Explore comprehensive tool steel material properties with detailed grades, chemical composition, hardness, heat treatment, and application guides.

Quick Comparison Table: Top Tool Steel Grades

Here’s a snapshot of the most popular tool steel grades used across industries. This quick guide covers their key properties, typical hardness, and main applications—helping you pick the right material fast.

Grade (AISI)	Common Name	DIN/EN Equivalent	Key Properties	Typical Hardness (HRC)	Main Applications
D2	D2 (High Carbon, High Chromium)	1.2379	Excellent wear resistance, good toughness	58–62	Blanking, cold work dies, punches
A2	A2 (Air Hardening)	1.2363	Balanced toughness and wear resistance	56–60	Blanking, forming, medium-run tooling
O1	Oil Hardening	1.2510	Good machinability, decent wear resistance	55–62	Guards, jigs, cutting tools
H13	Hot Work Tool Steel	1.2344	Great thermal fatigue resistance, toughness	48–53	Hot forging dies, extrusion dies
M2	High-Speed Steel (HSS)	1.3343	High hardness, wear resistance, moderate toughness	62–67	Cutting tools, drills, milling cutters
S7	Shock-Resisting Tool Steel	1.2310	Superior impact and toughness	54–60	Cold work tools, chisels, punches
P20	Plastic Mold Steel	1.2311	Good polishability, corrosion resistance	28–32 (pre-hardened)	Plastic injection molds
1.2344	Tool Steel (Hot Work)	1.2344	Excellent hot hardness, wear and thermal fatigue resistance	50–54	Hot stamping, die casting tools

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• High-Speed Steel (HSS): cURL Too many subrequests.
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Knowing these classifications helps you pick the right steel for your application, whether you need wear resistance, heat tolerance, or impact strength. For more insights into machining and design, check out our guide on helix angle for machining and gear design.

Key Mechanical & Physical Properties Explained

Understanding the key mechanical and physical properties of tool steel is vital to selecting the right grade for your application. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what matters most:

Hardness & Wear Resistance

Hardness defines a tool steel’s ability to resist deformation and scratching. Grades like D2 and M2 are known for their high hardness (usually above 60 HRC), offering excellent wear resistance—ideal for cutting, punching, or forming tools that face constant abrasion.

Toughness & Impact Resistance

Toughness is about how well the steel handles shocks without cracking. Shock-resisting grades such as S7 excel here, providing durability under sudden impact, while hot work steels like H13 combine toughness with heat resistance, perfect for forging and extrusion dies.

Machinability

Some tool steels, like O1 and A2, are easier to machine in their annealed state, helping save time and costs during initial shaping. High-speed steels (M2) and air-hardening grades are typically tougher to machine but offer longer tool life after heat treatment.

Dimensional Stability after Heat Treatment

Tool steels must maintain shape and size after hardening to ensure precision. Grades like A2 and P20 are prized for their good dimensional stability, making them favorites for molds and dies where tight tolerances are critical.

Thermal Fatigue Resistance

For tools exposed to repeated heating and cooling cycles, like hot work steels H13 and 1.2344, thermal fatigue resistance prevents cracks and extends tool life by enduring thermal shock stresses.

Corrosion Resistance

While many tool steels aren’t corrosion-resistant by default, some grades like modified 420 stainless steel, and D3 or D6, offer improved resistance to rust and oxidation, a must for tools exposed to moist or corrosive environments.

By balancing these properties with your specific needs—whether you need wear resistance, toughness, or corrosion protection—you can confidently choose the tool steel that delivers optimal performance. For detailed information on heat treatment and best machining practices of these steels, consider exploring our comprehensive tool steel heat treatment guide.

Detailed Grade-by-Grade Technical Data Sheets

When selecting tool steel, understanding detailed technical data for each grade is key. This includes international designations, chemical makeup, physical and mechanical properties, heat treatment guidelines, hardness ranges, and typical applications. We also stock large sizes and various forms like round bars, flats, plates, and blocks to suit your project needs.

