Tool Steel Selection for Gages & Precision Tools
Select tool steel by dimensional stability, abrasive wear resistance, polishing ability, galling risk, and long-term size control. For plug gages, ring gages, thread gages, snap gages, templates, measuring blocks, and micrometer anvils, the main choice is usually between stability, wear resistance, and precision surface finish.
Quick Selection Guide by Tool Steel Grade
Choose the grade according to whether the tool is used for fixed gages, thread gages, templates, measuring tools, long-run plug or ring gages, or precision knife-edge parts.
Precision Gages
O2 Tool Steel
1.2842
Recommended for gages, squares, straight edges, templates, and micrometer anvils.
Reason: O2 can be hardened from relatively low temperatures, helping reduce thermal shock and improve dimensional stability.
Thread Gages
O1 Tool Steel
1.2510 / SKS3
Recommended for thread gages, stamps, and general precision tools requiring good abrasion resistance.
Reason: O1 is a general-purpose oil-hardening steel with good dimensional accuracy and useful wear resistance for precision tooling.
Long-Run Plug Gages
D2 Tool Steel
1.2379 / SKD11 / Cr12Mo1V1
Recommended for plug and ring gages used in high-volume or long-run production.
Reason: D2 contains hard chromium carbides, giving strong wear resistance and good non-deforming characteristics during heat treatment.
High Wear Gages
D3 Tool Steel
1.2080 / SKD1 / Cr12
Recommended for plug and ring gages where high abrasive wear resistance is required.
Reason: D3 provides high carbide volume and strong resistance to abrasive wear for gaging surfaces exposed to repeated sliding contact.
Knife Edges & Arbors
L6 Tool Steel
1.2714 / SKT4
Recommended for precision gages, knife edges, arbors, and tools requiring a balance of toughness and wear resistance.
Reason: L6 is selected where moderate hardenability, toughness, and wear resistance are needed in precision tool components.
Selection Summary
This table gives a faster comparison when the buyer already knows the precision tool type and main performance requirement. The reasoning behind each grade choice is walked through in the tool steel selection guide for gages and precision tools.
| Precision Tool Application | Main Requirement | Aobo Steel Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Gages, squares, straight edges, templates, and micrometer anvils | Extreme dimensional stability and low heat-treatment movement | O2 |
| Thread gages, stamps, and general precision tools | Good dimensional accuracy and abrasion resistance | O1 |
| High-volume plug and ring gages | High wear resistance and non-deforming heat-treatment behavior | D2, D3 |
| Precision gages, knife edges, and arbors | Balance of toughness and wear resistance | L6 |
| Sliding gaging surfaces | Wear resistance, polished finish, and galling control | O1, O2, D2, D3 |