CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel

VT machining provides CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel for customers who need accurate, repeatable H13 Tool Steel components. The machinability of H13 Tool Steel is machined in the annealed state, then hardened; carbide tooling preferred, so we set the operation up specifically for this grade.

CNC Waterjet Cutting Capability for H13 Tool Steel

  • Air/oil/water-hardening grades
  • High wear resistance
  • Hardenable to 58–64 HRC
  • Tolerance to ±0.005 mm

H13 Tool Steel Material Data

H13 Tool Steel — typical properties, quoted for WC-Co (YG8 / K20)
Density14.5 g/cm³
Tensile strength2000–3500 (TRS) MPa
Yield strength (0.2%)
Hardness88–93 HRA / 1300–1800 HV
Melting point2870 (WC) °C
Thermal conductivity70–100 W/m·K
Thermal expansion5.0 ×10⁻⁶/K
Electrical conductivity10%
Machinability (C36000 = 100%)grind / EDM only
Grades we runYG6, YG8, YG15 (K10–K30), D2, H13, M2, SKD11

Published typical values for WC-Co (YG8 / K20). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.

Machining H13 Tool Steel — what actually causes trouble

Everything is done by grinding, wire EDM or sinker EDM. Design in a small corner radius wherever possible — a true sharp internal corner doubles the EDM time.

Machining H13 Tool Steel with CNC Waterjet Cutting

When cutting H13 Tool Steel, machinability is machined in the annealed state, then hardened; carbide tooling preferred. Our process plan reflects this so the finished part holds its tolerances without distortion or poor finish.

Documented parameters for H13 Tool Steel mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.

Achievable Tolerances for CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel

CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Contour dimension±0.10 mm±0.05 mm
Hole diameter±0.10 mm±0.05 mm
Kerf width0.20 mm0.10 mm
Squareness of cut edge0.5°0.2°
Heat-affected zone0.15 mm0.05 mm (N₂ assist)
Minimum hole diameter1.2 × thickness1.0 × thickness
Edge conditionlight drossburr-free, N₂ cut

Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

Most H13 Tool Steel parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.

CNC Waterjet Cutting Quality & Inspection

Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.

Why H13 Tool Steel?

Customers select H13 Tool Steel for CNC Waterjet Cutting because it is wear-resistant and hardenable for tooling. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.

Design Tips for CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel

Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on H13 Tool Steel. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

CNC Waterjet Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish

Laser-cut H13 Tool Steel holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.

Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.

Applications of CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel

H13 Tool Steel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.

How to Order CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel

Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the H13 Tool Steel grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.

Finishing Options for H13 Tool Steel

Finishing options available with this material
FinishThickness / effectWhy it gets specified
Deburr / edge break0.05–0.3 mmAll parts unless the drawing says otherwise
Bead blastRa 1.6–3.2 µmUniform matt finish, hides tool marks
Laser markingPart number, lot code, data matrix
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Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.

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What We Need to Quote CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel

  • GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
  • MaterialThe exact H13 Tool Steel grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
  • QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
  • TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
  • FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
  • DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.

Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.

H13 Tool Steel in Other Processes

Related

Send the drawing, the H13 Tool Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can VT machining make custom H13 Tool Steel parts to my drawing?

Yes. H13 Tool Steel H13 Tool Steel cutting is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.

Which industries use CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel parts?

CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise H13 Tool Steel components are required.

What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Waterjet Cutting H13 Tool Steel?

CNC Waterjet Cutting prototypes for H13 Tool Steel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.

What surface finish is achievable on H13 Tool Steel with CNC Waterjet Cutting?

Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on H13 Tool Steel with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.