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BS 4659 BH21 vs ASTM A681 H21

Related Material — 61.6% match based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.

BS 4659 BH21 (BS 4659:1989) and ASTM A681 H21 (ASTM A681:2008) are both steel grades. Both fall under the Tool & Die Steels category. BS 4659 BH21 is typically used for hot extrusion dies, brass/bronze forging dies, while ASTM A681 H21 is commonly used for hot extrusion dies, hot forging dies for brass/bronze. BS 4659 BH21 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom, while ASTM A681 H21 is defined under ASTM International, originating from United States.

As per chemical composition, BS 4659 BH21 vs ASTM A681 H21 is a 92.4% match. As per mechanical properties, the match is 0%. Combined, this makes them a related material overall at 61.6%.

Frequently Compared With BS 4659 BH21:
GB/T 1299 3Cr2W8V GOST 5950 4H5MFS1 EN ISO 4957 1.2316 GOST 5950 3H2W8F GOST 5950 4H5MFS AISI 52100 EN ISO 683-17 100Cr6 DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2379 GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV1 DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2344 GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV IS 1570 (Part 6) 103T3
Match Breakdown
CHEMISTRY MATCH
92.4%
MECHANICAL MATCH
0%
OVERALL
61.6%
Specifications
Property BS 4659 BH21 ASTM A681 H21
Standard BS 4659:1989 ASTM A681:2008
Category Tool & Die Steels Tool & Die Steels
C (%) 0.26–0.36 0.26-0.36
Mn (%) 0.15–0.40 0.15-0.40
Cr (%) 3.00–3.75 3.00-3.75
W (%) 8.50–10.00 8.50-10.00
V (%) 0.30–0.60 0.30-0.60
P (%) Not specified <=0.030
S (%) Not specified <=0.030
Si (%) Not specified 0.15-0.50
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 BH21 ASTM A681 H21
Hardness HRC (hardened) 36–54 Not specified
Hardness HB (annealed) ≤229 Not specified
Hardness Not specified <=235 HB
Condition Not specified Annealed (maximum Brinell hardness)
Typical Applications
BS 4659 BH21
Hot extrusion dies, brass/bronze forging dies
ASTM A681 H21
Hot extrusion dies, hot forging dies for brass/bronze
Key Differences
Can BS 4659 BH21 Be Substituted With ASTM A681 H21?
BS 4659 BH21 and ASTM A681 H21 share some compositional similarity but differ enough that substitution should not be assumed. Review the differences above carefully, and consult the applicable standard or a metallurgist before using one in place of the other.
Forms & Sizes Available on M-EX
BS 4659 BH21
Round Bar → (2 listings)
Diameter: 80–80 mm (3.15–3.15 in)
Length: 4400–4600 mm (173.23–181.1 in)
ASTM A681 H21
Flat Bar → (3 listings)
Thickness: 30–30 mm (1.18–1.18 in)
Width: 150–150 mm (5.91–5.91 in)
Length: 500–900 mm (19.69–35.43 in)
On M-EX Right Now
BS 4659 BH21
2 active listings and RFQs →
ASTM A681 H21
3 active listings and RFQs →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BS 4659 BH21 and ASTM A681 H21?
ASTM A681 H21 specifies P, S, Si which are not specified for BS 4659 BH21.
Can BS 4659 BH21 be substituted with ASTM A681 H21?
BS 4659 BH21 and ASTM A681 H21 share some compositional similarity but differ enough that substitution should not be assumed. Review the differences above carefully, and consult the applicable standard or a metallurgist before using one in place of the other.