What kind of steel should I use to make a die for hot forming titanium?

Question

We need to make a die for hot forming of titanium that can handle temperatures from 1300-1500 deg F. It will need to be heated up and cooled down numerous times to make several parts. We were looking for a recomendation on what type of steel to buy for our die that could handle these temperatures best.

Answer 1

*WPS-WORK PRESSURE STEEL.
*Premium Grade H13 tool steel.
*Die materials for aluminum die-casting need to be resistant to heat checking, and have good resistance to washout and to soldering in a fast flow of molten aluminum. To resist heat checking, die materials should have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity, high hot yield strength, good temper softening resistance, high creep strength, and adequate ductility. To resist the washout and soldering, die materials should have high hot hardness, good temper resistance, low solubility in molten aluminum and good oxidation resistance. It is difficult for one material to satisfy with all above requirements. In practice, H13 steel is the most popular material for aluminum die casting dies. While it is not an ideal choice, it is substantially less expensive to use than alternative materials. However, in very demanding applications, it is sometimes necessary to use alternative materials to ensure a reasonable die life. Copper-base, nickel-base alloys and superalloys, titanium-,molybdenum-, tungsten-base alloys, and to some extent yttrium and niobium alloys, have all been considered as potential materials for demanding die casting applications. Most of these alloys exhibit superior thermal fatigue resistance, but suffer from other shortcomings .

Answer 2

Is the temperature quoted the actual tool temperature, or just the workpiece ? if the tool, that is extremely high. What do you mean by "hot forming" , is this drop forging, in which case shock resistance is needed and the relatively short die contact time will help keep the tool temp. down. If hydraulic press forming, the shock will be less, but contact time will probably be greater. Also the size pieces of steel you need and the lead time your project has may limit your choices.
Generally speaking, you'll need a "hot work" steel, but it would probably be best to talk with your steel supplier to find the specific variety that is best for your application.

Answer 3

H12 or H13 may be suitable. Write with more details for a correct recommendation.