4Ch5MF1S Forged Bars, Rings, Blocks and Sleeves
Hot-work tool steel to GOST 5950-2000. Also written 4Х5МФ1С (GOST Cyrillic), 4Kh5MF1S, 4H5MF1S, 4X5MF1C, and designated ЭП572 / EP572. Its closest international equivalents are AISI H13, DIN 1.2344 (X40CrMoV5-1), JIS SKD61 and GB 4Cr5MoSiV1.
Published 11 April 2019. Last reviewed by the technical department of Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd.
Key facts
4Ch5MF1S is a chromium–molybdenum–vanadium hot-work tool steel specified in GOST 5950-2000 (Cyrillic designation 4Х5МФ1С, alternative designation ЭП572). It contains nominally 5 % chromium, 1.35 % molybdenum, 1 % vanadium and 1 % silicon, and is used for die-casting dies, hot forging dies, extrusion tooling and hot shear blades that must resist thermal fatigue at service temperatures up to about 550 °C. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd., an open-die forging factory at No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China, supplies 4Ch5MF1S as open-die forged round bars, square and flat bars, seamless rolled rings, blocks, discs and hollow sleeves, normally delivered in the annealed condition with an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate.
- Standard
- GOST 5950-2000Alloy and high-alloy tool steel, bars and forgings
- Designations
- 4Х5МФ1С, ЭП572, EP572Latin transliterations: 4Ch5MF1S, 4Kh5MF1S, 4H5MF1S, 4X5MF1C
- Steel type
- Cr-Mo-V hot-work tool steelAir hardening, secondary hardening, 5 % Cr class
- Closest equivalents
- H13, 1.2344, SKD61, 4Cr5MoSiV1Composition ranges differ slightly. See clause 3
- Product forms
- Bars, rings, blocks, discs, sleevesOpen-die forged and seamless ring rolled
- Delivery condition
- Annealed, ≤ 241 HBQuenched and tempered to customer hardness on request
- Forging temperature
- Start 1180 °C, finish 850 °CSlow cooling in furnace or pit after forging
- Hardening
- Oil quench from 1020 °CTemper twice; 44–52 HRC typical for dies
- Supplier
- Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd.Open-die forging factory, Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China
- Contact
- +86 189 2135 9659sales@steelforgepieces.com
On this page
What is 4Ch5MF1S steel?
4Ch5MF1S is the Latin transliteration of the Russian grade 4Х5МФ1С, a hot-work tool steel listed in GOST 5950-2000 and also carried under the designation ЭП572 (EP572). The name follows the usual GOST convention. 4 stands for roughly 0.4 % carbon, Х5 for about 5 % chromium, М for molybdenum, Ф1 for about 1 % vanadium, and С for the higher silicon content.
The steel sits in the 5 % chromium hot-work family. Chromium and molybdenum give hot strength and temper resistance. Vanadium forms fine carbides that hold hardness during secondary hardening and resist washout. The higher silicon improves resistance to attack by molten aluminium. Together these make the grade a common choice for tooling that is heated and cooled repeatedly in service, such as die-casting dies, hot forging dies and extrusion tooling.
The lower-vanadium grade 4Х5МФС carries about 0.3–0.5 % vanadium, while 4Ch5MF1S carries 0.8–1.1 %. This is why 4Ch5MF1S maps onto AISI H13 rather than H11. The extra vanadium raises wear resistance and tempering resistance, and costs a little toughness.
