Machining Allowance Guide for DB6, H13, D2 & P20
Technical guide by Virat Special Steels · Die and tool steel stockists since 1957
Order a Cut-to-Size Die Blocks with too little allowance and it can’t be cleaned up after heat treatment, so it ends up as scrap. Order too much and you pay for steel, sawing and machine time that turns into chips.
This manual provides us with a summary of the allowance for machining based on the requirements of the various categories from the Indian forging, die-casting, and toolroom industries including DB6 (DIN 1.2714), H13, H11, D2, D3, and P20.
Machining Allowance for Cut-to-Size Die Blocks
Plan these ranges per side (per face), then confirm with your supplier:
| Delivery condition | Allowance per side | What it has to cover |
| Black (hot-rolled or forged) | 3–6 mm for most sizes; more on wide sections | Scale, seams, decarburized skin, bow |
| Saw-cut and rough-milled | 1–2 mm | Remaining geometry error, semi-finishing |
| Six-side milled | 0.2–0.4 mm | Final sizing; standard programmes ship +0.4 to +0.8 mm over nominal overall |
| Precision ground with allowance | 0.15–0.3 mm | Final sizing only |
If hardening is going to be done after machining the piece, allow for at least 0.15% of each dimension on each side for the final finishing of the piece. For instance, a 200 mm face would require about 0.3 mm to be kept.
These figures are based on available data from the mills and actual shop practice; they should not be considered standard values. The actual numbers may depend on the type of alloy, the shape of the section and the method you use. Therefore, make sure to send an engineering drawing before you finish up.
What Is Machining Allowance on a Die Block?
The machining allowance refers to the additional material requested to have the workpiece in its finished form. This is often defined by a number for each side, such as 3 mm per side for a 6 mm allowance in total. With cut-to-size die blocks, you would incorporate this allowance in your order specifications and make sure to mention it on the order.
Breakdown of Machining Allowance Layers
Total allowance is a stack of four layers, and each one exists for a reason.
| Layer | What it covers | Planning figure per side |
| 1. Surface | Scale, seams, laps and the decarburized skin left by hot working | 1.6% of the dimension, usually not under 2 mm |
| 2. Geometry | Bow, camber, out-of-flat and cutting tolerance | 0.3–0.5 mm |
| 3. Heat treatment | Hardening movement, residual scale or decarburization | 0.15% of the dimension, minimum about 0.3 mm |
| 4. Finishing | EDM recast removal, polishing | Small; set by the finishing process |
Layer 1: surface. Hot rolling and forging leave scale, seams and a skin where carbon has burned out. That soft skin won’t harden properly, so it must go. The AISI benchmark for hot-rolled flats and squares is removal of at least 1.6% of the dimension per side (2.4% for resulfurized steel). It was written for carbon and alloy bars, so treat it as a floor for tool steel. Decarburization depth is measured to ASTM E1077 or ISO 3887.
Layer 2: geometry. No bar is perfectly straight or flat, and long pieces bow more. Cutting adds tolerance, and length is the loosest dimension: +3/+8 mm on Uddeholm’s saw-cut stock, up to +35 mm in some precision flat programmes. Never rely on sawn length for a fit.
Layer 3: heat treatment. The sound workflow is rough machine, stress relieve, semi-finish, harden, grind. Uddeholm recommends 650°C for two hours after roughing H13; Virat’s DB6 guidance is 600–650°C. The Böhler-Uddeholm D2 data sheet sets a minimum of 0.15% per side, but only with stress relief, and Uddeholm’s oil-hardening Arne steel lists 0.25%. Movement can be small: on a 100 × 100 × 25 mm H13 sample, thickness changes 0 to +0.05% after air hardening and up to +0.30% after oil hardening. Scale and decarburization from hardening must also be ground off, so the allowance is never just the movement figure.
Layer 4: finishing. Wire EDM leaves a recast layer. Uddeholm advises removing it by grinding or stoning, then re-tempering about 25°C below the previous tempering temperature. Polishing needs little stock.
Formula and Worked Example
Per side: cleanup (the greater of 2 mm or 1.6% of the dimension) + geometry buffer (0.5 mm) + grinding stock (0.15% of the dimension, minimum 0.3 mm). Order size = finished size + 2 × that total.
For instance, a D2 block, which has a final measurement of 250 × 150 × 50 mm owing to the black flat finish, requires a thickness of 4.9, 3.2 and 2.8 mm on each side. This means that one should order something in the order of 260 × 157 × 56 mm with the understanding that this is merely an estimate rather than a guarantee.
Seven mistakes that cost money
- Writing “+5 mm” without saying per side or total.
- Using one allowance for every grade and condition.
- Ignoring bow on long flats.
- Skipping stress relief between roughing and finishing.
- Accepting a gas-cut block to save a few rupees.
- Expecting ESR to shrink the allowance. ESR cleans the inside of the steel. The surface still carries scale and decarb.
- Hoping allowance will fix internal defects. It won’t. For critical blocks, ask for ultrasonic testing.
What to send with your enquiry
- Grade and drawing, with finished size (L × W × T)
- Process route: use as supplied, or harden after machining
- Heat-treatment method: vacuum or atmosphere furnace
- Supply condition wanted: black, milled or ground
- Cutting method and tolerance (saw cut, plus-only or plus-minus)
- Documents needed: MTC, UT, spectro check
- Quantity and delivery location
Specific Scenarios and Add-Ons
Pre-hardened die blocks (DB6, H13, P20). Virat supplies DB6 annealed or hardened and tempered, typically at 38–44 HRC. If you machine the block as supplied, Layer 3 disappears. Keep Layers 1, 2 and 4, and confirm the condition at order stage.
Hardening after machining (D2, D3, soft H13). Use all four layers. Machine soft, stress relieve, harden, then grind.
Wire EDM. Blocks for eroding are often bought hardened and ground, sometimes with start holes. Allow for recast removal and agree finishing stock with your EDM shop.
Flame or plasma-cut blanks. Avoid them for alloy tool steel. Thermal cutting leaves a hardened heat-affected zone and cracking risk, and needs far more stock. Band-sawing is the safer route.
Large forged blocks. Allowance grows with size, so never reuse a 100 mm figure on a 400 mm block. For heavy die blocks, ask for ultrasonic testing. Virat supplies DB6 die blocks with extra forging reduction and double tempering for better UT quality.
Nitriding. Nitrided cases are shallow (about 0.12–0.20 mm in Uddeholm’s H13 examples), so finish the block first and treat nitriding as a surface step, not an allowance layer.
Add-ons to request on your enquiry:
- Bandsaw cut-to-size and surface machining
- Annealed or hardened-and-tempered supply; ESR or non-ESR
- Ultrasonic testing
- Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1 where applicable), spectro and hardness reports
- Ground reference faces with squareness and parallelism limits
- Batch-wise traceability
Common Material Grades for Cut-to-Size Die Blocks
Allowance logic changes with the grade and its supply condition:
| Grade (AISI / DIN) | Typical use | Allowance note |
| DB6 / 1.2714 (L6) | Hammer and press forging dies | Often supplied hardened and tempered, so no heat-treatment layer |
| H13 / 1.2344 | Die casting, extrusion, hot forging | Air or vacuum hardening keeps movement small; stress relief still applies |
| H11 / 1.2343 | Forging and aluminium extrusion dies | Plan like H13 |
| D2 (HCHCr) / 1.2379 | Blanking and forming dies, punches | Air hardening; keep at least 0.15% per side with stress relief |
| D3 (HCHCr) / 1.2080 | High-abrasion, long-run tooling | Oil hardening; leave more grinding stock than D2 |
| P20 / 1.2311 | Plastic mould blocks | Usually pre-hardened; no heat-treatment layer |
| P20+Ni / 1.2738 | Large mould blocks | Better through-hardening in thick sections |
Sourcing and Customization Options
Virat Special Steels has nearly 3,500 tons in over 35 grades available at its yards in Ludhiana and Gurugram, resulting in large amounts of cut-to-size die blocks shipped out from stock. The billets originate from mills such as Swiss Steel, NLMK Verona, Lucchini and ThyssenKrupp. Blocks reach you in four conditions, each trading price for convenience:
- Saw-cut black block: lowest cost per kg, most allowance to remove.
