D3 tool steel exhibits high strength, good hardenability, and excellent wear resistance. It undergoes minimal distortion during quenching. However, it has poor impact toughness and is prone to brittle fracture. It quickly forms uneven eutectic carbides and has poor thermal conductivity and high-temperature plasticity.
D3 steel’s excellent wear resistance makes it a popular choice for manufacturing cold stamping dies and punches, cold cutting tools, drill bushings, gauges, drawing dies, embossing dies, thread rolling plates, deep drawing dies, and thread rolling dies. These applications demand high wear resistance and typically involve lower impact loads.
D3 tool steel is a widely used high-carbon, high-chromium cold-worked tool steel. D3 is the designation under the ASTM A681 standard. Similar grades in other common standards include Germany/W-Nr. 1.2080, USA/ASTM T30403, Japan/JIS SKD1, and Czech Republic/CSN 19436.
1. Applications
- Highly stressed cutting and punching tools for thin sheets
- Blanking and forming dies
- Forming rolls
- Drawing and deep drawing tools
- Slitting knives/cutters and shear blades for cutting
- Stone processing tools
- Knives for paper and plastics
- Pressure pads
- Thermosetting plastic molding
- Spindles, hobs, master tools, thread gauges, spinning tools, extrusion dies, intricate punches, and plungers.
2. D3 Steel Composition
| Element | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) |
| Percentage (%) | 2.00 – 2.35 | 11.00 – 13.50 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.60 | ≤ 0.60 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 |
[Reference: Bringas, J. E. (Ed.). (2004). Handbook of Comparative World Steel Standards (3rd ed., p. 433). ASTM International.]
3. D3 Tool Steel Properties
3.1 Mechanical Properties
| Impact Toughness | Hardness (Recommended) | Hardness (After Quenching) | Poisson’s Ratio | Modulus of Elasticity | Tensile Strength (UTS) | Yield Strength |
| 28 J/cm² | 57–58 HRC | 64.5 HRC | 0.27–0.30 | 190–210 GPa (30 x 10^6 psi) | 770–2050 MPa | 480–1550 MPa |
3.2 Physical Properties
| Density | Melting Point | Thermal Conductivity | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | Electrical Resistivity |
| 7.7−7.87×1000 kg/m³ (0.278−0.284 lb/in³) | 1421−1430℃ (2590°F) | 16.6 W/(m*K) at 20℃ | 10.7−13.3×10−6 m/(m*K) (20−700∘°C) | 54.8 uOhm-cm at 21℃ |
3.3 The Balance of Wear Resistance and Toughness in D3 Steel
When evaluating D3 tool steel properties for your applications, a central consideration is its exceptional wear resistance, which, however, comes with a trade-off in terms of toughness.
Exceptional Wear Resistance: After appropriate heat treatment, the high carbon and chromium content of D3 steel forms a large amount of very hard alloy carbides (mainly M7C3 type) in the microstructure of the steel. These carbides are the reason for its excellent wear resistance.
Essential Considerations for Toughness: D3 has excellent wear resistance, but its toughness is reduced. Compared to other cold-work tool steels such as A2 or S7, D3 typically exhibits lower toughness and impact strength. The large amount of carbides in D3 steel acts as stress concentration points, making it more prone to brittle fracture. Tools made from D3 are also prone to brittle fracture or chipping of the cutting edge during impact.
3.4 Dimensional Stability During Heat Treatment
D3 tool steel has good dimensional stability and is often regarded as a benchmark for high dimensional stability in hardening among cold-work tool steels, exhibiting less size change than many other oil-hardening grades. This property is partly attributed to its composition, specifically the general absence of molybdenum (Mo) and lower vanadium (V) content compared to D2 tool steel, which also contributes to its lower required hardening temperatures.
3.5 Resistance to Softening at Elevated Temperatures
After appropriate quenching and tempering treatment, D3 tool steel has good softening resistance in high-temperature working conditions within a certain range, and can maintain a certain hardness and cutting edge in applications.
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4. Heat Treatment
The comprehensive D3 tool steel heat treatment protocol involves four primary stages: preheating, austenitizing (hardening), quenching, and tempering. Each step plays a vital role in achieving the desired metallurgical structure and mechanical properties.
4.1 Preheating
Preheating D3 steel is done to reduce the risk of deformation or cracking and to relieve residual stresses caused by previous machining operations.
The preheating temperature is 650–705°C (1200–1300°F). The temperature we commonly use is 650°C (1200°F), at which the steel is held for 10 to 15 minutes.
