Strong Match — 93.2% match
based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 (EN ISO 4957:2018) and BS 4659 BH21 (BS 4659:1989) are both steel grades.
Both fall under the Tool & Die Steels category.
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 is typically used for hot extrusion dies, hot forging dies for non-ferrous metals, while BS 4659 BH21 is commonly used for hot extrusion dies, brass/bronze forging dies.
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 is defined under European Standard (EN), originating from Europe, while BS 4659 BH21 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom.
As per chemical composition, EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 vs BS 4659 BH21 is a 89.7% match.
As per mechanical properties, the match is 100%.
Combined, this makes them a strong match overall at 93.2%.
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Mechanical Properties
Property
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3
BS 4659 BH21
Hardness HRC (hardened)
38–52
36–54
Hardness HB (annealed)
≤229
≤229
Typical Applications
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3
Hot extrusion dies, hot forging dies for non-ferrous metals
BS 4659 BH21
Hot extrusion dies, brass/bronze forging dies
Key Differences
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 specifies Si which is not specified for BS 4659 BH21.
Can EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 Be Substituted With BS 4659 BH21?
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 and BS 4659 BH21 overlap closely enough on chemistry and mechanical properties that BS 4659 BH21 is often considered as a substitute for EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 in many applications. Always confirm the specific property range your application needs before substituting, and check with your supplier's mill certificate.
What is the difference between EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 and BS 4659 BH21?
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 specifies Si which is not specified for BS 4659 BH21.
Can EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 be substituted with BS 4659 BH21?
EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 and BS 4659 BH21 overlap closely enough on chemistry and mechanical properties that BS 4659 BH21 is often considered as a substitute for EN ISO 4957 X30WCrV9-3 in many applications. Always confirm the specific property range your application needs before substituting, and check with your supplier's mill certificate.