- Rough-milled: surface layer gone, flatter.
- Six-side milled: close to size, less machining time. Check the stock left if you will harden.
- Hardened and ground: ready for EDM or fitting, with no allowance for further heat treatment.
Include these on your enquiry:
- Grade and delivery condition
- Finished size and order size, stating per side or overall
- Faces to be ground, with tolerances
- Hardening plan and target hardness
- Testing and certificates needed
- Quantity and delivery date
Contact VIRAT for Drawing-Based Sizing and a Quotation
Let us know your engineering drawing, steel grade, dimensions after machining (L x W x T), desired supply condition, volume, and destination point for supply by Virat Special Steels. Our experts will assist you in estimating machining allowance and provide appropriate die blocks as per your needs.
You may get in touch with us at +91-98140 21775 or write to us at info@viratsteels.com to request for a quotation. We manufacture DB6, H13, H11, D2, D3, and P20 tool and die steels from our Gurugram and Ludhiana plants, supplied across India as per availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much machining allowance should I leave on a die block? Plan 3–6 mm per side on black stock, 1–2 mm on rough-milled and 0.2–0.4 mm on six-side milled blocks, plus grinding stock if you will harden afterwards.
2. Is machining allowance per side or total? Normally per side. A 3 mm allowance adds 6 mm to each dimension, so always state “per side” or “overall” on your enquiry.
3. How much allowance should I keep for grinding after heat treatment? At least 0.15% of the dimension per side for D2 after stress relief. Oil-hardening grades need more; Uddeholm lists 0.25% for its O1-type Arne steel.
4. Do pre-hardened DB6 (DIN 1.2714) die blocks need heat-treatment allowance? Not if you machine them as supplied, typically 38–44 HRC. Keep the surface, geometry and finishing allowances only.
5. What do black, rough-milled and six-side milled mean? Black keeps the as-forged or as-rolled skin. Rough-milled has the skin removed with stock left. Six-side milled is square and parallel, close to final size, so you can start machining straight away.
6. What do “hot die steel”, “HCHCr”, “OHNS” and “die block” mean? Hot die steel is hot-work steel such as H13, H11 and DB6. HCHCr is high-carbon, high-chromium cold-work steel (D2 and D3). OHNS is oil-hardening non-shrinking steel, usually O1. A die block is a large forged or rolled block used for forging and casting dies.
7. Can I flame-cut or plasma-cut a die block? Avoid it for alloy tool steel. These processes will create a hardened heat-affected area, with the possibility of fracture and wasted material. Instead, consider using a band saw.
8. How much stock should I leave for wire EDM? Enough to remove the recast layer by grinding or stoning, followed by re-tempering about 25°C below the last tempering temperature. Agree exact stock with your EDM shop.
9. What tolerance can I expect on cut length? Length is the loosest dimension. Published saw-cut tolerances run from +3/+8 mm to +35 mm, so ask your supplier for its tolerance and never rely on sawn length for a fit.
10. Db6 or H13 for forging die blocks? The typical material for hammering and press dies is DB6 (DIN 1.2714), while H13 (DIN 1.2344) is the preferred alloy for hot-working conditions like die casting, extrusion, and hot forging. This depends on temperature, impact loads, die configuration, and service life.
11. Does D2 or O1 (OHNS) need more allowance? O1, an oil-hardening grade, needs more grinding stock than air-hardening D2. “Non-shrinking” does not mean no movement.
12. Can I buy a small cut piece instead of a full bar? Yes. Virat Special Steels can provide steel that is cut to size depending on the grade, dimensions and availability of stock. Please inform us of your desired dimensions and quantities.
13. Is cut-to-size priced per kg or per piece? Most manufacturers charge according to the overall weight including the costs of cutting and machining. The extra allowance will be reflected in the weight, too, so you should size it accurately and ask them for your cutting estimate.
14. How can I check I received the grade I ordered? Ensure that the heat number on the material marking is the same as stated in the Mill Test Certificate (MTC). Another way would be to ask for an OES analysis to prove the steel grade. Spark testing cannot be considered a reliable way of verifying the alloy tool steel grade.
15. Can I get MTC and ultrasonic testing on cut-to-size blocks? Yes, request them at order stage. Virat supplies MTC (EN 10204 3.1 where applicable), UT-tested material and spectro verification, subject to grade and product.
16. How fast can I get a quotation and delivery? To receive a quotation from Virat Special Steels, share your steel grade, drawing or size, quantity, and the place where the delivery will take place. The lead time varies from time to time, based on availability of material, any cutting/machining work, testing, and transport.
17. How do I calculate die block weight? Length × width × thickness in mm ÷ 1,000,000 × 7.85 gives kg, using a typical tool steel density of 7.85 g/cm³. A 250 × 150 × 50 mm block weighs about 14.7 kg.
18. Where can I buy cut-to-size die blocks in India? Virat Special Steels supplies DB6, H13, H11, D2, D3 and P20 die blocks from ready stock at Ludhiana and Gurugram, with PAN India delivery, subject to grade and size.
Lucchini DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714): Complete Guide to Grades, Properties & Applications in India
The choice of the appropriate tool steel involves a compromise between hardness, wear resistance, impact toughness, thermal fatigue resistance and the general tool life. While generic steel grades are common, specialized imported tool steels are vital for demanding applications such as hot work, forging and cold stamping.
Lucchini Italy is the international reference for ultra-clean tool steels with high durability. Complete guide on technical properties, international & IS standards, manufacturing processes, detailed grade comparison and procurement of tool steel in India.
What is Lucchini DB6 Tool Steel?
Lucchini DB6 is a low-alloy steel for hot work and impact tools. High Nickel content (1.50″–” 1.80%) formulated and secondary metallurgical refined (EAF->LF->Vacuum Degassing->ESR) This process provides structural purity and minimum non-metallic inclusions with uniform hardenability from core to surface.
