AISI D2 tool steel

Introduction

We manufacture forging ingots, billets, and blooms in tool steel specifically for AISI D2, designed for high-wear resistance and excellent hardness in cold working applications.

Aisi D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel known for its exceptional wear resistance, hardness, and good toughness. It is widely used for manufacturing dies, cutting tools, and punches that require long service life under abrasive conditions.

The significant chromium content provides excellent hardenability and corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice for tooling that faces extensive wear and stress.

Chemical composition

Element Content (%) Function / effect
Carbon (c) 1.40 – 1.60 Provides high hardness and wear resistance
Chromium (cr) 11.00 – 13.00 Enhances hardenability, wear resistance, corrosion resistance
Manganese (mn) 0.30 – 0.60 Improves toughness and hardness
Molybdenum (mo) 0.70 – 1.20 Increases toughness and tempering resistance
Vanadium (v) 0.90 – 1.20 Promotes wear resistance and grain refinement
Silicon (si) 0.20 – 0.50 Improves elasticity and oxidation resistance
Phosphorus (p) Max 0.030 Controlled to improve toughness
Sulphur (s) Max 0.030 Controlled for better machinability

Mechanical properties (typical – quenched & tempered)

  • Tensile strength: 1200 – 1800 MPa
  • Yield strength: 1000 – 1400 MPa
  • Hardness: 58 – 65 HRC
  • Toughness: Moderate to good

    • Heat treatment

    • Annealing: softens the steel to improve machinability before final processing
    • Preheating: gradual heating to prevent cracking during hardening
    • Hardening: heat to 980 – 1020°c followed by oil or air quenching
    • Tempering: reheat to 150 – 250°c to relieve stresses and improve toughness

    Key features and benefits

    • Excellent wear resistance for highly abrasive applications
    • High hardness with good toughness
    • Improved corrosion resistance compared to other tool steels
    • Dimensional stability after heat treatment
    • Suitable for heavy-duty cold work tooling

    Typical applications

    • Dies for blanking, forming, and punching
    • Shear blades and cutting tools
    • Slitting knives
    • Wire drawing dies
    • Cold working tools in manufacturing

    Equivalent steel grades

    • Din 1.2379
    • Jis skd11
    • En 1.2363

    Why choose AISI D2 for your application?

    Aisi D2 offers superior wear resistance and high hardness, making it the ideal choice for cold work tooling that requires longer service life under abrasive conditions. Its balance of toughness and corrosion resistance helps reduce tool failure and improve productivity in demanding manufacturing processes.

    Comparison table for similar grades

    Grade Carbon (%) Chromium (%) Key applications Comments
    Aisi D2 1.40 – 1.60 11.00 – 13.00 High wear resistance tools High hardness and wear resistance
    Aisi o1 0.85 – 1.00 0.40 – 0.60 General purpose tool steel Good machinability, balanced properties
    Aisi m2 0.85 – 1.05 3.75 – 4.50 High speed cutting tools High toughness and wear resistance

    Summary

    Aisi D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel optimized for heavy-duty cold work applications where excellent wear resistance and hardness are critical. It is widely used in manufacturing dies, cutting tools, and other components subjected to intense abrasion and mechanical stress.