Aobo Steel:The Reliable supplier for D2 Tool Steel
Premium D2 Steel Supplier for Unmatched Durability
Our company, Aobo Steel, is a professional D2 tool steel supplier with a production heritage from 2003. We possess an extensive and professional understanding of the production and various performance aspects of D2 tool steel.
What is D2 tool steel? It is a high-carbon, high-chromium, air-hardening cold work tool steel. D2 steel has high hardenability, high hardness, and high wear resistance. Additionally, it has good high-temperature oxidation resistance, impact resistance after quenching and tempering, and minimal deformation during heat treatment. D2 tool steel, renowned for its durability, manufactures cold-working dies, tools, and gauges with large cross-sections, complex shapes, high precision requirements, and a long service life. Furthermore, these tools withstand significant impacts.
The designation in the U.S. ASTM A681 system is D2. The grade is also AISI D2 tool steel in the AISI system. Similar designations in other national standards include ISO 160CrMoV12, Japan/JIS SKD11, USA/UNS T30402, Germany/DIN X155CrMo12-1, Germany/W-Nr. 1.2379, and Czech Republic (CSN) 19221.
D2 steel applications
Cutting Tools:
- Knives: It manufactures industrial knives for the paper, plastic, and metal industries, as well as kitchen and hunting knives. In the civilian market, we often see D2 Steel Knives.
- Shear Blades: D2 shear blades efficiently cut through thick and hard materials in the metalworking and recycling industries, making them very effective tools.
Forming Tools:
- Dies: D2 tool steel is widely used for making dies for punching, stamping, and forming operations because of its exceptional properties. Specifically, its ability to withstand high-pressure applications without deforming is crucial in these industries, ensuring precision and longevity.
- Rolls: D2 rolls are essential components in rolling mills because they can endure high wear conditions while maintaining their shape and functionality.
Industrial Components:
- Wear Parts: Due to its durability, D2 is often used for components subjected to heavy wear, such as cams, guides, and gages.
- Extrusion Dies: D2 tool steel is used for dies in the plastic and aluminum extrusion industries because these dies must withstand high pressures and the abrasive nature of the extruded materials.
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D2 tool Steel Review
Tool steel D2 is high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel with high wear resistance, decent toughness, and a great cutting edge. This makes it a preferred material in high-stress durability applications, such as blanking dies, forming dies, shear blades, and gauges. In this review, we explain everything there is to know about the properties of D2 STEEL: chemical composition, mechanical properties, treatment, you name it, and we will see why the D2 STEEL is so widely used in the industry. The new study aims to evaluate what plays a major role in steel D2 properties and the strengths or weaknesses in the steel population.
D2 steel composition
| Element | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) |
| Percentage (%) | 1.40 – 1.60 | 11.00 – 13.00 | 0.70 – 1.20 | 0.50 – 1.10 | 0.20 – 0.60 | 0.10 – 0.60 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 |
D2 steel heat treatment
According to its technical data, AISI D2 steel requires careful heat treatment, including slow heating, to achieve the desired hardness and toughness.