Material Standards & Cross-Reference
- DIN / EN Standard: DIN 1.2714 / EN ISO 4957 (56NiCrMoV7)
- AISI Standard: AISI L6 (Modified)
- JIS Standard: SKT4
- IS Standard (India): T55Ni7Cr4Mo5V1 equivalent
Mechanical and Physical Properties
| Property | Value / Specification | Remarks |
| Toughness | Excellent | Resists cracking under heavy shock |
| Impact Resistance | High | Critical for hammer and forging dies |
| Wear Resistance | Good to moderate | Suitable for high-impact hot work |
| Hardenability | Good | Provides consistent through-hardening |
| Dimensional Stability | Good | Maintains shape during thermal cycles |
| Large Section Performance | Excellent | Ideal for heavy forging die blocks |
Same Chemistry on Paper, a Different Story on the Ground
On a certificate, Lucchini DB6 Tool steel and local DB6 tool steels can look almost identical — both fall within the same DIN 1.2714 tool steels chemical window. The real difference shows up upstream of the numbers, in how tightly that chemistry is held, batch after batch, and how clean the steel is once it’s melted and forged.
| Element | Lucchini DB6 / 1.2714 (%) DOCX | Standard Local 1.2714 (%) DOCX | Metallurgical Function DOCX |
| Carbon (C) | 0.50 – 0.60 | 0.50 – 0.60 | Controls baseline hardness and yield strength. |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.40 | 0.10 – 0.40 | Increases oxidation resistance and strength. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60 – 0.95 | 0.60 – 0.95 | Enhances deep hardenability. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.80 – 1.20 | 0.80 – 1.20 | Enhances wear resistance and hardenability. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.35 – 0.55 | 0.35 – 0.55 | Retains high-temperature yield strength. |
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.50 – 1.80 | 1.50 – 1.80 | Primary driver for extreme impact toughness. |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.07 – 0.15 | 0.05 – 0.15 | Refines grain structure and carbide formation. |
| Phosphorus (P) | max 0.015 | max 0.030 | Kept low to prevent cold shortness/brittleness. |
| Sulfur (S) | max 0.010 | max 0.030 | Kept low to preserve steel cleanliness and fatigue life. |
Key takeaway: nominal composition alone doesn’t separate premium DB6 from ordinary DB6 tool steels. What matters far more is the consistency of chemistry control, steel cleanliness, and manufacturing discipline behind that certificate — and that is precisely where an established European mill like Lucchini has a structural advantage over less consistent local supply.
Manufacturing & Heat Treatment Parameters
- Soft Annealing: Heated to 680–720°C, slowly furnace cooled. Delivered (annealed) Hardness: max 229–248 HB (≈ 22–24 HRC)
- Stress Relieving: 600–650°C, following rough machining, then air cooled slowly.
- Hardening (Quenching): Austenitized at 840–870°C, quenched in oil or vacuum pressure gas.
- Double Tempering: Reheated to 540–600°C (minimum 2 cycles) to stabilize dimensions and relieve retained austenite.
Recommended Working Hardness by Application
| Application | Target Hardness |
| Drop Hammer Dies & Heavy Impact Tooling | 38 – 42 HRC |
| Press Forging Dies & Inserts | 44 – 48 HRC |
| Hot Shear Blades & Trimming Tools | 48 – 52 HRC |
NOTE: Lower hardness (38-42 HRC) is more shock and impact resistant; higher hardness (48-52 HRC) is more wear resistant and holds a sharper edge. Choose based on whether you experience more impact load or more abrasive wear in your tooling.
Comparison Table: Lucchini DB6 Tool Steel vs. Local Indian DB6 Tool Steel
| Parameter / Feature | Lucchini Italy DB6 Steel (DIN 1.2714) | Local Indian DB6 Tool Steel | Practical / Industrial Impact |
| Manufacturing & Melting Route | Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) + Ladle Furnace (LF) + Vacuum Degassing (VD) / ESR option | Standard EAF or Induction Furnace melting | Superior steel cleanliness, lower gas content, and higher purity in Lucchini steel. |
| Forging Reduction Ratio | Multi-directional 3D forging (Min. 4:1 upsetting ratio) | Standard 2D forging or conventional rolling | Higher structural integrity and better grain flow alignment. |
| Microstructural Uniformity | Extremely high and consistent throughout the block | May vary across core to surface | Predictable machining, heat treatment, and die performance. |
| Purity & Inclusion Levels | Strictly controlled Sulfur (≤ 0.030%) & Phosphorus (≤ 0.030%) | Controlled to basic standards (0.035%) | Lower inclusion levels directly improve fatigue life and crack resistance. |
| Impact Toughness | Outstanding and uniform (20–25 J/cm²) | Moderate to high (can vary by batch) | Higher crack resistance under extreme hammer shock loads. |
| Through-Hardening (Large Blocks) | Uniform hardness even in large sections (400 mm) | Depends on forging quality and section size | Prevents soft core issues in massive die blocks. |
| Heat Treatment Response | Highly predictable and repeatable across batches | May vary slightly between batches | Minimal distortion risk and consistent target HRC achievement. |
| Thermal Fatigue Resistance | Superior resistance to heat checking | Application dependent | Withstands repeated heating/cooling cycles longer during hot forging. |
| Impact Toughness | Up to 30% – 40% increase in production cycles | Baseline standard die life | Significantly reduces shop floor downtime and tooling replacement costs. |
| Quality Documentation | 100% EN 10204 3.1 MTC with SEP 1921 Class D/d UT certification | Standard MTC and basic UT reporting | Complete global batch traceability and defect-free guarantee. |
| Initial Material Cost | Premium / Higher investment | Cost-effective / Lower initial price | Higher initial cost of Lucchini steel is offset by lower tooling cost-per-component. |
Key Advantages of Lucchini DB6 tool steel (DIN 1.2714)
- Extreme Impact Toughness: High nickel (1.50–1.80%) prevents cracking under heavy drop-hammer shock loading.
- In demanding forging applications, premium-quality DB6 with controlled metallurgy, cleanliness and appropriate heat treatment can help improve die reliability and service life compared with lower-quality material.
- Deep Through-Hardening: Delivers uniform core-to-surface hardness in large blocks (400 mm).
- Thermal Fatigue Resistance: Withstands heat checking from repeated heating and cooling cycles.
- High Metallurgical Cleanliness: Low sulfur and phosphorus reduce inclusions and enhance fatigue strength.
- Perfect Quality Assurance: Certified by 100% Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates. Available Sizes of DB6 Tool Steel
Virat Special Steels supplies Lucchini DB6 Tool Steel in a wide range of standard and custom sizes to meet the requirements of die makers, tool rooms, automotive, engineering, and precision manufacturing industries.
Custom Processing Services
To minimize machining time and material wastage, we also offer:
- Precision cut-to-size material
- Bandsaw cutting
- Surface machining (on request)
- Bulk supply with batch-wise traceability
- Material Test Certificate (MTC) and EN 10204 3.1 certification (where applicable)
Case Study: DB6 Increases Die Life by 40%
Customer Challenge
A drop-forging plant for automotive components experienced premature die cracking of crankshaft forging dies made from standard hot work steels leading to expensive downtime.
Solution
The tooling was upgraded to DB6 (DIN 1.2714) supplied by Virat Special Steels, vacuum heat treated and double tempered to an optimized 46-48 HRC.
Results
40% increased die service life Eliminate catastrophic die cracking in high energy impact Lower maintenance and machine downtime Forged at a lower cost per part
Certifications Available
Reputable suppliers typically provide:
- Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
- Ultrasonic Tested Material
- Hardness Test Report
- Chemical Test Report
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Appropriate DB6 Tool Steel
Some important points to consider before buying DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) to get the best out of your application:
1. Choose the Right Hardness
Pick the hardness for your application:
- 38-42 HRC – Greater toughness and impact resistance
- 50-56 HRC – Increased wear resistance and extended tool life
2. Choose the required form of material
DB6 Tool Steel is supplied in:
- Forged and Rolled blocks
- Round and Flat Bars
- ESR and Non ESR Blocks
3. Material Quality Inspection
Always ask for:
- Mill Test Certificate (MTC) Ultrasonic Tested Material
- Material Traceability Spectro Tested Material
4. Match the App
Select DB6, depending on your tooling needs, such as:
- Forging Dies
- Hammer Dies
- Extrusion
- Holders for
- Casting Dies
5. Select a Trusted Supplier
Join hands with a supplier who can support with ready stock, custom machining, technical support and PAN India delivery for consistent quality and timely supply.