Chemical composition of 4Ch5MF1S
The table below gives the chemical composition of 4Ch5MF1S as specified in GOST 5950-2000, with the tighter aircraft-quality variant 4Х5МФ1СА to TU 108.11.917-87 for comparison. Iron is the balance.
| Element | GOST 5950-2000 (4Х5МФ1С) | TU 108.11.917-87 (4Х5МФ1СА) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon, C | 0.37 – 0.44 | 0.30 – 0.38 |
| Silicon, Si | 0.90 – 1.20 | 0.70 – 1.20 |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.20 – 0.50 | ≤ 0.60 |
| Chromium, Cr | 4.50 – 5.50 | 4.50 – 5.50 |
| Molybdenum, Mo | 1.20 – 1.50 | 1.00 – 1.50 |
| Vanadium, V | 0.80 – 1.10 | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| Nickel, Ni | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.50 |
| Copper, Cu | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.40 |
| Tungsten, W | ≤ 0.20 | — |
| Titanium, Ti | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Phosphorus, P | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.025 |
| Sulfur, S | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.025 |
| Iron, Fe | Balance | Balance |
Source: GOST 5950-2000, Alloyed and high-alloyed tool steel. Bars, strips and coils; TU 108.11.917-87. Heat analysis. Product analysis tolerances per clause 3.2.2 of GOST 5950-2000 apply.
4Ch5MF1S equivalent grades
4Ch5MF1S is normally cross-referenced to the H13 family. The grades below are close equivalents rather than identical specifications. Carbon, molybdenum and vanadium bands differ between them, so confirm which standard the order is placed against before machining or heat treating.
| Country / body | Standard | Grade | C % | Cr % | Mo % | V % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia / CIS | GOST 5950-2000 | 4Х5МФ1С (ЭП572) | 0.37–0.44 | 4.50–5.50 | 1.20–1.50 | 0.80–1.10 |
| USA | ASTM A681 / AISI | H13 (UNS T20813) | 0.32–0.45 | 4.75–5.50 | 1.10–1.75 | 0.80–1.20 |
| Germany / EU | EN ISO 4957 | X40CrMoV5-1 (1.2344) | 0.37–0.43 | 4.80–5.50 | 1.20–1.50 | 0.90–1.10 |
| Japan | JIS G4404 | SKD61 | 0.35–0.42 | 4.80–5.50 | 1.00–1.50 | 0.80–1.20 |
| China | GB/T 1299 | 4Cr5MoSiV1 | 0.32–0.45 | 4.75–5.50 | 1.10–1.75 | 0.80–1.20 |
| France | AFNOR NF A35-590 | Z40CDV5 | 0.35–0.45 | 4.80–5.50 | 1.10–1.60 | 0.80–1.20 |
| UK | BS 4659 | BH13 | 0.35–0.45 | 4.80–5.50 | 1.20–1.60 | 0.85–1.15 |
Sources: GOST 5950-2000; ASTM A681; EN ISO 4957; JIS G4404; GB/T 1299. Ranges are given for comparison only and do not constitute a certificate of interchangeability.
Choosing between 4Ch5MF1S and 4Х5МФС
Buyers frequently confuse the two GOST grades. 4Х5МФС (≈ AISI H11 / 1.2343) carries only 0.3–0.5 % vanadium and is the tougher, more shock-tolerant choice for large hammer dies. 4Х5МФ1С (≈ AISI H13 / 1.2344) carries 0.8–1.1 % vanadium and holds hardness better in long die-casting runs. If your drawing calls for H13, order 4Х5МФ1С.
Mechanical properties
Values below are for forgings oil-quenched from 1020 °C and tempered for two hours at the stated temperature, taken from GOST reference data for 4Х5МФ1С. Properties in service depend on section size, quench rate and the number of tempers, so always qualify the heat treatment on your own test coupons.
| Tempering temperature | Yield strength Rp0.2 | Tensile strength Rm | Elongation A5 | Reduction of area Z | Impact KCU | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 °C | ≥ 1490 MPa | ≥ 1860 MPa | ≥ 9 % | ≥ 28 % | ≥ 490 kJ/m² | ≥ 52 HRC |
| 400 °C | — | — | ≥ 8 % | ≥ 24 % | ≥ 410 kJ/m² | ≥ 54 HRC |
| 500 °C | ≥ 1490 MPa | — | ≥ 8 % | ≥ 25 % | ≥ 200 kJ/m² | ≥ 55 HRC |
| 600 °C | ≥ 1470 MPa | ≥ 1620 MPa | ≥ 10 % | ≥ 46 % | ≥ 440 kJ/m² | ≥ 50 HRC |
| 580 °C, 2 h (forging, longitudinal) | ≥ 1470 MPa | ≥ 1670 MPa | ≥ 10 % | ≥ 40 % | ≥ 390 kJ/m² | — |
Source: GOST reference data for steel 4Х5МФ1С (ЭП572), forged test pieces. The secondary hardening peak near 500 °C is characteristic of the 5 % Cr hot-work family.