1. Material D2 Pre-Heat Treatment Process Specifications
| Pre-Heat Treatment Plan | Process Parameters |
|---|---|
| Ingot and Billet Annealing Process | Heat at a rate of <100°C/h to 870 ~ 890°C, hold for 2 ~ 4 hours, cool at a rate of <30°C/h in the furnace to below 550°C, then air cool |
| Isothermal Annealing Process | Heat to 840 ~ 860°C, hold for 2 hours; furnace cool to 720 ~ 740°C, hold for 4 hours, furnace cool to below 550°C, then air cool; annealing hardness is 205 ~ 255 HBW |
2. Material D2 Quenching
a) D2 metal Recommended Heat Treatment Process
| Scheme | First Preheating Temperature (°C) | Second Preheating Temperature (°C) | Quenching Heating Temperature (°C) | Cooling | Rockwell C Hardness (HRC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 500 ~ 600 | 820 ~ 860 | 980 ~ 1040 | Oil cooling or air cooling | 60 ~ 65 |
| II | 500 ~ 600 | 820 ~ 860 | 1060 ~ 1100 | Oil cooling or air cooling | 60 ~ 65 |
b) Relationship between Quenching Temperature, Hardness, and Retained Austenite Content
| Quenching Temperature (°C) | 900 | 950 | 980 | 1000 | 1030 | 1050 | 1080 | 1100 | 1130 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwell C Hardness (HRC) | 52.5 | 57.5 | 60 | 63.5 | 63.4 | 63 | 62.5 | 62 | 60 |
| Retained Austenite Content (Volume Fraction, %) | — | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 24 | — |
3. D2 metal Tempering
Recommended Tempering Process Specifications
| Tempering Scheme | Tempering Temperature (°C) | Number of Tempering Cycles | Rockwell C Hardness (HRC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | 180 ~ 230 | 1 | 60 ~ 64 |
| II | 510 ~ 540 | 2 | 60 ~ 64 |
4. Annealing process parameters
| Heating specification | Cooling specification | Hardness (HBS) | |||
| Heating Temperature (°C) | Holding Time (hours) | Slow cooling | Isothermal | ||
| Heating Temperature (°C) | Holding Time (hours) | ||||
| 870~890 | 2~5 | Furnace cooling to 550°C, then air cooling | ≤248 | ||
| 840~860 | 2 | – | 720-740°C | 2~4 | 207~255 |
D2 tool steel hardness
The hardness of material D2 depends on its heat treatment condition:
- Annealed Condition: ~ 217-255 HB (Brinell Hardness)
- After Hardening & Tempering: ~ 58-62 HRC (Rockwell Hardness C)
D2 steel achieves its maximum hardness of around 62-64 HRC after proper quenching. It is typically tempered to 58-62 HRC to balance hardness and toughness for industrial applications like dies, punches, and cutting tools.
D2 steel vs. Other steels
To make it easier for buyers to choose the correct D2 steel for their needs, we have compared some steels that often need to be compared to D2 steel.
D2 steel vs 440c
| Property | D2 Steel | 440C Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 1.5-2.0% C, 11-13% Cr, 0.9% Mo, 1% V, 0.6% Mn, 0.6% Si, Fe: Balance | 0.95-1.2% C, 16-18% Cr, 0.75% Mo, 1% Mn, 1% Si, Fe: Balance |
| Hardness (HRC) | 55-62 | 58-60 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate, requires maintenance | Excellent, stainless |
| Toughness | High, can be brittle at high hardness | Very high, flexible, less prone to chipping |
| Ease of Sharpening | Difficult | Easy |
| Edge Retention | Excellent | Decent, slightly lower than D2 |
| Typical Uses | Working knives, cutting tools | Outdoor knives, ball bearings, surgical instruments |
| Maintenance | Higher, needs regular care to prevent rust | Lower, minimal maintenance needed |
8cr13mov vs D2 steel
| Property | 8cr13mov | D2 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 0.8% C, 13% Cr, Mo, V, Mn, Si, Fe: Balance | 1.5-2.0% C, 11-13% Cr, 0.9% Mo, 1% V, 0.6% Mn, 0.6% Si, Fe: Balance |
| Hardness (HRC) | 58-60 | 55-62 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, stainless | Moderate, requires maintenance |
| Toughness | Good, maybe better at the lower hardness | Good, can be brittle at high hardness |
| Ease of Sharpening | Easy | Difficult |