Why Choose Virat Special Steels for Lucchini DB6?
Virat Special Steels is a trusted supplier of imported tool steels to forging, die-making, automotive, engineering and manufacturing industries across India. With over 70 years of experience in special and tool steels, we provide quality-assured material, trusted sourcing, technical support and application-driven solutions.
Imported Lucchini DB6 Tool Steel We supply Lucchini DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) for applications where high toughness, impact resistance, hardenability, and reliable tooling performance are required, with relevant mill documentation and material traceability subject to the specific product and supply condition.
Ready Stock Availability Our ready-stock inventory helps customers reduce procurement lead times and maintain production schedules. DB6 material can be supplied in different forms and sizes depending on availability and project requirements.
DB6 Round Bars & Flat Bars We supply DB6 round bars and flat bars in standard and customized dimensions — diameter, thickness, width, and length — subject to stock availability.
Forged DB6 Blocks For heavy-duty tooling and die applications, we offer forged DB6 blocks in suitable dimensions for machining large dies, die inserts, and other industrial tooling components.
Cut-to-Size Services DB6 Tool Steel can be supplied in cut-to-size dimensions according to customer requirements, helping reduce material wastage and bring material closer to final machining dimensions.
Machining Services Where required, we provide machining and material preparation services for DB6 Tool Steel, reducing in-house preparation time before the material moves to further tooling operations.
UT-Tested Material For applications where internal material quality is critical, Ultrasonic Testing (UT) can be provided according to applicable inspection requirements, helping identify internal discontinuities and support quality verification.
Mill Test Certificate (MTC) DB6 Tool Steel can be supplied with a Mill Test Certificate where applicable, covering heat/lot identification, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and other specified inspection results.
Spectro & Chemical Verification Spectro/chemical verification can be carried out where applicable to support material identification and chemistry verification — customers can discuss specific testing and certification requirements with our technical team before ordering.
PAN India Delivery Our logistics network supports PAN India delivery for forging companies, die makers, tool rooms, automotive manufacturers, engineering companies, and other industrial users.
Technical Support Choosing the right DB6 material involves more than selecting a grade. Our technical team can assist with grade selection, material form, dimensions, hardness requirements, heat-treatment considerations, testing requirements, and application suitability.
Whether you require Lucchini DB6 round bars, flat bars, forged blocks, cut-to-size material, or machined components, Virat Special Steels can help you source the appropriate material for your application.
Our Supply Network Across India
Virat Steels is one of the leading suppliers of DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) to the manufacturers in the major industrial hubs of India like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Belgaum, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur,Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Faridabad, Manesar, Bhiwadi, Gurugram, Delhi NCR, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab and Jamshedpur.
Our strong logistics network, ready stock and technical knowledge enable us to provide fast PAN India delivery to forging companies, die makers, tool rooms, plastic mould manufacturers, die casting industries and heavy engineering businesses.
Conclusion
The right tool steel choice directly affects the tooling cost per component, production downtime, and product quality. For low volume applications standard die steels may be sufficient but major advantages are available for high duty forging and hammer die work with certified imported grades such as Lucchini DB6 (DIN 1.2714).
An experienced stockiest like Virat Special Steels offers manufacturers across India the facility of genuine imported DB6, ready stock, cut-to-size material and complete metallurgical documentation.
Need DB6 tool steel for your next project? Contact our technical team for availability, required sizes, testing documentation, and quotations.
Get a Quote for Lucchini DB6 Tool Steel
Looking for Lucchini DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) or other hot work tool steel in India? Virat Special Steels supplies imported DB6 in round bars, flat bars, forged blocks, rolled blocks, and cut-to-size material, subject to stock availability.
We can also support your requirements with ready stock, MTC, UT-tested material, spectro/chemical verification where applicable, custom machining, and PAN India delivery. Our technical team can assist with material selection, dimensions, hardness requirements, testing documentation, and application-specific requirements.
For other hot work tool steel, cold work tool steels, plastic mould steels, Alloy steel, high speed steel requirements
Call: +91-98140 21775
Email: info@viratsteels.com
Locations: Gurgaon (Haryana) | Ludhiana (Punjab)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Lucchini Tool Steel?
Lucchini tool steel refers to specialized high-cleanliness alloy steels manufactured by Lucchini Italy for forging, die casting, and industrial tooling.
2. Is DB6 a hot work or cold work steel?
DB6 (DIN 1.2714) is classified as a low-alloy hot work tool steel valued for extreme impact toughness.
3. What is the AISI equivalent of DB6 steel?
The closest approximate AISI equivalent is AISI L6.
4. What is the standard hardness of annealed DB6?
In soft annealed condition, DB6 has a maximum hardness of 250 HB (25 HRC).
5. Can DB6 steel be pre-hardened?
Yes, DB6 is frequently supplied in a pre-hardened state (360-430 / 38-44 HRC).
6. Why is Nickel (Ni) added to DB6 tool steel?
Nickel (1.50-1.80) provides deep hardenability and structural impact toughness.
7. What is the quenching medium for DIN 1.2714?
It is typically quenched in oil or vacuum pressure gas after austenitizing at (840-870)
8. Why is double tempering necessary?
Double tempering ensures full transformation of retained austenite and stabilizes dimensional accuracy.
9. How does Ultrasonic Testing (UT) protect buyers?
UT inspection ensures blocks are 100% free of internal voids, pipe shrinkage, or sub-surface cracks.
10. Is DB6 suitable for plastic injection moulds?
Yes, pre-hardened DB6 is widely used for large plastic mould frames requiring core toughness.
11. What is the density of DIN 1.2714 tool steel?
The density is 7.85 g/cm³ (7,850 kg/m³).
12. What is the IS Standard equivalent for 1.2714 steel?
It corresponds to Indian Standard classifications such as T55Ni7Cr4Mo5V1.
13. Why choose Lucchini DB6 over standard local die blocks?
Lucchini DB6 provides superior structural cleanliness, higher impact toughness, and up to 30–40% longer die life.
14.What is stress relieving and when is it done?
Stress relieving involves heating machined tooling to 600–650°C to release internal machining stresses before hardening.
15. What industry sectors heavily consume Lucchini DB6?
Automotive forging, drop-forging plants, aluminum extrusion, and heavy machinery tooling.
16. How can I get authentic Lucchini tool steel in India?
Contact technical stockists like Virat Special Steels, who supply genuine certified imported tool steels with complete MTC documentation.
17. What is the density of DB6 (DIN 1.2714) tool steel?
The density is 7.85 g/cm³ (7,850 kg/m³).
18.Can DB6 steel be supplied pre-hardened?
Yes, DB6 can be supplied pre-hardened, typically in the 38–42 HRC range depending on the intended application.
19. How can I source genuine Lucchini DB6 tool steel in India?
Work with a technical stockist like Virat Special Steels, which supplies certified imported DB6 with complete MTC documentation and batch traceability.
DB6 Tool Steel Hardness (HRC): Complete Guide to Heat Treatment & Applications
DB6 Material Hardness in HRC
DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) is a widely used hot work tool steel for forging, die casting, heavy engineering and plastic mould industries. It offers an excellent balance of toughness, wear resistance, impact strength, and heat resistance, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications.