International Designations

Grade (AISI)	DIN/EN	JIS	GB
D2	1.2379	SKD11	GCr12
A2	1.2363	SKD12	GCr12Mo
O1	1.2510	SKS3	9CrWMn
H13	1.2344	SKD61	CrMoV
M2	1.3343 / 1.3243	SKH51	W18Cr4V
S7	–	–	–
P20	1.2311	–	–

Chemical Composition Snapshot (%) — Example for D2 and H13

Element	D2	H13
C	1.5–1.6	0.32–0.45
Cr	11.5–13	4.75–5.5
Mo	0.7–1.2	1.1–1.75
V	0.9–1.4	0.8–1.2
Mn	0.3	0.2–0.5
Si	0.3	0.8–1.2

Physical Properties

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Density (g/cm³)	7.6	7.8
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	19	28
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE, µm/m·°C)	11.3	12.3
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)	210	205

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Grade	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.
D2	55	60-62
A2	55	58-60
O1	40	58-62
H13	25	48-52
M2	36	63-65
S7	28	50-56
P20	22	30-36

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• cURL Too many subrequests. 48-52 HRC (excellent for hot work applications)
• M2: Up to 65 HRC (high-speed steel)
• S7: 50-56 HRC (shock resistance)

Typical Applications + Industry Examples

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• A2: Punches, forming dies, gauges
• O1: General-purpose tooling, jigs, dies
• cURL Too many subrequests. Hot forging dies, extrusion tooling, die casting molds
• M2: High-speed drills, taps, milling cutters
• S7: Impact tools, heavy-duty punches, cold chisels
• P20: Plastic injection mold bases and cores

Stock Sizes & Forms

We supply wide ranges:

• Round bars: Diameters from 1/4″ to 12″+
• Flat bars: Thicknesses from 1/8″ to 4″+
• Plates: Up to 6″ thick and large surface dimensions
• Blocks: Custom cut sizes available

Our substantial inventory ensures quick turnaround for your tooling projects.

For additional insights into steel types used in tooling and their benefits, you might find helpful information in our guide comparing cast materials with aluminum alloys used in tooling applications.

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This detailed grade-by-grade data will help you precisely match your project requirements with the right tool steel, verified by international standards and backed by tested mechanical and physical properties.

Tool Steel Selection Guide: Pick the Right Grade for Your Application

Choosing the right tool steel grade depends heavily on your specific application. Here’s a quick decision matrix to help you match the best steel type with common uses like blanking, forming, extrusion, injection molding, and forging dies.

cURL Too many subrequests.	Recommended Grades	Key Reasons
Blanking	D2, A2, O1	High wear resistance, good toughness
Forming	A2, O1, S7	Balanced hardness & toughness, shock resistant
Extrusion Dies	H13, 1.2344 (DIN), M2	Excellent thermal fatigue resistance, hot work capability
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• High Heat Applications?Go with H13 or M2, built to handle hot work & thermal fatigue.
• Machinability & Surface Finish?P20 and 420 modified offer good finishes for molds with some corrosion resistance.
• Dimensional Stability After Heat Treat?Consider 1.2311 pre-hardened steels for easier machining and minimal distortion.

This matrix helps simplify the complex selection process, but remember heat treatment and surface coatings will further influence tool performance. For injection molding specifics, check out our detailed low volume injection molding guide for best practices.

By matching tool steel grades to your needs, you’ll extend tool life and get better part quality with less downtime.

Heat Treatment of Tool Steel – Best Practices

Heat treatment is key to unlocking the full potential of tool steel material properties. Properly done, it ensures ideal hardness, toughness, and wear resistance for your application. Here’s a straightforward guide to best practices, tempering curves, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Step-by-Step Heat Treatment Guidelines

1. PreheatingHeat the tool steel gradually to around 1,200°F–1,400°F (650°C–760°C) to reduce thermal shock and minimize distortion. Preheating helps prevent cracking during higher temperature treatments.
2. Austenitizing (Hardening)Raise the temperature to the steel’s austenitizing range (typically 1,700°F–2,100°F or 925°C–1,150°C, depending on grade). Hold long enough for uniform heating—usually 20–40 minutes per inch of thickness. Use oil, air, or gas quenching based on the steel type (e.g., H13 is air-hardened; D2 requires oil quenching).
3. QuenchingRapid cooling locks in the hard microstructure. The method varies:
   • Oil quenching for grades like D2 and O1.
   • Air quenching for air-hardening steels like A2 or H13.
   • Gas or vacuum quenching for clean, distortion-free parts.
4. TemperingTemper immediately after quenching to reduce brittleness. Tempering temperatures typically range from 350°F to 1,100°F (175°C to 600°C), depending on desired hardness and toughness. Repeat tempering (double or triple) is common for stable properties. Use tempering curves specific to the steel grade to target the right balance of hardness and toughness.