Annealed supply condition: hardness ≤ 241 HB, structure granular pearlite. This is the condition in which 4Ch5MF1S forgings are normally shipped so the customer can rough-machine before hardening.
Physical properties
| Temperature | Modulus of elasticity E | Density ρ | Thermal conductivity λ | Electrical resistivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 °C | 207 GPa | 7716 kg/m³ | 22 W/(m·°C) | 553 nΩ·m |
| 100 °C | — | 7692 kg/m³ | 25 W/(m·°C) | 591 nΩ·m |
| 200 °C | — | 7660 kg/m³ | 27 W/(m·°C) | 649 nΩ·m |
| 300 °C | 187 GPa | 7627 kg/m³ | 29 W/(m·°C) | 715 nΩ·m |
| 400 °C | — | 7593 kg/m³ | 30 W/(m·°C) | 798 nΩ·m |
| 500 °C | — | 7559 kg/m³ | 31 W/(m·°C) | 879 nΩ·m |
| 600 °C | 160 GPa | 7523 kg/m³ | 31 W/(m·°C) | 970 nΩ·m |
| 700 °C | — | 7490 kg/m³ | 31 W/(m·°C) | 1077 nΩ·m |
| 800 °C | — | 7459 kg/m³ | 31 W/(m·°C) | 1189 nΩ·m |
Source: GOST reference data for steel 4Х5МФ1С (ЭП572). Note that published H13 and SKD61 data give a room-temperature density near 7.80 g/cm³ and modulus near 215 GPa; the small difference reflects different source datasets rather than a different material.
Forging and heat treatment of 4Ch5MF1S
| Operation | Temperature | Cooling / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forging, start | 1180 °C | Soak thoroughly; avoid rapid heating of large sections |
| Forging, finish | 850 °C | Slow cool in furnace or ash pit; never air cool on the floor |
| Annealing | 840 – 870 °C | Furnace cool at ≤ 30 °C/h to 600 °C, then air; ≤ 241 HB |
| Stress relief (rough machined) | 650 – 700 °C | Hold 2 h, furnace cool |
| Preheating for hardening | 550 °C then 850 °C | Two stages, equalise at each |
| Hardening (austenitising) | 1020 – 1050 °C | Oil quench, or vacuum gas quench for dies |
| Tempering | 540 – 620 °C | Twice, minimum 2 h each, cool to room temperature between |
| Nitriding (optional) | 500 – 540 °C | Surface 950 – 1100 HV, case 0.10 – 0.30 mm |
Parameters are typical starting points for 4Ch5MF1S. Temper at least 30 °C above the intended service temperature, and never temper in the 400–500 °C range for die-casting dies, where toughness is at a minimum.