Hardness of DB6 Tool Steel is an important factor that defines its performance properties, tool life, machinability and ability to resist deformation under high pressure and high temperature conditions. The right heat treatment to the correct Rockwell Hardness (HRC) will ensure optimum performance in forging dies, extrusion dies, hammer dies and pressure die casting application.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover DB6 Tool Steel hardness (HRC), heat treatment process, mechanical properties, applications, comparison with other tool steels, pricing considerations, and why Virat Steels is one of India’s trusted suppliers of premium-quality DB6 Tool Steel.
What is DB6 Steel?
DB6 Tool Steel is a high quality hot work tool steel, equivalent to DIN 1.2714, (AISI L6), (55NiCrMoV7). It is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel known for outstanding toughness and excellent resistance to thermal fatigue.
Compared to conventional hot work steels, DB6 provides:
- Superior impact strength
- High toughness
- Excellent wear resistance
- Good hardenability
- Outstanding resistance to cracking
- Longer die life
- Excellent polishability
- Good machinability
These characteristics make DB6 an ideal choice for large forging dies, hammer dies, die holders, extrusion tooling, pressure die casting dies, and heavy-duty industrial tools.
International Equivalents of DB6 Tool Steel
DB6 Tool Steel is internationally recognized under the DIN 1.2714 standard and is equivalent to EN 55NiCrMoV7. It is also considered an approximate equivalent to AISI L6 in certain applications. In India, DB6 is widely known by its trade name and is commonly used as a premium hot work tool steel for forging dies, die casting dies, extrusion tooling, and heavy engineering applications.
Chemical Composition of DB6 Tool Steel
DB6 Tool Steel contains a balanced combination of carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium, providing excellent toughness, wear resistance, and hot strength. This alloy composition ensures superior impact resistance, good hardenability, and extended tool life in demanding hot work applications.
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.50–0.60 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10–0.40 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.65–0.95 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.00–1.20 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.50–1.80 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.45–0.55 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.07–0.12 |
Mechanical Properties of DB6 Tool Steel
DB6 Tool Steel offers an excellent combination of toughness, wear resistance, and heat resistance, making it ideal for high-impact and hot work applications such as forging and die casting.
| Property | Typical Value |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | High |
| Toughness | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent |
| Thermal Fatigue Resistance | Excellent |
DB6 Tool Steel Hardness (HRC)
Hardness is the most important property when selecting DB6 Tool Steel for industrial tooling.
Different hardness according to different Tempering temperature conditions.
– Annealed condition – 255 BHN max
– Hardened and Tempered condition- 38 to 42 HRC
annealed stock measures up to 255 BHN, standard mill-supply condition is tempered to 38–42 HRC for machining, and finished dies are re-hardened and tempered to a working hardness of 45–56 HRC depending on whether the application prioritizes toughness or wear resistance.
Heat Treatment of DB6 Tool Steel
Proper heat treatment is essential to achieve the desired hardness and mechanical properties.
The process generally involves:
- Annealing
- Stress Relieving
- Hardening
- Quenching
- Tempering
Each stage contributes to the final balance of hardness, toughness, and dimensional stability.
Annealing
Annealing softens the material, improves machinability, and relieves internal stresses before hardening.
Recommended Process:
- Heat slowly to 840–860°C
- Hold for sufficient soaking time
- Cool slowly inside the furnace
Resulting Hardness:
Approximately 220–250 HB
Stress Relieving
Stress relieving is recommended after rough machining.
- Temperature: 600–650°C
- Hold for 2 hours
- Furnace cool slowly
This minimizes distortion during final hardening.
Hardening
The hardening process significantly increases hardness and wear resistance.
Procedure:
- Preheat: 600 – 650°C
- Austenitize: 840–870°C
- Oil or polymer quench
- Air cooling where appropriate
The resulting hardness typically reaches 54–56 HRC before tempering.
Tempering
Tempering reduces brittleness while maintaining the desired hardness.
It is recommended to temper immediately after quenching.
Typical Tempering Range:
450–650°C
Double tempering is often recommended for improved dimensional stability and toughness.
Advantages of Proper Heat Treatment
By improving the mechanical properties and durability of the steel, proper heat treatment can improve the performance and service life of DB6 Tool Steel.
- Enhanced wear resistance
- Greater durability
- Improved thermal fatigue resistance
- Less risk of cracking
- Longer life of die
- Reduced maintenance costs
Applications of DB6 Tool Steel
DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) is a popular choice for hot work applications requiring high toughness, wear resistance and resistance to thermal fatigue. It is ideal for the manufacture of heavy duty dies and tools used under extreme operating conditions.
| Industry | Typical Applications |
| Forging | Closed forging dies, hammer dies |
| Die Casting | Aluminium die casting dies |
| Extrusion | Extrusion dies |
| Automotive | Crankshaft and connecting rod dies |
| Plastic Moulding | Large mould bases |
| Heavy Engineering | Die holders and forging blocks |
| Aerospace & Defence | Heavy-duty tooling |
| Steel Plants | Hot shearing blades and press tools |
DB6 Tool Steel Advantages & Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Good impact resistance and toughness | More expensive than the usual alloy steels |
| Good wear and heat fatigue resistance | Needs proper heat treatment |
| Longer die life with less cracking | Not the best choice for high abrasive cold work applications (D2 is preferred) |
| Good hardenability and dimensional stability | Special tools are required for machining after hardening |
| Suitable for large forging dies, hot working tools | Material costs are higher for more expensive alloys |
DB6 vs H13 Tool Steel Comparison
| Property | DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) | H13 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2344) |
| Steel Type | Hot Work Tool Steel | Hot Work Tool Steel |
| Toughness | Excellent | Very Good |
| Wear Resistance | Very Good | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Very Good |
| Thermal Fatigue Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hot Hardness | Very Good | Excellent |
| Best Applications | Forging Dies, Hammer Dies | Die Casting & Extrusion Dies |
| Large Die Blocks | Excellent | Very Good |
| Relative Cost | Moderate | Moderate to High |
Best Choice: Choose DB6 for heavy-impact forging applications requiring superior toughness, while H13 is ideal for high-temperature die casting and aluminium extrusion tooling.
DB6 vs H11 Tool Steel
| Property | DB6 | H11 |
| Toughness | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Higher | Good |
| Hardness | 45–56 HRC | 44–52 HRC |
| Thermal Shock | Excellent | Excellent |
| Large Blocks | Excellent | Good |
| Service Life | Longer | Good |
Best Choice: DB6 is preferred where higher wear resistance and longer tool life are required.
DB6 vs D2 Tool Steel
| Property | DB6 | D2 |
| Type | Hot Work | Cold Work |
| Toughness | Excellent | Moderate |
| Wear Resistance | High | Very High |
| Hot Strength | Excellent | Poor |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Forging Dies | Excellent | Not Recommended |
| Cold Blanking | Not Ideal | Excellent |
Best Choice: Use DB6 for hot work and D2 for cold work applications.