Understanding Tempering Curves

Tempering curves plot hardness against tempering temperature. They show how hardness drops as you increase heat, revealing a sweet spot where toughness improves without too much hardness loss. For example, D2 tool steel might drop from HRC 62 at low tempering to HRC 58 at moderate tempering—ideal for many die applications.

Common Heat Treatment Pitfalls to Avoid

• Skipping Preheat: Leads to cracking and distortion.
• Wrong Quench Medium: Using air instead of oil on steels needing oil quench can cause incomplete hardening.
• Overheating During Austenitizing: Excessive temperature causes grain growth, reducing toughness.
• Insufficient Tempering: Leaves tools brittle, prone to cracking during use.
• Tempering at Too High a Temperature: Causes excessive softening, reducing wear resistance.

Following these best practices ensures your tool steels deliver peak performance, long life, and reliable results. For tailored heat treatment advice on grades like H13 or M2, consulting a detailed tool steel heat treatment guide is highly recommended.

For machining and precision work, consider pairing heat-treated steels with advanced processes described in our mastering horizontal milling machines guide for precision and efficiency to achieve optimal final results.

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Grade	Cutting Speed (SFM)	Feed Rate (IPR)	Notes
D2	cURL Too many subrequests.	0.002 – 0.005	cURL Too many subrequests.
A2	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.
O1	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.
H13	80 – 150	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.
M2	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.
S7	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.
P20	cURL Too many subrequests.	cURL Too many subrequests.	Pre-hardened grade, easy to machine
1.2344 (H13 equivalent)	80 – 150	cURL Too many subrequests.	Widely used hot work steel

Note: Always use flooded coolant or appropriate lubrication to reduce heat and tool wear during machining.

Grinding Parameters

Grade	Wheel Type	Wheel Speed (RPM)	Downfeed (IPR)	Dressing Interval
D2	CBN (cubic boron nitride)	3000 – 3500	0.0002 – 0.0005	Frequent
A2	cURL Too many subrequests.	2500 – 3000	0.0003 – 0.0006	cURL Too many subrequests.
O1	cURL Too many subrequests.	2500 – 3000	0.0004 – 0.0008	cURL Too many subrequests.
H13	CBN / Aluminum Oxide	3000 – 3500	0.0003 – 0.0007	Frequent
M2	CBN	3000 – 3500	0.0002 – 0.0005	Frequent
S7	cURL Too many subrequests.	2500 – 3000	0.0003 – 0.0007	cURL Too many subrequests.
P20	cURL Too many subrequests.	2500 – 3000	0.0004 – 0.0008	cURL Too many subrequests.

Using CBN wheels is preferred for hard grades like D2 and M2 for faster removal and cooler grinding.

EDM Parameters (Electrical Discharge Machining)

• Tool Electrode Materials: Copper or graphite, depending on precision and surface finish needed.
• Pulse On Time: Short pulses (10-30 µs) for fine finishes; longer pulses (50–100 µs) for roughing.
• Discharge Current: 3–15 amps for fine machining; up to 30 amps for rougher cuts.
• Servo Feed Rate: Moderate to high feed rate to maintain spark gap; adjust to avoid arcing.
• Dielectric Fluid: Use deionized water or specific EDM fluids for effective debris removal.

EDM is ideal for complex or hard-to-machine tool steel shapes, especially for hard grades like H13 and M2.

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Optimizing your cutting speeds, feeds, grinding setups, and EDM settings based on tool steel grade will extend tool life and improve efficiency. For practical machining insights, check our guide on CNC milling and precision machine processes.

