ER958T-332 - Weldmold 958 H-12 Tool Steel TIG Rod 3/32" (10lb Tube)

Restore Tooling with Weldmold 958 H-12 TIG Rods

Extend the life of your valuable dies and molds with Weldmold 958, a high-performance H-12 tool steel TIG welding rod. In the world of industrial manufacturing, the cost of replacing hot work tooling can be astronomical. Weldmold 958 offers a cost-effective and reliable solution for repairing worn or damaged components, allowing you to bring them back to original specifications. This 3/32" rod is perfectly sized for fine detail work, giving the welder the ability to deposit metal exactly where it is needed with the precision of the TIG process.

The H-12 alloy classification represents a tungsten hot-work steel that excels in applications involving high heat and abrasion. It is particularly effective for tools that undergo thermal shock, such as forging dies and casting molds. The addition of tungsten provides superior red hardness, meaning the weld deposit will not soften easily under high operating temperatures. This characteristic is vital for hot punches and headers that must maintain a sharp edge while processing hot metal.

Superior Repair Capabilities

Welders choose Weldmold 958 for its versatility and machinability. After welding, the deposit is tough and crack-resistant, yet it can be machined to final dimensions using standard tooling (carbide tools recommended for higher hardness). This allows for seamless repairs where the weld blends perfectly with the existing tool steel base. The rod flows smoothly under 100% Argon shielding gas, producing a clean, defect-free deposit that is essential for high-stress tooling.

Whether you are fixing heat checks in a die block or rebuilding a chipped shear blade, Weldmold 958 delivers consistent results. It is also suitable for certain cold work applications where extra toughness is required to prevent chipping. By keeping a tube of Weldmold 958 in your shop, you ensure that you are ready to tackle urgent repairs immediately, keeping production lines running and minimizing costly interruptions.

Recommended Usage

• Preparation: Ensure the base material is clean and free of oil, grease, or fatigue cracks.
• Preheat: Most tool steels require preheating (typically 600°F - 900°F depending on the specific base metal and thickness) to prevent thermal shock.
• Technique: Use a stringer bead technique and peen the welds while hot to relieve stress.
• Post-Weld: Slow cooling and tempering are highly recommended to achieve the desired hardness and toughness balance.