DB6 vs P20 Tool Steel
| Property | DB6 | P20 |
| Toughness | Excellent | Good |
| Hardness | Up to 56 HRC | 28–34 HRC |
| Plastic Moulds | Good | Excellent |
| Forging | Excellent | Not Recommended |
| Wear Resistance | High | Moderate |
| Tool Life | Longer | Moderate |
DB6 vs EN31
| Property | DB6 | EN31 |
| Steel Type | Hot Work Tool Steel | High Carbon Steel |
| Toughness | Excellent | Moderate |
| Hardness | 56 HRC | 60–64 HRC |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Low |
| Hot Applications | Excellent | Poor |
| Bearings | Not Suitable | Excellent |
DB6 Tool Steel vs Other Tool Steel Grades
| Steel Grade | Toughness | Wear Resistance | Heat Resistance | Typical Hardness | Ideal Applications |
| DB6 (DIN 1.2714) | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | 45–56 HRC | Forging Dies , Hammer Dies |
| H13 (DIN 1.2344) | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | 44–54 HRC | Die Casting, Extrusion Dies |
| H11 (DIN 1.2343) | Excellent | Good | Very Good | 44–52 HRC | Hot Work & Extrusion Tooling |
| D2 (DIN 1.2379) | Good | Excellent | Moderate | 58–62 HRC | Cold Work Dies, Punches |
| P20 (DIN 1.2311) | Good | Moderate | Moderate | 28–34 HRC | Plastic Injection Moulds |
| EN31 | Moderate | Excellent | Low | 60–64 HRC | Bearings, Rollers & Wear Parts |
“DB6 Tool Steel Equivalents Explained: SKT4, 55NiCrMoV7, L6 & DIN 1.2714 Compared”
| Property | DB6 | SKT4 | 55NiCrMoV7 | L6 | DIN 1.2714 |
| Standard | Commercial | JIS | EN | AISI | DIN |
| Steel Type | Hot Work | Hot Work | Hot Work | Low Alloy | Hot Work |
| Toughness | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Hardness | 45–56 HRC | 45–54 HRC | 45–56 HRC | 45–55 HRC | 45–56 HRC |
| Hot Work Performance | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Main Difference | Trade Name | JIS Grade | EN Grade | Approx. Equivalent | DIN Grade |
DB6, DIN 1.2714, and 55NiCrMoV7 are essentially the same steel grade with different designations. SKT4 is a close Japanese equivalent, while AISI L6 is an approximate equivalent with similar toughness but comparatively lower hot-work performance.
Available Sizes of DB6 Tool Steel
Virat Special Steels supplies DB6 Tool Steel in a wide range of standard and custom sizes to meet the requirements of die makers, tool rooms, automotive, engineering, and precision manufacturing industries.
Available Sizes (Flat)
- Thickness: 13 mm – 1500 mm
- Width: 13 mm – 3000 mm
- Length: Available in standard mill lengths or custom-cut sizes on request.
Available Sizes (Round)
- Diameter: 13 mm – 1500 mm
- Length: Standard mill lengths and customized cut-to-size options available.
Custom Processing Services
To minimize machining time and material wastage, we also offer:
- Precision cut-to-size material
- Bandsaw cutting
- Surface machining (on request)
- Bulk supply with batch-wise traceability
- Material Test Certificate (MTC) and EN 10204 3.1 certification (where applicable)
DB6 Case Study 40% Improvement in Die Life in Forging
Operations Customer Challenge
A drop-forging plant for automotive components experienced premature die cracking of crankshaft forging dies made from standard hot work steels leading to expensive downtime.
Solution
The tooling was upgraded to DB6 (DIN 1.2714) supplied by Virat Special Steels, vacuum heat treated and double tempered to an optimized 46-48 HRC.
Results
40% increased die service life Eliminate catastrophic die cracking in high energy impact Lower maintenance and machine downtime Forged at a lower cost per part
Certifications Available
Reputable suppliers typically provide:
- Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
- Ultrasonic Tested Material
- Hardness Test Report
- Chemical Test Report
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Appropriate DB6 Tool Steel
Some important points to consider before buying DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) to get the best out of your application:
1. Choose the Right Hardness
Pick the hardness for your application:
- 38-42 HRC – Greater toughness and impact resistance
- 50-56 HRC – Increased wear resistance and extended tool life
2. Choose the required form of material
DB6 Tool Steel is supplied in:
- Forged and Rolled blocks
- Round and Flat Bars
- ESR and Non ESR Blocks
3. Material Quality Inspection
Always ask for:
- Mill Test Certificate (MTC) Ultrasonic Tested Material
- Material Traceability Spectro Tested Material
4. Match the App
Select DB6, depending on your tooling needs, such as:
- Forging Dies
- Hammer Dies
- Extrusion
- Holders for
- Casting Dies
5. Select a Trusted Supplier
Join hands with a supplier who can support with ready stock, custom machining, technical support and PAN India delivery for consistent quality and timely supply.
Why purchase DB6 Tool Steel from Virat Steels?
Selecting the right supplier is critical to maximizing tool life, performance and productivity. With over 70 years of experience in the industry, Virat Steels is one of the trusted suppliers of high quality imported and domestic tool steels in India with more than 2000 customers in the automotive, forging, die casting, aerospace, plastic mould, heavy engineering, railways and defence industries.
Why do manufacturers trust us?
- 70+ Years Experience supplying quality tool steels.
- 2,000+ Happy Customers in India’s Manufacturing Industry.
- Supplier of Materials from Reputed International Mills for consistent quality and performance.
- Tool Steel Ready Stock: DB6, H13, H11, D2, D3, P20, P20+Ni, M2, M35, EN31, OHNS and other grades.
- Mill Test Certificate (MTC) with full traceability of material.
- UT Tested & Spectro Tested Material for proven quality and internal soundness.
- Custom Cutting & Machining Services to suit your required sizes.
- Material Selection Assistance from experienced technical professionals.
- Fast PAN India Delivery, timely supply & reduced production downtime.
Virat Steels offers authentic quality, certified material and dependable service for all your tool steel needs. Whether DB6 Round Bars, Forged Blocks, ESR Blocks, Flat Blocks or Cut-to-size Material, we have it all.
Our Supply Network Across India
Virat Steels is one of the leading suppliers of DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) to the manufacturers in the major industrial hubs of India like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Belgaum, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Faridabad, Manesar, Bhiwadi, Gurugram, Delhi NCR, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab and Jamshedpur.
Our strong logistics network, ready stock and technical knowledge enable us to provide fast PAN India delivery to forging companies, die makers, tool rooms, plastic mould manufacturers, die casting industries and heavy engineering businesses.
Conclusion
DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714) is a high-performance hot work tool steel, known for its excellent toughness, wear resistance and thermal fatigue resistance. Proper heat treatment gives it hardness in the range of 45–56 HRC and makes it ideal for forging dies, extrusion tooling, die casting dies, and other demanding industrial applications.
Virat Steels is your trusted partner for premium quality DB6 Tool Steel with 70+ years of experience, 2000+ customers, ready stock, MTC, UT & Spectro Tested materials and PAN India delivery.
Call us or send your drawing to receive a customised material recommendation.
Request a Quote
Looking for premium-quality DB6 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2714)?
Virat Steels supplies DB6 Round and Flat Bars & Forged and Rolled Blocks, ESR /non ESR Blocks, Cut-to-Size Material with:
- ✔ 70+ Years of Industry Experience
- ✔ 2,000+ Satisfied Customers
- ✔ Ready Stock
- ✔ MTC Available
- ✔ UT Tested Material
- ✔ Spectro Tested Material
- ✔ Custom Machining
- ✔ PAN India Delivery
Contact Virat Steels today for technical guidance and a customized quotation for your DB6 Tool Steel requirements.
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Call us: +91-98140 21775 Email: info@viratsteels.com Visit us: Gurgaon (Haryana) | Ludhiana (Punjab)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the working hardness of DB6 steel?
DB6 steel is typically tempered to a working hardness of 44–50 HRC depending on the forging application.
