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SKD-61 Steel: The High-Performance Hot Work Tool Steel
Welcome to Jupiter Steels, your trusted partner for high-performance SKD-61 steel. This is a premier hot work tool steel renowned for its ability to withstand extreme thermal and mechanical stresses. Whether you’re in die casting, forging, or plastic molding, this steel’s unique properties ensure your tools and dies have an extended service life and superior performance.
Key Applications of SKD-61 Steel
SKD-61 steel is an essential grade for manufacturers who demand durability and reliability from their tooling. Its exceptional properties make it the go-to choice for a variety of demanding industrial uses:
- Die Casting Dies: Primarily used for casting aluminum, magnesium, and zinc alloys, where it resists thermal shock and heat checking, extending die life.
- Extrusion Tooling: Essential for mandrels, liners, and dies used in extruding aluminum, brass, and other metals.
- Hot Forging Dies: Withstands the immense impact and high temperatures of the hot forging process.
- Plastic Molds: Particularly for molds that process thermosetting resins and other plastics where high temperatures are a factor.
- Hot Shear Blades: Used for cutting materials at high temperatures, relying on the steel’s hot hardness and toughness.
Chemical Composition: The Science Behind the Strength 🧪
The performance of SKD-61 is directly linked to its precise chemical makeup. Each element is added for a specific purpose, creating a steel with superior characteristics.
| Element | Percentage (%) | Purpose & Reasoning |
| Carbon (C) | 0.33 – 0.42 | Provides hardenability and strength. This is a balanced content to allow for a high working hardness without making the steel brittle. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.5 – 5.5 | Enhances hot hardness and resistance to thermal softening. Chromium forms stable carbides that contribute to high-temperature strength and wear resistance. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.0 – 1.5 | Significantly improves high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and resistance to softening during tempering. |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.80 – 1.15 | Forms fine, hard carbides that provide excellent wear resistance and prevent grain growth at high temperatures, ensuring toughness and dimensional stability. |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 – 1.20 | Acts as a deoxidizer and strengthens the steel through solid solution hardening, improving its overall toughness. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20 – 0.50 | Contributes to hardenability and reduces the risk of hot shortness by combining with sulfur. |
Export to Sheets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between SKD-61 and SKD-11?
SKD-61 is a hot work tool steel designed for high temperatures, excelling in thermal fatigue resistance.
SKD-11, on the other hand, is a cold work tool steel engineered for superior wear resistance and toughness at room temperature. They are used for entirely different applications: SKD-61 for dies that get hot, and SKD-11 for cutting, punching, and stamping applications.
Is SKD-61 suitable for cold work applications?
While SKD-61 has good toughness, it is not optimized for cold work applications. Steels with higher carbon and chromium content are specifically designed for high wear resistance and toughness at ambient temperatures. Using SKD-61 in a cold work application would likely result in premature failure due to insufficient wear resistance.
What is the typical working hardness of SKD-61 steel?
After proper heat treatment (hardening and tempering), SKD-61 steel typically achieves a working hardness in the range of 40-55 HRC, making it durable and resistant to wear and deformation under high-stress conditions.
Why Choose Jupiter Steels for Your SKD-61 Needs?
As a leading SKD-61 Steel Supplier in Delhi, Jupiter Steels is your premier source for top-quality materials. We understand the critical importance of reliable, high-performance steel for your business.
- Certified Quality: We supply only certified and ultrasonic-tested SKD-61 steel, ensuring a defect-free and clean microstructure for maximum performance and longevity.
- Extensive Inventory: Our bulk stock in Mundka, Delhi, guarantees that you’ll have access to the materials you need, when you need them, without unnecessary delays.
- Customization: We offer cut-to-size services, providing the exact dimensions you require and saving you time and cost on in-house machining.
- Expert Support: Our team has deep-rooted expertise in the steel industry. We’re here to provide professional guidance and ensure you select the best grade for your specific application.
- Reliable Delivery: We offer prompt and secure delivery services across Delhi NCR, making us a dependable steel supplier in Delhi for all your industrial needs.