| Edge Retention | Decent, suitable for budget use | Excellent, ideal for heavy use |
| Typical Uses | Budget knives, everyday carry | Industrial tools, heavy-duty knives |
| Maintenance | Lower, minimal needed | Higher, needs regular care to prevent rust |
| Cost | Affordable | More expensive |
A2 vs D2 tool steel
| Property | A2 Tool Steel | D2 Tool Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 1.00% C, 5.00% Cr, 1.00% Mn, 0.50% Si, 0.30% V, Fe: Balance | 1.50% C, 12.00% Cr, 0.60% Mn, 0.60% Si, 1.00% V, Fe: Balance |
| Hardness (HRC) | 57-62 | 55-62 |
| Wear Resistance | Good, intermediate between O1 and D2 | Excellent, enhanced by high C and Cr |
| Toughness | High, suitable for heavy impact | Good, but may be less than A2 at high hardness |
| Machinability | Easy, good for complex shapes | Difficult, abrasive, work hardens easily |
| Corrosion Resistance | Poor, requires maintenance to prevent rust | Mild, better than A2 due to higher Cr |
| Heat Treatment | Air-hardening, minimal distortion | Air hardening, may need precise control |
| Cost | Lower, more affordable | Higher reflects superior properties |
| Typical Uses | Blanking dies, forming dies, stamping dies | Cutting tools, punches, shear blades |
AUS 8 steel vs D2
| Property | AUS-8 Steel | D2 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | C: 0.75-0.80%, Cr: 13.00-14.50%, Ni: 0.49%, V: 0.10-0.26%, Fe: Balance | C: 1.40-1.60%, Cr: 10.00-13.00%, Mo: 0.70-1.20%, V: 0.90%, Fe: Balance |
| Hardness (HRC) | 58-59 (up to 60 with good heat treatment) | 55-62 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, stainless | Moderate, semi-stainless |
| Toughness | High, resistant to chipping | Good, maybe less at high hardness |
| Ease of Sharpening | Easy | Difficult |
| Edge Retention | Good, suitable for general use | Excellent, ideal for heavy use |
| Typical Uses | Budget knives, everyday carry, kitchen knives | Heavy-duty knives, hunting, industrial tools |
| Maintenance | Lower, minimal needed | Higher, needs regular care to prevent rust |
| Cost | Affordable | More expensive |
9cr18mov vs D2 steel
| Property | 9Cr18MoV Steel | D2 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | C: 0.95-1.05%, Cr: 17.00-19.00%, Mo: 0.40-0.60%, V: ≤0.10%, Fe: Balance | C: 1.40-1.60%, Cr: 10.00-13.00%, Mo: 0.70-1.20%, V: 0.90%, Fe: Balance |
| Hardness (HRC) | 58-60 | 55-62 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, stainless | Moderate, semi-stainless |
| Toughness | High, resistant to chipping | Good, maybe less at high hardness |
| Ease of Sharpening | Easy | Difficult |
| Edge Retention | Good, suitable for general use | Excellent, ideal for heavy use |
| Typical Uses | Budget knives, everyday carry, kitchen knives | Heavy-duty knives, hunting, industrial tools |
| Maintenance | Lower, minimal needed | Higher, needs regular care to prevent rust |
| Cost | Affordable | More expensive |
DC53 steel vs D2
| Property | DC53 Steel | D2 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | C: 0.95%, Cr: 8.0%, Mo: 2.0%, V: 0.30%, Si: 1.0%, Mn: 0.40%, Fe: Balance | C: 1.40-1.60%, Cr: 10.00-13.00%, Mo: 0.70-1.20%, V: 0.90%, Si: 0.60%, Mn: 0.60%, Fe: Balance |
| Hardness (HRC) | 62-63 after high-temp tempering | 55-62 |
| Toughness | High, reported twice that of D2 | Good, less at high hardness |
| Machinability | Easy, 20-40% faster than D2 | Difficult, abrasive, work hardens |
| Corrosion Resistance | Poor, requires maintenance | Poor, slightly better due to higher Cr |
| Edge Retention | Good, comparable or better than D2 | Excellent, due to the high carbide volume |
| Typical Uses | Precision dies, molds, punches | Cutting tools, shear blades, punches |
| Cost | Potentially higher, modern development | Lower, well-established standard |
| Availability | Less common outside Asia | Widely available globally |
D2 steel vs 1095
