{"id":15065,"date":"2026-05-07T09:02:44","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T01:02:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/?page_id=15065"},"modified":"2026-05-07T09:04:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T01:04:28","slug":"a2-tool-steel-hardness","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/","title":{"rendered":"A2 Tool Steel Hardness: HRC Chart, Tempering Data &#038; Working Hardness"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-dc113216 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-1024x576.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-1024x576.avif 1024w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-300x169.avif 300w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-1536x864.avif 1536w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-18x10.avif 18w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness.avif 1672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"h-a2-tool-steel-hardness-chart-and-heat-treatment-hrc-guide\">A2 Tool Steel Hardness Chart and Heat Treatment HRC Guide<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2 tool steel typically has a hardness of 57\u201362 HRC after hardening and tempering, which is the standard working hardness range for punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and other cold-work tooling applications. In the annealed condition, A2 is typically supplied at a hardness of about 200\u2013250 HB for machining before heat treatment. After quenching, A2 can reach about 63.5\u201365 HRC, and with sub-zero or cryogenic treatment, the as-quenched hardness may increase slightly to about 65\u201366 HRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final hardness selected for A2 depends on the balance between wear resistance and toughness. Higher hardness improves edge retention and abrasion resistance, while lower hardness reduces the risk of chipping and cracking under impact or side loading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Suprimentos de a\u00e7o Aobo <a href=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/a2-tool-steel\/\">A2 tool steel round and flat bars<\/a> in an annealed condition for machining and subsequent heat treatment. If your project requires A2 steel for punches, dies, gauges, or cold-work tooling, you can contact us via <a href=\"mailto:sales@aobosteel.com\">sales@aobosteel.com<\/a> for bulk supply and size availability.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Hardness of A2 Tool Steel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2 tool steel hardness depends on whether the steel is annealed, as-quenched, cryogenically treated, or tempered for final use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>A2 Tool Steel Condition<\/td><td>Dureza t\u00edpica<\/td><td>Meaning<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Annealed condition<\/td><td>200\u2013250 HB<\/td><td>Soft enough for machining<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Properly annealed condition<\/td><td>usually up to about 235 HB<\/td><td>Controlled machinable condition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>As-quenched condition<\/td><td>63.5\u201365 HRC<\/td><td>Very hard but too brittle for normal use<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>As-quenched with sub-zero or cryogenic treatment<\/td><td>65\u201366 HRC<\/td><td>Higher hardness due to retained austenite transformation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tempered working condition<\/td><td>57\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Normal practical hardness range<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wear-resistance priority<\/td><td>60\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Used for punches, dies, gauges, and wear tools<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Toughness priority<\/td><td>56\u201358 HRC<\/td><td>Used where chipping, shock, or cracking is a concern<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For buyers and toolmakers, the most useful hardness of A2 steel is the final working hardness after tempering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A2 Tool Steel Hardness by Condition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-annealed-condition\">1. Annealed Condition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2 tool steel is usually supplied in an annealed condition before machining and final heat treatment. The typical annealed hardness is about 200\u2013250 HB. Many specifications control annealed A2 around 201\u2013229 HB, with upper limits sometimes around 235 HB or 248 HBW, depending on the standard and supply condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button hs-cta-trigger-button hs-cta-trigger-button-230288465624\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Get A2 Tool Steel in Annealed Condition<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-as-quenched-condition\">2. As-Quenched Condition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After austenitizing and quenching, A2 reaches high hardness. The exact as-quenched hardness depends mainly on the hardening temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Temperatura de austenitiza\u00e7\u00e3o<\/td><td>Typical As-Quenched Hardness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1700\u00b0F \/ 925\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 63.5 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1750\u00b0F \/ 955\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 64.5 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1775\u20131800\u00b0F \/ 970\u2013980\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 64\u201365 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sub-zero or cryogenic treatment after quenching<\/td><td>about 65\u201366 HRC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conventional quenching may leave about 16\u201318% retained austenite in A2. Sub-zero or cryogenic treatment can transform some of this retained austenite into martensite, thereby slightly increasing hardness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, as-quenched A2 is highly stressed and brittle. It must be tempered before use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-tempered-working-condition\">3. Tempered Working Condition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After tempering, A2 is commonly used at about 57\u201362 HRC. This is the main working hardness range for industrial tooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For blanking dies, punches, gauges, forming tools, and wear-resistant cold-work tooling, 58\u201362 HRC is common. If the tool is exposed to impact, side loading, or edge chipping, the hardness is often reduced to 56\u201358 HRC to improve toughness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A2 Tool Steel Tempering Chart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2 should be tempered soon after quenching, typically once the part has cooled to about 120\u2013150\u00b0F (50\u201366 \u00b0C). Tempering reduces