2. Is DB6 a hot work or cold work tool steel?
DB6 (DIN 1.2714) is a premium hot work alloy tool steel containing Nickel, Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium.
3. What is the annealed hardness of DB6?
In annealed condition, DB6 has a hardness of 220–250 HB (Brinell Hardness) for easy machining.
4. What is the hardening temperature for DB6?
The recommended hardening (austenitizing) temperature is 840–870°C followed by oil, polymer, or air quenching.
5. How many tempering cycles are required for DB6?
At least two tempering cycles (double tempering) are required to relieve stress and stabilize the micro-structure.
6. Is DB6 equivalent to D2 or SKD11?
No. DB6 is a hot work steel (1.2714). D2 / SKD11 (1.2379) is a cold work steel used for cold punching and blanking.
7. What is the DIN equivalent of DB6?
The exact DIN equivalent is DIN 1.2714 (55NiCrMoV7) (L6).
8. What makes DB6 tough?
The presence of 1.50–1.80% Nickel (Ni) gives DB6 exceptional core toughness and resistance to impact cracking.
9. Can DB6 be used for blanking dies?
No, cold blanking requires cold work steels like D2 or DC53. DB6 is engineered for hot forging and high-impact dies.
10. What industries rely on DB6 tool steel?
Drop forging, press forging, automotive component manufacturing, heavy engineering, and defense.
11. Is pre-hardened DB6 available?
Yes, DB6 is often supplied in a pre-hardened condition (~35–40 HRC) for direct die cavity machining.
12. Can DB6 steel be welded?
Welding DB6 is difficult due to its high hardenability. Preheating to 300–400°C and post-weld stress relief are essential if welding is necessary.
13. Why does DB6 outperform H13 in drop forging hammer dies?
DB6 has higher Nickel content, offering superior impact energy absorption compared to H13, preventing die shattering under heavy hammer blows.
14. Why is stress relieving important before hardening DB6?
It removes machining stresses, preventing warping and dimensional movement during quenching.
15. What quality reports come with DB6 from Virat Special Steels?
Material Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1), Ultrasonic Testing (UT) report, and Hardness/Chemical test reports.
16. Does DB6 resist thermal fatigue?
Yes, its balanced Cr-Ni-Mo composition gives high resistance to heat checking (thermal fatigue).
17. What supply forms are available for DB6?
Round bars, flat blocks, forged blocks, and custom cut plates.
18. What is the primary advantage of DB6?
High impact toughness combined with excellent hardenability across large block sizes.
19. What should buyers check before buying DB6?
Ensure ultrasonic soundness (UT testing) to prevent internal defects in large die blocks.
20. Why choose Virat Special Steels for DB6?
Extensive stock, certified quality, precision cutting facilities, quick delivery, and decades of technical expertise.
Lucchini Italy Tool Steel Supplier in India | DIN 1.2714 & Hot Work Tool Steels
DIN 1.2714, H13, H11 & Hot Work Tool Steels | Pan India Delivery
In precision manufacturing, the right tool steel is not just a material choice — it is a productivity decision. Tool life, dimensional stability, surface finish, and downtime all depend heavily on the steel used in dies, moulds, punches, cutters, and hot-work tooling.
For manufacturers sourcing imported, high-performance tool steel across India — Lucchini Italy Tool Steel is the benchmark for consistent quality and advanced metallurgy. As an authorised Tool Steel Supplier in India, Virat Special Steels stocks and supplies premium Lucchini grades for automotive, aerospace, forging, die casting, plastic moulding, and precision engineering industries.
What Makes Lucchini Italy Tool Steel Special?
Lucchini, headquartered in Italy, has decades of experience manufacturing specialised tool steels to the most demanding international standards. As a trusted Imported Tool Steel supplier in India, Virat Steels sources directly from Lucchini to ensure authenticity and traceability.
- Exceptional hardness and wear resistance
- Superior toughness under impact and shock loading
- Excellent dimensional stability after heat treatment
- Batch-to-batch consistency for repeatable manufacturing results
- Lower inclusion levels through advanced melting and refining
Why Choose Italian Tool Steel?
Italian tool steel from Lucchini consistently outperforms standard grades due to superior steel-making practices. Here is why engineers and toolmakers prefer it:
| Advantage | What It Means for Your Tools |
| Cleaner Metallurgy | Lower sulphur, phosphorus and inclusion content; fewer micro-cracks in service |
| Better Toughness | Tools resist chipping and cracking even under heavy impact loads |
| Lower Rejection Rates | Uniform chemistry and microstructure reduce scrap during heat treatment and machining |
| Longer Tool Life | Customers consistently report 20–35% longer die life compared to standard grades |
| Consistent Heat Treatment | Predictable hardness response reduces rework; saves time and cost in toolrooms |
Lucchini Italy Tool Steel Grades Available in India
Virat Special Steels, a leading Special Steel Supplier and Industrial Tool Steel distributor, stocks the following Lucchini grades for immediate supply across India:
DIN 1.2714 — Hot Work Die Steel (L6 / BH 224 Equivalent)
DIN 1.2714 is the most widely used forging die steel in India. Its combination of high toughness, good wear resistance, and thermal shock resistance makes it the preferred choice for hot forging dies, hammer dies, and press tools.
- Applications: Forging Dies, Hot Stamping Tools, Hammer Dies, Press Tools
- Typical Hardness: 38–42 HRC depending on application
- Keywords: Forging Die Steel, Hot Work Tool Steel, Die Steel Supplier India
Hot Work Tool Steel — Full Range
Complete range of Lucchini hot work grades for forging, extrusion, die casting, and high-temperature tooling applications across Indian industry.
- Applications: Hot Work Dies, Extrusion Containers, Pressure Casting Dies
- Keywords: Hot Work Tool Steel India, Imported Tool Steel Supplier
Technical Data — Key Lucchini Tool Steel Grades
All values are typical and may vary with specific heat treatment parameters. Request mill test certificates for exact batch data.
| Grade | C % | Cr % | Mo % | V % | Hardness (HRC) | Key Property |
| DIN 1.2714 | 0.54–0.60 | 0.90–1.20 | 0.45–0.55 | 0.08–0.15 | 38–52 | Toughness |
| H13 / 1.2344 | 0.37–0.42 | 4.80–5.50 | 1.20–1.50 | 0.90–1.10 | 44–52 | Heat Resistance |
| H11 / 1.2343 | 0.37–0.41 | 4.80–5.50 | 1.10–1.40 | 0.30–0.50 | 44–50 | Impact Toughness |
| Plastic Mould | 0.28–0.40 | 1.60–2.00 | 0.15–0.25 | — | 28–34 (Pre-H) | Polishability |
Lucchini 1.2714 vs Standard 1.2714 — Performance Comparison
This comparison is based on customer feedback and industry data from Indian forging, die casting, and automotive tooling operations.
| Property | Lucchini 1.2714 | Standard 1.2714 | Advantage |
| Toughness | Higher | Medium | ✔ Lucchini — fewer cracks |
| Wear Resistance | High | Moderate | ✔ Lucchini — less edge wear |
| Tool Life | Longer (+20–25%) | Standard | ✔ Lucchini — lower tooling cost |
| Heat Treatment Response | Consistent | Variable | ✔ Lucchini — fewer rejects |
| Inclusion Level | Very Low | Moderate | ✔ Lucchini — cleaner steel |
| Surface Finish | Superior | Standard | ✔ Lucchini — better mould finish |
Customer Success Story — Real Results from Indian Industry
25% Longer Die Life for a Leading Forging Manufacturer
Challenge: A mid-size forging unit in Ludhiana was experiencing frequent die failure and inconsistent heat treatment results using domestically available DIN 1.2714.