Working hardness by application
- Aluminium die-casting dies: 44 – 48 HRC
- Hot forging dies and inserts: 44 – 50 HRC
- Extrusion dies, stems and containers: 46 – 50 HRC
- Hot shear blades and punches: 48 – 52 HRC
- Plastic mould cavities: 48 – 52 HRC, polished or textured
Applications of 4Ch5MF1S forgings
GOST reference literature specifies 4Ch5MF1S for forgings of general machine parts, dies for pressure die-casting of zinc, aluminium and magnesium alloys, hammer and press inserts 200–250 mm thick or diameter for hot deformation of structural steel, and upsetting tooling for alloyed and heat-resistant materials on horizontal forging machines. In practice the grade is ordered for:
- Die-casting dies, cavities, cores and inserts for aluminium, magnesium and zinc
- Die-casting shot sleeves, plungers and nozzle bodies
- Hot forging dies, die blocks, die holders and bolsters
- Aluminium extrusion dies, die holders, liners, stems, dummy blocks and containers
- Forming punches, upsetting dies, bolt and nut dies, header and gripper dies
- Hot shear blades and scrap shear blades
- Plastic mould cavities, screws and cylinders for plastics processing
- Rolls for profiling tools, trimming tools, shrink rings and wear-resistant parts
- Nitrided ejector pins, mandrels and hot-work wear components
Because the grade is air hardening and supplied annealed, most of these parts are rough-machined from a forged block or bar, stress relieved, hardened and tempered, then finish-machined and nitrided.
4Ch5MF1S forms and sizes we supply
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. produces 4Ch5MF1S by open-die forging and seamless ring rolling from electric-furnace steel. The ranges below cover our standard programme; enquire for sizes outside them.
| Product form | Dimensional range | Single-piece weight | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round bar / shaft | OD 80 – 1200 mm, L ≤ 6000 mm | 50 – 15 000 kg | Punches, stems, mandrels |
| Square, flat and rectangular bar | Thickness 100 – 1000 mm, width ≤ 1500 mm | 50 – 15 000 kg | Die blocks, bolsters |
| Block, disc and plate | OD / width 200 – 2000 mm, t 50 – 600 mm | 30 – 12 000 kg | Die-casting die bases, cavities |
| Seamless rolled ring | OD 200 – 3000 mm, wall ≥ 40 mm, H ≤ 800 mm | 20 – 8000 kg | Shrink rings, die rings |
| Hollow bar, sleeve and bush | OD 150 – 1500 mm, ID ≥ 80 mm | 30 – 10 000 kg | Shot sleeves, liners, containers |
| Cylinder, housing and hub | To drawing | To 20 000 kg | Extrusion containers, tooling bodies |
Surface and machining condition
- Black forged. As forged and heat treated, for customers machining from solid.
- Rough turned or milled. Typical allowance 6–20 mm per side depending on section.
- Finish machined to drawing, including bores, keyways, steps and radii.
Minimum order and lead time
Minimum order quantity is one piece for stock sizes. Typical lead time is 25–40 days after drawing approval for forged and annealed material, and 35–55 days when quenching, tempering and finish machining are included. Confirm current lead time with the sales team when you enquire.
Inspection, testing and certificates
Every 4Ch5MF1S forging is supplied with an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate stating the heat number, ladle analysis, heat treatment record and test results. The following tests are available:
- Chemical analysis. Ladle and product analysis by spectrometer, reported against GOST 5950-2000.
- Mechanical testing. Tensile, impact (KCU or Charpy V) and hardness on heat-treated coupons.
- Ultrasonic testing to SEP 1921, ASTM A388 or GOST 24507, acceptance class to order.
- Magnetic particle and dye penetrant to ASTM E1444 and ASTM E165 on machined surfaces.
- Microstructure and grain size, annealed structure per the GOST 5950-2000 microstructure scales.
- Non-metallic inclusion rating to ASTM E45 or GOST 1778.
- Dimensional report against the approved drawing.
- Third-party inspection by SGS, BV, TÜV or a customer inspector on request.
Marking normally includes grade, heat number, piece number and order number, hard stamped or paint marked as agreed. Packing is seaworthy: steel strapping on pallets, VCI film and plywood cases for machined parts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the international equivalent of 4Ch5MF1S?
The closest equivalents to 4Ch5MF1S (GOST 4Х5МФ1С) are AISI H13 in the USA, X40CrMoV5-1 / material number 1.2344 in Germany and the EU, SKD61 in Japan, 4Cr5MoSiV1 in China, Z40CDV5 in France and BH13 in the UK. The chromium, molybdenum and vanadium levels are close but the carbon and molybdenum bands differ slightly, so specify which standard the order is placed against.