D3 steel has relatively low thermal conductivity, so heating must be done slowly to prevent uneven heating between the interior and exterior, which could cause cracks.
4.2 Austenitizing (Hardening)
Austenitization is performed to transform the D3 microstructure into austenite.
The temperature is 960°C (1760°F), slightly lower than D2. The soaking time must be sufficiently long to ensure that the core reaches the target temperature. Please note that excessive temperatures can lead to coarse grain size, carbide coarsening, and increased residual austenite, all of which can negatively impact toughness and dimensional stability. To prevent decarburization, neutral atmospheres, protective foil wrapping, or salt baths can be used.
4.3 Quenching
This step involves transforming austenite into hard martensite. Unlike many other D-type steels, D3 tool steel is typically oil quenched. Oil quenching provides a more moderate cooling rate than water or saltwater quenching, which helps to minimize the risk of deformation and cracking. The cooling temperature can be set to room temperature, or we recommend 66-93°C (150-200°F).
The cooled D3 should be tempered immediately; delaying tempering can make the steel extremely brittle and susceptible to cracking and instability. We recommend tempering within 2 hours of cooling.
4.4 Tempering
As-quenched D3 steel is very hard but also very brittle and carries high internal stresses. The purpose of tempering is to eliminate these internal stresses, significantly improve toughness, and adjust the final hardness of D3.
We recommend doubling or even tripling the tempering of D3 steel. This helps refine the grain structure, further improve wear resistance, and promote the transformation of retained austenite.
D3 is typically tempered at a lower temperature of 200°C, or 390°F, resulting in a hardness of 60 HRC after tempering. The holding time is 2 hours per inch (25mm) of the D3 material’s thickness. Ensure the material cools to room temperature between tempering cycles.
4.5 Considerations for D3 Tool Steel Heat Treatment
- D3 steel has a high carbon content and may retain austenite after quenching. If the application of D3 requires high dimensional stability and minimal residual austenite, sub-zero or low-temperature treatment can be used after quenching (usually before final tempering). This type of treatment must be followed immediately by a tempering process.
- D3 tool steel has good dimensional stability, with expected growth typically around ±0.0005 in./in. (or ±0.05%). Proper preheating, controlled heating and cooling rates, and thorough multiple tempering are essential to minimize dimensional changes.
- For enhanced surface hardness and wear resistance, D3 tool steel components can be subjected to surface treatments such as nitriding or Thermal Diffusion (TD) processing after the primary heat treatment.
5. Equivalent Grades
- DIN (Germany): 1.2080 / X210Cr12
- JIS (Japan): SKD1
- BS (Great Britain): BD3
- UNS: T30403
6. Supply forms and dimensions
This steel is our lowest-priced and most mature product, with the majority of it sold to India.
The D3 tool steel we supply is available in various forms, including round bars, sheet plates, slabs, flat bars, square bars, and blocks. The dimensions of the flat bar range from: width 20–600 mm × thickness 20–400 mm × length 1,000–5,500 mm. The dimensions of the round bar range from a diameter of 20–400 mm × a length of 1,000–5,500 mm. The block dimensions are obtained by cutting the flat bar.
For smaller sizes, such as round bars with a diameter less than 70 mm, we use the hot-rolled process. For sizes greater than 70 mm, we offer forged products.
UT testing: Sep 1921-84 D/d, E/e.
Surface Treatment: original black, peeled, machined/turned, polished, grounded, or milled surface finishes.
Inventory Status: We do not maintain a stock of D3 steel. We arrange production based on customer orders.
Delivery time: Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) materials are 30-45 days. ESR materials are approximately 60 days.
FAQ
1. What is D3 tool steel?
D3 tool steel, also known as DIN 1.2080 and JIS SKD1, is a high-carbon, high-chromium, 12% chrome alloy steel. It is an oil-hardening tool and die steel.
2. What are the key characteristics of D3 tool steel?
D3 tool steel is characterized by its very high wear resistance against both abrasive and adhesive wear, because of its high volume of hard carbides. It has medium toughness, excellent dimensional stability (holding size almost as well as air-hardening steels like D2), and high compressive strength. It is not secondary hardenable.
3. What are the international equivalent grades and designations for D3 steel?
- DIN 1.2080 (Germany)
- JIS SKD1 (Japan)
- X210Cr12 (Germany/UK/France, ISO)
- UNS T30403 (USA)
- ASTM A681 (USA standard) Other designations include AFNOR Z 200 C 12, UNI X 21O Cr 13 KU, B.S. BD 3, SAE J437, and SAE J438.