residual stresses, improves toughness, and sets the final hardness. Double tempering is commonly used when dimensional stability is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Condition or Tempering Temperature<\/td><td>Dureza t\u00edpica<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>As-quenched<\/td><td>63.5\u201365 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>As-quenched with sub-zero or cryogenic treatment<\/td><td>up to about 65\u201366 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>345\u2013350\u00b0F \/ 175\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 59.7\u201363 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>400\u00b0F \/ 204\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 59.5\u201360 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>400\u00b0F \/ 204\u00b0C after cryogenic treatment<\/td><td>about 61\u201362 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>600\u00b0F \/ 315\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 55.5 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>900\u00b0F \/ 480\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 51 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>950\u20131000\u00b0F \/ 510\u2013540\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 54\u201357 HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1100\u00b0F \/ 595\u00b0C<\/td><td>about 46\u201347 HRC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2 normally loses hardness as the tempering temperature increases. One exception is the secondary hardening range around 950\u20131000\u00b0F \/ 510\u2013540\u00b0C, where fine alloy carbides can raise hardness again to about 54\u201357 HRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most cold-work tools that require high wear resistance, lower tempering temperatures are used to keep A2 at 58\u201362 HRC. For tools requiring greater toughness or stability, higher tempering temperatures may be selected, but the final hardness will usually be lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Heat Treatment Controls A2 Tool Steel Hardness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2 hardness is mainly controlled by austenitizing temperature, quenching rate, retained austenite, section size, and tempering temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Fator<\/td><td>Effect on A2 Hardness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Austenitizing temperature<\/td><td>Controls hardening potential<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Quenching rate<\/td><td>Controls martensite formation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section size<\/td><td>Affects core hardness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Austenita retida<\/td><td>Too much retained austenite lowers hardness and stability<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sub-zero or cryogenic treatment<\/td><td>Can slightly increase hardness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Temperatura de t\u00eampera<\/td><td>Determines final working HRC<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Double tempering<\/td><td>Improves stability after retained austenite transformation<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the austenitizing temperature is too low, A2 may not reach full hardness. If the temperature is too high, excessive retained austenite may reduce hardness and dimensional stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2 is an air-hardening tool steel. Because it contains sufficient chromium and molybdenum to harden deeply, it can achieve high hardness with a lower risk of distortion than oil-hardening grades such as O1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section size still matters. A2 can usually harden effectively in solid cross-sections up to about 4.5 inches (114 mm). Above about 5 inches (127 mm), the core may cool too slowly and not reach the same hardness as the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For detailed austenitizing temperatures, tempering cycles, quenching methods, and dimensional stability considerations, see our full <a href=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/a2-tool-steel-heat-treatment-guide\/\">Guia de Tratamento T\u00e9rmico de A\u00e7o para Ferramentas A2<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended A2 Tool Steel Hardness for Different Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The correct A2 hardness depends on whether the tool requires greater wear resistance or greater toughness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Aplicativo<\/td><td>Recommended Hardness<\/td><td>Reason<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Blanking dies and punches, long runs<\/td><td>58\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Better wear resistance and edge retention<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Blanking dies and punches, short runs<\/td><td>58\u201360 HRC<\/td><td>Resist\u00eancia ao desgaste e tenacidade equilibradas<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Piercing and trimming punches<\/td><td>58\u201360 HRC<\/td><td>Reduces risk of breakage under side load<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Matrizes de dobra<\/td><td>58\u201360 HRC<\/td><td>Resist\u00eancia ao desgaste e tenacidade equilibradas<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Desenho morre<\/td><td>58\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Resists scoring and sliding wear<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Forming and seaming rolls<\/td><td>58\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Maintains wear resistance and accuracy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cold swaging dies<\/td><td>56\u201360 HRC<\/td><td>Better toughness under repeated impact<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spinning mandrels<\/td><td>50\u201358 HRC<\/td><td>Better ductility under heavy pressure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Matrizes de cunhagem<\/td><td>58\u201360 HRC<\/td><td>Resists compressive stress<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Embossing dies and punches<\/td><td>58\u201361 HRC<\/td><td>Maintains detail and surface wear resistance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cold extrusion dies and punches<\/td><td>56\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Depends on load and tool design<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Die bases, anvils, and punch shanks<\/td><td>56\u201358 HRC<\/td><td>Better shock absorption<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cold shear blades<\/td><td>58\u201363 HRC<\/td><td>Durable cutting edge<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Quills and knockout pins<\/td><td>59\u201363 HRC<\/td><td>Resists tip wear and buckling<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cold rolling mill rolls<\/td><td>58\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Uniform wear resistance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gages, squares, straight