Minimal Match — 35% match
based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.
BS 4659 BH21 (BS 4659:1989) and IS 3748 103T3 (IS 3748:1990) 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 IS 3748 103T3 is commonly used for cold work tools and dies for blanking, trimming, chipping and shearing.
BS 4659 BH21 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom, while IS 3748 103T3 is defined under Bureau of Indian Standards (IS), originating from India.
As per chemical composition, BS 4659 BH21 vs IS 3748 103T3 is a 61.2% match.
As per mechanical properties, the match is 0%.
Combined, this makes them a minimal match overall at 35%.
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
IS 3748 103T3
Hardness HRC (hardened)
36–54
Not specified
Hardness HB (annealed)
≤229
Not specified
Hardness
Not specified
<=220 HB
Condition
Not specified
Annealed (maximum Brinell hardness)
Typical Applications
BS 4659 BH21
Hot extrusion dies, brass/bronze forging dies
IS 3748 103T3
Cold work tools and dies for blanking, trimming, chipping and shearing
Key Differences
BS 4659 BH21 specifies Cr, W, V which are not specified for IS 3748 103T3.
IS 3748 103T3 specifies Si, S, P which are not specified for BS 4659 BH21.
Can BS 4659 BH21 Be Substituted With IS 3748 103T3?
BS 4659 BH21 and IS 3748 103T3 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.
What is the difference between BS 4659 BH21 and IS 3748 103T3?
BS 4659 BH21 specifies Cr, W, V which are not specified for IS 3748 103T3. IS 3748 103T3 specifies Si, S, P which are not specified for BS 4659 BH21.
Can BS 4659 BH21 be substituted with IS 3748 103T3?
BS 4659 BH21 and IS 3748 103T3 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.