BS 4659 BH13 vs ASTM A681 H13

Strong Match — 93% match based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.

BS 4659 BH13 (BS 4659:1989) and ASTM A681 H13 (ASTM A681:2008) are both steel grades. Both fall under the Tool & Die Steels category. BS 4659 BH13 is typically used for die casting dies, forging tools, extrusion dies, while ASTM A681 H13 is commonly used for die casting dies, extrusion dies, forging dies, hot stamping. BS 4659 BH13 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom, while ASTM A681 H13 is defined under ASTM International, originating from United States.

As per chemical composition, BS 4659 BH13 vs ASTM A681 H13 is a 89.5% match. As per mechanical properties, the match is 100%. Combined, this makes them a strong match overall at 93%.

Frequently Compared With BS 4659 BH13:
EN ISO 4957 1.2316 GOST 5950 4H5MFS1 EN ISO 683-17 100Cr6 GB/T 1299 3Cr2W8V DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2344 GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV GOST 5950 4H5MFS GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV1 DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2379 GOST 5950 3H2W8F AISI 52100 IS 1570 (Part 6) 103T3
Match Breakdown
CHEMISTRY MATCH
89.5%
MECHANICAL MATCH
100%
OVERALL
93%
Specifications
Property BS 4659 BH13 ASTM A681 H13
Standard BS 4659:1989 ASTM A681:2008
Category Tool & Die Steels Tool & Die Steels
C (%) 0.35–0.42 0.32-0.45
Si (%) 0.80–1.20 0.80-1.25
Mn (%) 0.30–0.50 0.20-0.60
Cr (%) 4.75–5.50 4.75-5.50
Mo (%) 1.20–1.75 1.10-1.75
V (%) 0.80–1.20 0.80-1.20
P (%) Not specified <=0.030
S (%) Not specified <=0.030
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Mechanical Properties
Property BS 4659 BH13 ASTM A681 H13
Hardness HRC (hardened) 42–54 Not specified
Hardness HB (annealed) ≤235 Not specified
Hardness Not specified <=235 HB
Condition Not specified Annealed (maximum Brinell hardness)
Typical Applications
BS 4659 BH13
Die casting dies, forging tools, extrusion dies
ASTM A681 H13
Die casting dies, extrusion dies, forging dies, hot stamping
Key Differences
Can BS 4659 BH13 Be Substituted With ASTM A681 H13?
BS 4659 BH13 and ASTM A681 H13 overlap closely enough on chemistry and mechanical properties that ASTM A681 H13 is often considered as a substitute for BS 4659 BH13 in many applications. Always confirm the specific property range your application needs before substituting, and check with your supplier's mill certificate.
Forms & Sizes Available on M-EX
BS 4659 BH13
Round Bar → (2 listings)
Diameter: 80–80 mm (3.15–3.15 in)
Length: 2800–3800 mm (110.24–149.61 in)
ASTM A681 H13
Round Bar → (26 listings)
Diameter: 65–100 mm (2.56–3.94 in)
Length: 2500–6500 mm (98.43–255.91 in)
Flat Bar → (3 listings)
Thickness: 40–40 mm (1.57–1.57 in)
Width: 200–200 mm (7.87–7.87 in)
Length: 700–1600 mm (27.56–62.99 in)
On M-EX Right Now
BS 4659 BH13
2 active listings and RFQs →
ASTM A681 H13
29 active listings and RFQs →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BS 4659 BH13 and ASTM A681 H13?
ASTM A681 H13 specifies P, S which are not specified for BS 4659 BH13.
Can BS 4659 BH13 be substituted with ASTM A681 H13?
BS 4659 BH13 and ASTM A681 H13 overlap closely enough on chemistry and mechanical properties that ASTM A681 H13 is often considered as a substitute for BS 4659 BH13 in many applications. Always confirm the specific property range your application needs before substituting, and check with your supplier's mill certificate.