Tool Steel - H13 Tool Steel is a type of carbon alloy steel that is suitable for tool manufacturing, such as hand tools or machine dies. Its hardness, resistance to abrasion and ability to retain shape at increased temperatures are key properties of this material. Tool Steel is typically used in a heat-treated condition which provides increased hardness. H13 is used to cut material at high temperatures and has added strength and hardness for prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. It is low in carbon and moderately high in additional alloys. Typical applications of H-Grade tool steel include Cold Heading Die Casings, Die Casting Dies and Cores for Zinc and Aluminium, Hot Extrusion for Aluminium and Magnesium, Hot Forging, Hot Gripper, Hot Swaging, Hot Trimming, Dummy Blocks (Hot Extrusion), and Hot Shear Knives.