Surface Treatments & Coatings for Extended Tool Life

To get the most out of your tool steel materials, surface treatments and coatings play a vital role in boosting durability and performance. These processes help reduce wear, improve hardness, and protect against corrosion or heat damage.

PVD Coatings (TiN, TiAlN, CrN)

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coatings like Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN), and Chromium Nitride (CrN) are popular options. They provide a hard, thin layer that:

• Increases wear resistance
• Reduces friction
• Enhances heat resistance, especially important for high-speed steels like M2
• Improves tool lifespan in demanding applications such as stamping, forming, and cutting

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cURL Too many subrequests. cURL Too many subrequests. quality management standards, which means the manufacturing process follows strict guidelines for reliability and traceability. This helps reduce variability and boosts confidence in the product’s performance.

Compliance with ASTM and AISI standards is another critical factor. These standards define accepted chemical and mechanical properties for tool steel grades, making it easier for manufacturers and engineers to select the right material for specific applications — whether it’s cold work, hot work, or high-speed tool steel.

If you want peace of mind for your projects, always check for certified steel supplies that back their product with full mill test reports and meet these recognized standards. This approach helps you avoid surprises and ensures your production process runs smoothly.

Stock Availability & Custom Cutting Services

We keep a broad inventory of popular tool steel grades in various sizes ready for immediate delivery, providing you with quick turnaround times when you need it most. Whether you’re looking for round bars, flat bars, plates, or blocks, chances are we have the right size in stock.

Our custom cutting services include precise sawing, milling, and grinding to match your exact project requirements. This means you get clean, ready-to-use pieces that save you time and effort before machining or heat treatment.

Available Stock Sizes:

• Round bars: typically from small diameters up to large-size stocks
• Flat bars and plates: multiple thicknesses and widths
• Blocks: for heavy-duty or prototype tooling

Custom Processing Services:

• Sawing: Accurate sectional cuts with minimal burrs
• Milling: Tight dimensional tolerances for complex shapes
• Grinding: Surface finishes and precise thickness control

With our local cutting and processing options, you avoid shipping delays and get tailored tool steel materials quickly. This is especially important for time-sensitive tooling jobs or when working with high-demand grades like D2, H13, or M2.

If you want to optimize your machining setup, understanding different tooling types and heads can enhance productivity — check out our detailed guide on different types of drill bit heads to help plan your operations better.

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We’re here to ensure your tool steel order fits your specifications perfectly and arrives promptly to keep your production moving.

FAQs About Tool Steel Properties

Here are answers to some common questions we get from users about tool steel properties to help you make the right choice.

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What’s the difference between D2 and A2?	D2 is higher in carbon and chromium, giving better wear resistance but less toughness than A2, which is easier to machine and more impact-resistant.
Is H13 air-hardening?	No, H13 is a hot work tool steel that typically requires oil or gas quenching. Air hardening is usually for grades like A2 or S7.
What’s the max working temperature for M2?	M2 can handle around 1100°F (593°C) before losing hardness, making it great for high-speed cutting tools.
Which grade offers the best toughness?	Shock-resisting steels like S7 have superior toughness to resist impact and shock loads.
Can D2 rust easily?	Yes, D2 has moderate corrosion resistance due to its high chromium but it can still rust if not maintained properly.
What is the typical hardness range for O1?	O1 usually achieves from 57 to 62 HRC after heat treatment.
Is P20 suitable for plastic molds?	Yes, P20 is commonly used for plastic mold tooling due to good machinability and decent wear resistance.
How to choose between cold work and hot work tool steel?	Use cold work steels like D2 or A2 for room temperature tools, and hot work steels like H13 for high temperature applications.
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cURL Too many subrequests. how to measure a screw thread accurately with calipers and gauges to maintain quality standards throughout manufacturing.

Get Your Tool Steel Quote Today

Ready to find the perfect tool steel grade for your project? Request a fast, no-obligation quotation now! Whether you need D2, H13, M2, or any other popular grade, our team is here to help you choose the right material with the right specs.

For instant material recommendations, you can also reach out via live chat, WhatsApp, or email. We’ll guide you through grades, heat treatment options, and delivery details so you get exactly what you need—on time and on budget.

Don’t wait—contact us now and get started with top-quality tool steel for your application!