57NiCrMoV77 (Wnr. 1.2744) is the higher-hardenability sibling of the 1.2711 (54NiCrMoV6) nickel-chromium-molybdenum-vanadium tool steel family. Carbon and vanadium content are similar to 1.2711, but molybdenum is roughly three times higher — around 0.70-0.90% versus 0.15-0.25% — which pushes hardenability considerably deeper into thick sections and improves resistance to temper softening. That extra molybdenum is the defining difference between the two grades: where 1.2711 is already a deep-hardening steel, 1.2744 is built for the largest, thickest tooling blocks where even cores need to reach a useful working hardness.

Like its lower-alloy cousin, 1.2744 is supplied and machined in the annealed condition and hardened and tempered afterward. Its deep hardenability makes it a preferred choice for large forging and trim dies, heavy press tooling, and thick plastic-mold blocks where section size would leave a lower-alloy steel soft in the core after quenching. It sacrifices little in toughness for the extra hardenability, which is why it's specified over 1.2711 whenever section thickness or a demanding service duty pushes past what the leaner grade can reliably through-harden.

57NiCrMoV77 machines much like 1.2711 in the annealed condition, but the higher molybdenum content makes it slightly more sluggish to cut — cutting forces run a touch higher and tool wear is a bit more consistent-but-steady rather than sharply abrasive. In its annealed delivery state (typically up to around 313 HB), it remains a manageable alloy tool steel for roughing and finishing before hardening, provided tooling and cutting parameters are matched to its alloy content rather than treated like a plain carbon steel.

As with other tool steels in this family, the bulk of dimensional work should be done before hardening, since the finished part is quenched and tempered afterward and machining beyond that point shifts to grinding. Leaving appropriate stock for post-hardening cleanup avoids trying to machine a fully hardened tool-steel surface with turning or milling tools.

Chip formation stays reasonably favorable in the annealed state, and a coated carbide grade with solid hot hardness handles the combination of alloy content and cutting heat well. Rigid setups and consistent feed rates that keep the tool engaged — rather than rubbing — help control both edge wear and surface finish on this grade.