edges, and templates<\/td><td>58\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Wear resistance and dimensional stability<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If an A2 tool chips repeatedly under severe impact service, reducing hardness may help, but only to a point. In heavy shock applications, a tougher grade such as S7 may be a better choice than over-softening A2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A2 Tool Steel Hardness vs D2 and O1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2, D2, and O1 can achieve similar HRC values, but they do not perform the same at the same hardness level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Grau<\/td><td>Quenching Type<\/td><td>Dureza de trabalho t\u00edpica<\/td><td>Main Strength<\/td><td>Main Limitation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/o1-tool-steel\/\">O1<\/a><\/td><td>Oil-hardening<\/td><td>58\u201360 HRC<\/td><td>Good toughness and simple heat treatment<\/td><td>Lower wear resistance and higher distortion risk<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>A2<\/td><td>Endurecimento ao ar<\/td><td>58\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Balanced wear resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability<\/td><td>Not as wear-resistant as D2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/d2-tool-steel\/\">D2<\/a><\/td><td>Endurecimento ao ar<\/td><td>58\u201362 HRC<\/td><td>Alta resist\u00eancia ao desgaste<\/td><td>Lower toughness and higher chipping risk<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">D2 has higher carbon and chromium content, so it forms harder carbides. This gives D2 better wear resistance but lower toughness. O1 has fewer alloy carbides, so it has lower wear resistance but can offer good toughness in suitable applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A2 sits between them. It is tougher than D2 and more dimensionally stable than O1. This is why A2 is often selected when D2 is too brittle, and O1 is not stable or wear-resistant enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are comparing wear resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability in real tooling applications, you can also read our detailed guides on <a href=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/d2-vs-a2-tool-steel\/\">A2 vs D2 Tool Steel<\/a> e <a href=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/a2-vs-o1-tool-steel\/\">A2 vs O1 Tool Steel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Problems When A2 Tool Steel Does Not Reach the Required Hardness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When A2 does not reach the expected hardness, the problem is usually related to heat treatment control, section size, or surface condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Problem<\/td><td>Likely Cause<\/td><td>Resultado<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Low as-quenched hardness<\/td><td>Austenitizing temperature too low<\/td><td>Not enough hardening response<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Low hardness after high-temperature austenitizing<\/td><td>Excessive retained austenite<\/td><td>Soft retained austenite lowers measured hardness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Soft surface but hard core<\/td><td>Descarboneta\u00e7\u00e3o<\/td><td>Surface carbon loss prevents full surface hardness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Soft core in large section<\/td><td>Cooling rate too slow<\/td><td>Core may not fully transform to martensite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Final hardness too low<\/td><td>Tempering temperature too high<\/td><td>Martensite is over-softened<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local soft spots after grinding<\/td><td>Grinding burn or overtempering<\/td><td>Surface hardness becomes uneven<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common mistake is assuming that a higher austenitizing temperature always means higher hardness. In A2, overheating can increase retained austenite and reduce final hardness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surface decarburization is another common cause. If A2 is heated without proper protection, the surface may lose carbon. The core may reach the correct hardness, but the surface remains soft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Large section size can also cause hardness problems. A2 has good deep-hardening ability, but very large sections may still cool too slowly at the center. Above about 5 inches (127 mm), core hardness may be lower than surface hardness under still-air cooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improper tempering can also reduce hardness. If the tempering temperature is too high for the target hardness, the final HRC will be lower. If grinding after heat treatment generates excessive heat, it may create local soft zones or uneven surface hardness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>For bulk A2 tool steel supply, size availability, export quotation, or technical support, please visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/a2-tool-steel\/\">A2 tool steel product page<\/a> or contact us at <a href=\"mailto:sales@aobosteel.com\">sales@aobosteel.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A2-AD-1024x1024.avif\" alt=\"AOBOSTEEL A2 Tool Steel, high toughness and impact-resistant mold steel for cutting tools and industrial components, direct from manufacturer with global supply.\" class=\"wp-image-14899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A2-AD-1024x1024.avif 1024w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A2-AD-300x300.avif 300w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A2-AD-150x150.avif 150w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A2-AD-768x768.avif 768w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A2-AD-12x12.avif 12w, https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A2-AD.avif 1254w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq\">Perguntas frequentes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1778114946179\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the hardness of A2 tool steel?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A2 tool steel is usually supplied in an annealed condition at about <strong>200\u2013250 HB<\/strong>. After hardening and tempering, it is commonly used around <strong>57\u201362 HRC<\/strong>. In the as-quenched condition, A2 can reach about <strong>63.5\u201365 HRC<\/strong>, but it must be tempered before normal use.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1778114958968\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the Rockwell hardness of A2 steel?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The practical Rockwell C hardness of A2 steel is usually about <strong>58\u201362 HRC<\/strong> after hardening and tempering. The exact value depends on austenitizing temperature, tempering temperature, section size, and sub-zero treatment.