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Aobo Steel | Global Tool Steel Supplier in China
D3 Tool Steel (AISI D3 / 1.2080 / SKD1) High Carbon High Chromium Cold Work Tool Steel for Bulk Supply
✓100% UT Tested Quality Assurance
✓SEP 1921-82 Class D/d Guaranteed
✓Annealed State Delivery
✓Surface: Black Scale, Turned, Mill Finish, or Polished
D3 tool steel (AISI D3) is a high-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel known for its exceptional wear resistance and dimensional stability. It is designated as DIN 1.2080 (W-Nr. 1.2080), JIS SKD1, ASTM T30403, and is commonly referred to as Cr12 in China. These equivalent grades share similar chemical composition and performance characteristics.
At Aobo Steel, D3 is supplied in an annealed condition for bulk industrial use, with ultrasonic testing in accordance with SEP 1921-82 and full MTC documentation per order.
D3 Tool Steel Supply Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade | AISI D3 / DIN 1.2080 / JIS SKD1 / Cr12 |
| Delivery Condition | Fully Annealed (Soft Machining Condition) |
| Available Forms | Round Bar / Flat Bar / Plate / Forged Block |
| Monthly Supply Capacity | Approx. 800–1200 metric tons |
| Recommended Export Quantity | Full 20GP container (~26 tons) |
| MOQ | 5 tons (Mixed sizes supported) |
| Lead Time (Ingot Stock) | Approx. 20 days |
| Lead Time (Fresh Melt) | 30–45 days |
| Lead Time (ESR Grade) | Approx. 60 days |
| Inspection | 100% UT Tested (SEP 1921-82 Class D/d) |
| Documentation | MTC EN 10204 3.1 + UT Report per order |
Production Stability
- Stable monthly output with controlled alloy sourcing
- High chromium cold work production focus
- ESR (Electro-Slag Remelting) grade available upon request
- Full batch traceability linked to the original heat number
- Optimized forging reduction ratio for carbide distribution control
Forging and slow-cooling procedures are controlled to minimize carbide segregation typical of high-carbon, high-chromium grades.


Packaging and Shipping
- Professional seaworthy export packing
- 20GP container loading optimized up to ~26 tons
- Mixed grades and mixed sizes allowed within one container
- Anti-rust oil protection for long sea transit
International shipments are structured around full container loading to ensure cost efficiency and smoother customs clearance.
AISI D3 / DIN 1.2080/ JIS SKD1 Gallery



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.
D3 and its equivalent grades’ Composition
| C | Cr | Mo | V | Mn | Si | P | S |
| 2.00 – 2.35% | 11.00 – 13.50% | ≤ 0.40% | ≤ 0.35% | ≤ 0.60% | ≤ 0.60% | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% |
The equivalent grades’ composition
| Carbon (C) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Chromium (Cr) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | |
| Germany/W-Nr. 1.2080(X210Cr12) | 1.90 – 2.20 | 0.10 – 0.60 | 0.20 – 0.60 | 11.0 – 13.0 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 |
| Japan JIS SKD1 | 1.90 – 2.20 | 0.10 – 0.60 | 0.20 – 0.60 | 11.0 – 13.0 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 |
| China GB Cr12 | 2.00 – 2.30 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 | 11.50 – 13.00 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 |
We guarantee that all materials are manufactured in strict compliance with the specified chemical compositions for AISI D3, DIN 1.2080, and JIS SKD1.
D3 Tool Steel Properties
Mechanical Properties
| Impact Toughness | Hardness | 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 |
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℃ |
Heat Treatment Overview
D3 tool steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium cold work steel that requires controlled heat treatment to achieve optimal wear resistance and dimensional stability. Due to its high carbide content and relatively low thermal conductivity, careful heating and cooling procedures are essential to prevent cracking and excessive retained austenite.
- Preheating: 650–705°C (1200–1300°F)
- Austenitizing (Hardening): 940–960°C (1725–1760°F)
- Quenching: Oil quench recommended
- Tempering: Double or triple tempering recommended
Oil quenching is commonly used for D3 to reduce the risk of cracking compared to water quenching. Immediate tempering after quenching is essential due to the high hardness and brittleness of the as-quenched structure.
Because of its high carbon content, D3 may retain austenite after quenching. For applications requiring maximum dimensional stability, sub-zero treatment can be considered before final tempering.
For a complete step-by-step hardening and tempering guide, including hardness curves and metallurgical considerations, please refer to: D3 Tool Steel Heat Treatment Guide