| Property | D2 Steel | 1095 steel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | C: 1.40-1.60%, Cr: 10.00-13.00%, Mo: 0.70-1.20%, V: 0.90%, Mn: 0.60%, Si: 0.60%, Fe: Balance | C: 0.95%, Mn: 0.30-0.50%, P: ≤0.04%, S: ≤0.05%, Fe: Balance |
| Hardness (HRC) | 55-62 | 60-62 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate, semi-stainless | Poor, prone to rust |
| Toughness | Good, better at high-hardness | Fair can be brittle at high hardness |
| Ease of Sharpening | Difficult | Easy |
| Edge Retention | Excellent, due to alloy carbides | Good, relies on iron carbides |
| Typical Uses | High-end knives, cutting tools, dies | Sword-making, budget knives |
| Maintenance | Higher, needs care to prevent rust | Higher, frequent care needed |
| Cost | More expensive | Affordable |
14c28n steel vs D2
| Property | 14C28N Steel | D2 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | C: 0.62%, Cr: 14.00%, Mn: 0.60%, N: 0.11%, Si: 0.30%, P: 0.02%, S: 0.01%, Fe: Balance | C: 1.40-1.60%, Cr: 10.00-13.00%, Mo: 0.70-1.20%, V: 0.90%, Mn: 0.60%, Si: 0.60%, Fe: Balance |
| Hardness (HRC) | 55-62 | 55-62 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, stainless | Moderate, semi-stainless |
| Toughness | High, resistant to chipping | Good, maybe less at high hardness |
| Ease of Sharpening | Easy | Difficult |
| Edge Retention | Good, suitable for general use | Excellent, ideal for heavy use |
| Typical Uses | Budget knives, EDC, kitchen knives | Heavy-duty knives, industrial tools |
| Maintenance | Lower, minimal needed | Higher, needs regular care to prevent rust |
| Cost | Affordable | More expensive |
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What are the D2 steel equivalents? DIN 1.2379 and JIS SKD11
In the German and Japanese standard systems, the grades similar to D2 steel are DIN 1.2379 and JIS SKD11, respectively. They have very similar chemical compositions and properties, and can be considered equivalent steel standards. Like D2, DIN 1.2379 and JIS SKD11 are high-carbon, high-chromium alloy tool steels, containing appropriate amounts of molybdenum and vanadium alloying elements. They exhibit high wear resistance and compressive strength, as well as excellent impact toughness, hardenability, dimensional stability, and resistance to temper softening. Their typical hardness ranges from 56 to 60 HRC, and they can undergo nitriding treatment. After quenching and high-temperature tempering, their hardness and wear resistance remain intact, making them particularly suitable for high-speed blanking dies used with cold-worked materials such as silicon steel.
DIN 1.2379 Steel Introduction
1.2379 Chemical Composition
| Carbon (C) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) |
| 1.40% – 1.60% | ≤ 0.60% | ≤ 0.60% | 11.00% – 13.00% | 0.7% – 1.20% | 0.50% – 1.10% |
1.2379 Physical Properties
| Density | 7695kg/m³ |
| Specific Gravity | 7.7 |
| Melting Point | 1420-1460°C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 11.6 x 10⁻⁶/°C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 6.4 x 10⁻⁶/°F |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 460J/kg·K |
| Thermal Conductivity (200°C) | 21W/m·K |
| Thermal Conductivity (400°C) | 23W/m·K |
JIS SKD11 Steel Introduction
SKD11 Chemical Composition
| Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Nickel (Ni) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) |
| 1.40 – 1.60 | 11.00 – 13.00 | 0.80 – 1.20 | 0.20 – 0.50 | 0.40 – 0.60 | 0.20 – 0.50 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 |
SKD11 Physical Properties
Property | Value |
Density | 7.7 g/cm³ |
Thermal Conductivity | 20.0 W/m·K at 100°C |
Elastic Modulus | 210 GPa |
Specific Heat Capacity | 460 J/kg·K |
Hardness (After Heat Treatment) | 58 – 62 HRC |
FAQs
1. Does d2 steel rust easily? Is D2 stainless steel?
While not true stainless steel, AISI D2 steel exhibits some corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content. It is still more prone to rust if not properly protected.
