This grade is typically supplied in a highly uniform hardness range of 48–52 HRC, making it suitable for demanding toolmaking environments including moulds, dies, inserts, punches, and wear-resistant components. Its exceptional hardness and toughness balance place it above standard pre-hardened grades such as 1.2738, or VR300, and closer to premium tool steels used for precision tooling.

Why ESR Refining is Critical?

The ESR process removes non-metallic inclusions and produces a fine, uniform microstructure. This results in:

1. Superior toughness even at high hardness levels

2. Extremely high cleanliness

3. Excellent fatigue resistance

4. Improved polishability and texturing capability

5. Better machinability for its hardness range

These properties make VR 16 HH ESR suitable for high-performance, long-life tools.

Key Properties of VR 16 HH ESR

1. High and Stable Hardness (48–52 HRC)

Its maintains a consistently high hardness throughout its cross-section. This ensures superior wear resistance, strength, and dimensional stability during high-pressure or high-temperature operations.

2. Ultra-High Toughness

Despite its hardness, ESR refining ensures excellent toughness, minimizing the risk of chipping, cracking, or premature tool failure.

3. Excellent Wear & Abrasion Resistance

Because of its high hardness and alloy composition, VR 16 HH ESR is ideal for tooling subjected to continuous friction, pressure, and abrasive materials.

4. Superior Cleanliness & Fine Microstructure

The ESR process eliminates impurities, allowing:

a. High-gloss polishing

b. Laser texturing

c. EDM finishing without micro-cracking

5. Better Machinability Compared to Conventional High-Hardness Steels

Although hard, the steel machines more smoothly than standard high-hardness tool steels due to its refined microstructure.

6. Good Thermal Stability

VR 16 HH ESR performs reliably in applications involving temperature variations, resisting thermal fatigue, distortion, and loss of hardness.

7. Suitable for Surface Treatments

It can be nitrided or coated (TiN, CrN, DLC) to further enhance surface wear resistance and tool life.

Common Applications

1. High-wear mould inserts

2. Die-casting inserts for aluminium, zinc, and magnesium

3. Core pins, cavities, and slides

4. Precision cutting tools

5. Hot runner components

6. Punches, dies, and stamping components

7. High-performance industrial tools requiring both hardness and toughness

Summary

VR 16 HH ESR is a high-hardness, ultra-clean tool steel designed for extremely demanding tooling environments. With its ESR-refined microstructure, exceptional toughness, outstanding hardness uniformity, and excellent wear resistance, it is ideal for premium moulds, dies, and high-precision tooling that require long service life and superior performance.