Is 4Ch5MF1S the same as H13?
They are equivalent for most tooling applications but not identical. 4Ch5MF1S is specified with carbon 0.37–0.44 % and molybdenum 1.20–1.50 %, while H13 to ASTM A681 allows carbon 0.32–0.45 % and molybdenum 1.10–1.75 %. A 4Ch5MF1S heat will normally fall inside the H13 band, but an H13 heat will not always meet the narrower GOST molybdenum range. If the drawing requires GOST certification, order the material as 4Х5МФ1С to GOST 5950-2000.
What is the difference between 4Х5МФ1С and 4Х5МФС?
Vanadium. 4Х5МФС carries roughly 0.3–0.5 % vanadium and behaves like AISI H11 or 1.2343, so it is tougher and better suited to large hammer dies and heavy shock. 4Х5МФ1С carries 0.8–1.1 % vanadium and behaves like AISI H13 or 1.2344, with better wear resistance and tempering resistance for long die-casting runs.
What hardness can 4Ch5MF1S reach?
After oil quenching from 1020 °C the as-quenched hardness is above 52 HRC, and secondary hardening near 500 °C can give 55 HRC. Working hardness for dies is normally set between 44 and 52 HRC by double tempering at 540–620 °C. In the annealed delivery condition the hardness is ≤ 241 HB so the forging can be rough machined.
What are the forging temperatures for 4Ch5MF1S?
Start forging at 1180 °C and finish at no lower than 850 °C, then cool slowly in a furnace or ash pit. Because the steel is air hardening, fast cooling straight from the forging heat will produce untempered martensite and can crack the piece. Anneal at 840–870 °C with a controlled furnace cool afterwards.
Who supplies 4Ch5MF1S forgings?
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. is an open-die forging factory in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China that supplies 4Ch5MF1S (GOST 4Х5МФ1С / ЭП572) as forged round bars, square and flat bars, blocks, discs, seamless rolled rings, hollow bars and sleeves. The factory address is No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China. Enquiries go to sales@steelforgepieces.com or +86 189 2135 9659.
What sizes of 4Ch5MF1S forging are available?
Round bars from 80 to 1200 mm diameter and up to 6000 mm long, blocks and flats from 100 to 1000 mm thick, seamless rolled rings from 200 to 3000 mm outside diameter, and hollow sleeves from 150 to 1500 mm outside diameter. Single-piece weights run from about 20 kg to 20 tonnes. Sizes outside this range are quoted case by case.
Can 4Ch5MF1S be nitrided?
Yes. Gas or plasma nitriding at 500–540 °C gives a surface hardness of roughly 950–1100 HV with a case of 0.10–0.30 mm. Nitride only after hardening and tempering, and keep the tempering temperature above the nitriding temperature so the core hardness is not lost. For die-casting dies the case is usually kept thin to avoid edge spalling.
What certificates are supplied with the forgings?
An EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate is standard and covers heat number, chemical analysis, heat treatment record, mechanical test results and hardness. Ultrasonic testing to SEP 1921, ASTM A388 or GOST 24507, magnetic particle inspection, grain size, inclusion rating and third-party inspection by SGS, BV or TÜV can be added to the order.
How do I request a quotation for 4Ch5MF1S?
Send the grade, product form, dimensions with tolerances or a drawing, quantity, required delivery condition and hardness, any NDT requirement and your destination port to sales@steelforgepieces.com. A quotation with weight, price and lead time is normally returned within one working day.
Request a 4Ch5MF1S quotation
Tell us the form, size, quantity and delivery condition and we will quote weight, price and lead time. Drawings in PDF, DWG or STEP are welcome.
Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd.Open-die forging factory
No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China
Phone / WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 189 2135 9659
Email: sales@steelforgepieces.com
Web: www.steelforgepieces.com