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1778114959739\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How hard can A2 tool steel get?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A2 tool steel can reach about <strong>63.5\u201365 HRC<\/strong> as-quenched. With sub-zero or cryogenic treatment after quenching, hardness may rise to about <strong>65\u201366 HRC<\/strong>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1778114960435\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What hardness should A2 punches and dies be?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A2 punches and dies are commonly used around <strong>58\u201362 HRC<\/strong>. For long production runs and wear resistance, <strong>60\u201362 HRC<\/strong> is often selected. For impact or chipping risk, <strong>56\u201360 HRC<\/strong> may be safer.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1778114989964\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why does A2 tool steel not reach full hardness?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Common causes include low austenitizing temperature, overheating and retained austenite, slow cooling in large sections, surface decarburization, overtempering, or grinding burn.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A2 Tool Steel Hardness Chart and Heat Treatment HRC Guide A2 tool steel typically has a hardness of 57\u201362 HRC after hardening and tempering, which is the standard working hardness range for punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and other cold-work tooling applications. In the annealed condition, A2 is typically supplied at a hardness of about [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15068,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15065","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6.1 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A2 Tool Steel Hardness: HRC Chart, Tempering Data &amp; 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After hardening and tempering, it is commonly used around <strong>57\u201362 HRC<\/strong>. In the as-quenched condition, A2 can reach about <strong>63.5\u201365 HRC<\/strong>, but it must be tempered before normal use.","inLanguage":"pt-BR"},"inLanguage":"pt-BR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/#faq-question-1778114958968","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/#faq-question-1778114958968","name":"What is the Rockwell hardness of A2 steel?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The practical Rockwell C hardness of A2 steel is usually about <strong>58\u201362 HRC<\/strong> after hardening and tempering. The exact value depends on austenitizing temperature, tempering temperature, section size, and sub-zero treatment.","inLanguage":"pt-BR"},"inLanguage":"pt-BR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/#faq-question-1778114959739","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/#faq-question-1778114959739","name":"How hard can A2 tool steel get?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A2 tool steel can reach about <strong>63.5\u201365 HRC<\/strong> as-quenched. With sub-zero or cryogenic treatment after quenching, hardness may rise to about <strong>65\u201366 HRC<\/strong>.","inLanguage":"pt-BR"},"inLanguage":"pt-BR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/#faq-question-1778114960435","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/#faq-question-1778114960435","name":"What hardness should A2 punches and dies be?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A2 punches and dies are commonly used around <strong>58\u201362 HRC<\/strong>. For long production runs and wear resistance, <strong>60\u201362 HRC<\/strong> is often selected. For impact or chipping risk, <strong>56\u201360 HRC<\/strong> may be safer.","inLanguage":"pt-BR"},"inLanguage":"pt-BR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/#faq-question-1778114989964","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/a2-tool-steel-hardness\/#faq-question-1778114989964","name":"Why does A2 tool steel not reach full hardness?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Common causes include low austenitizing temperature, overheating and retained austenite, slow cooling in large sections, surface decarburization, overtempering, or grinding burn.","inLanguage":"pt-BR"},"inLanguage":"pt-BR"}]}},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad.avif",1254,1254,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-150x150.avif",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-300x300.avif",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-768x768.avif",768,768,true],"large":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-1024x1024.avif",1024,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad.avif",1254,1254,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad.avif",1254,1254,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-12x12.avif",12,12,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Evan","author_link":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/blog\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A2 Tool Steel Hardness Chart and Heat Treatment HRC Guide A2 tool steel typically has a hardness of 57\u201362 HRC after hardening and tempering, which is the standard working hardness range for punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and other cold-work tooling applications. In the annealed condition, A2 is typically supplied at a hardness of about&hellip;","rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad.avif",1254,1254,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad.avif",1254,1254,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad.avif",1254,1254,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-150x150.avif",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-300x300.avif",300,300,true],"large":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-1024x1024.avif",1024,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad.avif",1254,1254,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad.avif",1254,1254,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/A2-hardness-ad-12x12.avif",12,12,true]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Evan","author_link":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/blog\/author\/admin\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":null,"rttpg_excerpt":"A2 Tool Steel Hardness Chart and Heat Treatment HRC Guide A2 tool steel typically has a hardness of 57\u201362 HRC after hardening and tempering, which is the standard working hardness range for punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and other cold-work tooling applications. In the annealed condition, A2 is typically supplied at a hardness of about&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15065","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15065"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15065\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aobosteel.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15065"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}