Solution: Virat Special Steels recommended switching to Lucchini DIN 1.2714, supported by a full material certificate and application consultation.
Result: The customer achieved 25% longer die life, reduced rejection during heat treatment by over 30%, and lowered overall tooling cost per component — all within 3 production cycles.
Applications Across Indian Industries
| Industry | Common Tooling Application | Recommended Grade |
| Automotive | Stamping dies, forging dies, press tools | DIN 1.2714, H13 / 1.2344 |
| Die Casting | Aluminium, zinc & magnesium casting dies | H13 / 1.2344, H11 / 1.2343 |
| Forging & Extrusion | Hot-work dies, containers, mandrels | DIN 1.2714, H11 / 1.2343 |
| Plastic Processing | Injection moulds, blow moulds, inserts | Plastic Mould Steel |
| General Engineering | Punches, shear blades, wear parts, fixtures | DIN 1.2714, Cold Work Grades |
| Aerospace | Precision tooling, jigs & fixtures | H13 / 1.2344, High-Speed Steel |
Why Choose Virat Special Steels ?
Virat Special Steels is one of India’s most trusted Special Steel Suppliers and Tool Steel Distributors — backed by proven performance and a deep technical knowledge of tool steel applications.
| Credential | What It Means for You |
| Years in Business | Over 3 decades supplying special steels to Indian industry — deep market knowledge and trusted supplier relationships |
| Industries Served | Automotive, aerospace, forging, die casting, defence, railways, oil & gas, plastic processing — 20+ sectors |
| Stock Availability | Ready stock of popular Lucchini grades; no waiting for imports — immediate dispatch possible |
| Custom Cutting Facility | Cut-to-length, rough machined blanks, and custom sizes available — reduce waste and machining time |
| Pan India Supply | Delivering to Ludhiana, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Coimbatore, Rajkot, Hyderabad and all major industrial centres |
| Certified Material | Every batch supplied with Lucchini mill test certificates, chemical composition reports and hardness verification |
| Technical Consultation | Application-specific grade selection, heat treatment guidance, and after-sales technical support |
Tool Steel Supplier — Pan India Delivery
Virat Special Steels supplies Lucchini tool steel across India. Whether you need material in Punjab, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, or anywhere else in India — we deliver fast with full traceability.
- Tool Steel Supplier in Ludhiana — Same-day dispatch from our warehouse
- Tool Steel Supplier in Delhi NCR — Serving Faridabad, Gurgaon, Manesar, Noida, Ghaziabad
- Tool Steel Distributor India — Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, bangalore, Karnataka
- Pan India Delivery — Special packaging for long-distance shipments, tracking on request
Explore Our Product Range
Browse our full range of Lucchini tool steel and special steel products:
DIN 1.2714 Tool Steel — Product Page
H13 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2344) — Product Page
H11 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2343) — Product Page
Hot Work Tool Steel — Full Range
Plastic Mould Steel — Product Page
Why Manufacturers Choose Lucchini Tool Steel
Greater Resistance to Wear
Designed for hard working conditions and repeated production cycles, Lucchini grades minimise edge wear and reduce the frequency of maintenance shutdowns — keeping production lines running longer.
High Toughness
Good for tooling subjected to shock, impact and heavy mechanical loads where brittle fracture is costly. Lucchini’s controlled microstructure delivers consistent toughness that standard grades cannot match.
Thermal Fatigue Strength
Critical for die casting, forging, and extrusion where tools are repeatedly heated and cooled. Lucchini hot work grades resist thermal cracking even in high-cycle aluminium die casting operations.
Dimensional Stability
Maintains tolerances after heat treatment and in production — essential for precision tooling where dimensional drift causes part rejection.
Steady Production Performance
Cleaner steel and uniform properties allow for repeatable machining, heat treatment, and shop floor results batch to batch — reducing uncertainty in your toolroom.
Frequently Asked Questions — Lucchini Tool Steel in India
1. What is DIN 1.2714 used for?
DIN 1.2714 is primarily used for hot forging dies, hammer dies, press tools, and hot stamping applications. Its combination of toughness and wear resistance at elevated temperatures makes it the most widely used forging die steel in India.
2. Is Lucchini better than Chinese tool steel?
Yes, for most demanding industrial applications. Lucchini steel offers cleaner metallurgy, lower inclusion levels, consistent chemical composition, and reliable batch-to-batch quality. While Chinese tool steel may have a lower initial cost, Lucchini grades often provide longer tool life, improved heat treatment results, reduced rejection rates, and more predictable performance, resulting in better long-term value.
3. What is the hardness of DIN 1.2714 steel?
Typical hardness for DIN 1.2714 in service is 38–52 HRC depending on the application. Forging dies for heavy hammers are typically hardened to 38–44 HRC for maximum toughness, while press tools and inserts may be taken to 48–52 HRC for better wear resistance.
4. What is the equivalent grade of DIN 1.2714?
DIN 1.2714 is equivalent to AISI L6 (USA), BH 224 (UK), 55NiCrMoV7 (EN), and is comparable to several Indian standard grades. Always verify exact chemistry before substituting, as minor differences in nickel or vanadium content can affect toughness and heat treatment response.
5. What is H13 tool steel used for?
H13 (DIN 1.2344) is the global standard for aluminium die casting dies, hot extrusion tooling, hot forging dies, and high-polish plastic injection moulds. Its high chromium and vanadium content provides excellent thermal fatigue resistance and hot hardness.
6. What is the difference between H13 and H11 tool steel?
H13 (1.2344) contains more vanadium (0.90–1.10%) than H11 (1.2343, 0.30–0.50%), giving it higher wear resistance and hot hardness. H11 has slightly better toughness due to lower carbon and vanadium. H13 is preferred for die casting; H11 for extrusion liners and applications requiring maximum impact resistance.
7. Where can I buy Lucchini tool steel in India?
Virat Special Steels stocks popular Lucchini Italy grades, including DIN 1.2714, H13, H11, and plastic mould steels, with supply across major industrial hubs in India.
8. Is Lucchini tool steel available with mill test certificates?
Yes. Lucchini tool steel is supplied with original mill test certificates, providing details of chemical composition, mechanical properties, and full traceability for quality assurance..
9. Can you supply custom sizes and cut-to-length pieces?
Yes. Virat Special Steels offers custom cutting and rough machining services. We can supply tool steel in cut-to-length bars, rough turned rounds, and custom blanks to reduce material waste and machining time in your toolroom.
10. What industries benefit most from Lucchini Tool Steel?
Premium Italian tool steel is trusted across automotive, forging, die casting, extrusion, plastic moulding, aerospace, railways, defence, and precision engineering industries for reliable performance and longer tool life.
11. What is the minimum order quantity for Lucchini tool steel?
Virat Special Steels can supply from small quantities (single piece) for toolroom requirements up to bulk tonnage for production facilities. There is no minimum order restriction on stocked grades.
12. Do you supply Lucchini steel outside Ludhiana?
Yes. We supply Lucchini tool steel Pan India — including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and all major industrial regions. Courier, truck, and train transport options available.
Get in Touch — Request a Quote Today
For grade selection, pricing, stock availability, and technical support for Lucchini Italy Tool Steel — contact Virat Special Steels today.
📞 +91 98140-21775 ✉ info@viratsteels.com