4. Is D3 considered a cold-work tool steel?
Yes, AISI D3 is a cold-worked tool steel.
5. How does D3 tool steel compare to other D-group steels like D2?
D3 tool steel is oil-quenched, while most other D-group steels (like D2) are air-hardened and typically contain 1% Molybdenum. D3 is noted for having better wear resistance than D2 and is slightly more difficult to grind. D3 tends to be more brittle during hardening compared to D2. D3 also exhibits excellent dimensional stability in heat treatment, holding size almost as well as air-hardening D2.
6. What is the wear resistance of D3 tool steel?
D3 steel has very high wear resistance against abrasive and adhesive wear due to a high volume of hard carbides in its steel matrix. It is preferred for applications requiring high wear resistance, such as shear blades.
7. What is the typical hardness range for D3 tool steel after heat treatment?
After heat treatment, D3 tool steel can achieve a hardness in the range of 58-64 HRC. For maximum wear resistance, tempering between 149 °C and 177°C (300°F and 350°F) can yield a hardness of 62-63 HRC. For an optimal balance of wear resistance and toughness, tempering between 232 °C and 260°C (450°F and 500°F) will produce a hardness of 58-60 HRC.
8. What is the machinability of D3 tool steel?
D3 tool steel is generally rated as having a machinability of 45-50% of a 1% carbon steel, or about 25-30% of Type B1112 steel. It isn’t easy to process.
9. Does D3 tool steel require heat treatment to achieve its maximum properties?
Yes, D3 tool steel requires hardening and tempering to achieve its maximum properties.
10. What is the recommended process for annealing D3 tool steel?
For annealing, D3 steel should be heated uniformly to 850-871°C (1550-1600°F). It should be soaked thoroughly and then cooled very slowly in the furnace at a rate not exceeding 6°C (20°F) per hour or 25°C (50°F) per hour, until it reaches 538-650°C (1000-1200°F). Afterward, it can be air-cooled. Annealing should result in a maximum hardness of 248-255 HBW.
11. How is D3 tool steel hardened, including preheating and quenching?
D3 steel should be preheated slowly to 800-850°C (1472-1562°F). Then, the temperature should be raised rapidly to 950-970°C (1742-1778°F), or 954°C (1750°F) to 982°C (1800°F), and soaked for 20-25 minutes, plus 5 minutes per inch of thickness. After soaking, it should be oil-quenched until black (around 482°C or 900°F), then cooled in still air to ambient temperature. Small sections may be gas quenched using vacuum after austenitization.
12. How sensitive is D3 tool steel to overheating during hardening?
D3 tool steel is extremely sensitive to overheating during hardening. If overheated, it will not achieve maximum hardness and may shrink badly. The hardening temperature must be strictly within the recommended range.
13. What is the proper tempering procedure for D3 tool steel?
Tempering should be performed immediately after the steel cools to room temperature from hardening. The parts should be placed in the tempering furnace and slowly raised to the desired tempering temperature. Tempering for 1 hour per inch of thickness is required, with a minimum of 2 hours. Double tempering is often recommended for high alloy tool steels like D2 (and implicitly beneficial for D3) to reduce retained austenite.
14. How does tempering temperature affect the hardness of D3 tool steel?
Tempering temperature directly influences the final hardness and toughness. For example:
- 150°C (302°F): 63-64 HRC
- 200°C (392°F): 61-63 HRC
- 250°C (482°F): 60-62 HRC
- 300-350°F (149-177°C): 62-63 HRC (for maximum wear resistance)
- 450-500°F (232-260°C): 58-60 HRC (for optimal balance of wear resistance and toughness)
- 400°C (752°F): 58-59 HRC
- 538°C (1000°F): 51-53 HRC. The steel expands when tempered up to 315°C (600°F) but shrinks when tempered between 315°C and 454°C (600°F and 850°F).
15. How is stress relieving performed on D3 tool steel? To relieve machining stresses, especially for greater accuracy in hardening or after roughing operations, D3 tool steel parts should be heated to 648-700°C (1200-1292°F). The parts should soak for one hour (or a minimum of one hour) at the temperature and then be cooled slowly.
16. What is the dimensional stability of D3 tool steel during heat treatment?
D3 tool steel is known for being dimensionally stable and exhibits excellent stability in heat treatment, holding size almost as well as air-hardening steels. When properly hardened, it shows typical length changes, with expansion when tempered up to approximately 315°C (600°F) and shrinkage when tempered between 315°C and 454°C (600°F and 850°F). Overheating during hardening can lead to significant shrinkage after tempering.
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