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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Selection Summary

This table gives a faster comparison when the buyer already knows the precision tool type and main performance requirement.

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

Need Tool Steel for Gages or Precision Tools?

Send your grade, size, quantity, precision tool type, and dimensional stability requirement. Aobo Steel can support bulk supply of tool steel round bars and plates for industrial buyers.

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