2. Is D2 better than 8Cr13MoV?
D2 and 8Cr13MoV are different categories of steel. What is 8cr13mov steel? 8Cr13MoV is a type of stainless steel that is far better than D2 in terms of rust resistance. However, they are both commonly used in the manufacture of cutting tools. D2 steel has a higher hardness than 8Cr13MoV. 8cr13mov steel hardness is 58-60 HRC. D2 steel excels in edge retention, while 8Cr13MoV steel is more balanced across the other features, especially in ease of sharpening and corrosion resistance.
3. D2 Round Bar Weight Calculator – How do I do it?
W(kg) = 0.00617 × d²(mm) × L(m)
Where:
- W is the weight of the round bar in kilograms
- d is the diameter of the round bar in millimeters
- L is the length of the round bar in meters
0.00617 is a constant derived from the density of steel (approximately 7.85 g/cm³) and pi (π).
4. D2 plate weight calculator– How do I do it?
Weight (kg) = Length (m) × Width (m) × Thickness (m) × Density (kg/m³)
Where:
- Density: The density of steel is typically taken as 7850 kg/m³. This value may vary slightly depending on the steel’s specific type and alloy composition, but 7850 kg/m³ is a good approximation for most steels.
5. D2 material round bar price – What is the latest?
The price of D2 steel will fluctuate with the changes in the price of alloys. For the latest price, please contact sales@aobosteel.com
6. What are the disadvantages of D2 steel?
Insufficient Toughness: D2 steel has relatively low toughness, making it prone to fracturing under impact or high stress, especially in low-temperature environments.
Difficult Machinability: Due to its high hardness, D2 steel is challenging to process and heat treat, requiring specialized equipment and techniques, which increases production costs.
Limited Corrosion Resistance: Although it has a high chromium content, D2 steel’s corrosion resistance is still inferior to that of stainless steel, and it may rust when exposed to humid or corrosive environments for extended periods.
Prone to Chipping: The high hardness of D2 steel makes its blades susceptible to chipping under impact, particularly in thin or fine-edged tools.
High Cost: The production and processing costs of D2 steel are relatively high, making it more expensive compared to other materials.
Complex Heat Treatment: The heat treatment process for D2 steel is intricate, requiring precise control of temperature and time; otherwise, it may lead to cracking or deformation.
Poor Weldability: D2 steel has poor welding performance, as it is prone to cracking during welding, necessitating special precautions.
7. D2 Steel vs 440C Steel: Which is Better?
D2 steel and 440C steel each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the specific choice depends on the application requirements. Below is a comparison of the two:
D2 steel: Suitable for scenarios requiring high hardness and wear resistance, but it has relatively poor toughness, corrosion resistance, and machinability.
440C steel: Suitable for corrosion resistance and tough scenarios, with good machinability and high cost-effectiveness.
8. Is D2 steel good for knives?
9.What is the equivalent of D2 tool steel?
In different countries or standards, D2 is equivalent to:
Chinese Standard (GB): Cr12Mo1V1
American Standard (ASTM/UNS): D2/T30402
Japanese Standard (JIS): SKD11
German Standard (DIN): 1.2379 and X155CrMoV12-1
Although the corresponding grades of D2 steel vary in name across different national and standard systems, their core properties (such as high hardness, wear resistance, and resistance to high-temperature softening) remain consistent.
10.Can D2 steel be welded?
D2 steel has poor welding performance, mainly due to its high carbon and chromium content, which leads to brittleness and crack sensitivity. Welding quality can be improved to some extent by preheating, selecting appropriate welding electrodes, controlling welding process parameters, and post-weld heat treatment.
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