
Product Description
A2 Tool Steel /1.2363/X100CrMoV5/SKD12 - Versatile Cold Work Steel
AISI A2 Tool Steel is an air-hardening chromium alloy tool steel classified under the 'A' group in ASTM A681. It is a versatile steel that offers safer hardening, reduced distortion, and improved wear resistance compared to O1 tool steel. A2 steel strikes a balance between the wear resistance of O1 oil-hardening tool steel and the high carbon, high chromium content of D2 tool steel.
Heat treatable, A2 tool steel offers a hardness range of 57-62 HRC and provides good toughness with medium wear resistance. It is relatively easy to machine and is widely used in applications that require both wear resistance and toughness, making it ideal for a variety of cold work tooling applications.
Similar Grade
ZEICIN Grade |
AISI |
DIN |
JIS |
British |
A2 / SKD12 |
ASTM A681/ A2 / T30102 |
1.2363/ X100CrMoV5 |
G4404/ SKD12 |
BS 4659 / BA2 |
Main Chemical Composition%
C |
Mn |
P |
S |
Si |
Cr |
Mo |
V |
0.95-1.05 |
0.40-1.00 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.10-0.50 |
4.75-5.50 |
0.90-1.40 |
0.15-0.50 |
AISI A2 Tool Steel | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5 | SKD12 - Heat Treatment
Stress Relieving
After grinding or machining, heat to 670-700°C and hold for at least 2 hours per 25mm thickness, then cool in the furnace to reduce cracking risks.
Annealing
Heat to 899°C (1650°F), hold for 2 hours per inch of thickness, then cool slowly to 650°C (1200°F). Reheat to 732°C (1350°F) for 3 hours and cool slowly to room temperature.
Hardening
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Preheating: 1200-1380°F (650-750°C)
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Austenitizing: 1700-1780°F (925-970°C), typically around 1720-1760°F (940-960°C).
Tempering
Heat to the desired temperature and hold for 25 minutes per cm of thickness. Temper at 200°C for hardness and strength balance, or at 350°C for more strength. Minimum holding time: 2 hours per inch of thickness.
Quenching
Quench in martempering bath at 360-430°F (180-220°C) or 840-1020°F (450-550°C), then cool in air. For small tools, use oil.
Nitriding
For surface hardness and wear resistance:
Nitrocarburizing
2-hour treatment at 1060°F (570°C) gives surface hardness of 900 HV1 with a case depth of 0.0004-0.0008" (10-20 µm).
This heat treatment ensures AISI A2 Tool Steel has optimal hardness, toughness, and wear resistance for various cold work applications.
Process |
Temperature |
Remarks |
Stress Relieving |
670-700°C |
Soak for 2 hours per 25mm thickness, cool in furnace |
Annealing |
899°C (1650°F) |
Soak for 2 hours, cool to 650°C, reheat to 732°C for 3 hours, then cool slowly |
Hardening |
Preheating: 1200-1380°F (650-750°C) |
Austenitizing: 1700-1780°F (925-970°C) |
Tempering |
Desired temperature |
Hold for 25 minutes per cm of thickness, temper at 200°C or 350°C, 2 hours per inch |
Quenching |
360-430°F (180-220°C) or 840-1020°F (450-550°C) |
Quench in bath, then cool in air or oil for small tools |
Nitriding |
975°F (525°C) |
Surface hardness ~1000 HV1, case depth: 20-60 hours (0.008"-0.016") |
Nitrocarburizing |
1060°F (570°C) |
2-hour treatment for 900 HV1 surface hardness, case depth: 0.0004-0.0008" |
Our Advantages




1. Exceptional Value for Money
High Performance at Competitive Pricing
Our A2 Tool Steel (1.2363/X100CrMoV5/SKD12) offers excellent wear resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability at an affordable price. It is perfect for producing cold work tools, including cutting tools, dies, and punches, delivering exceptional performance without the high cost of premium steel.
2. Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Precision Manufacturing Process
A2 Tool Steel is produced using advanced manufacturing methods to ensure high-quality steel, uniform microstructure, and enhanced mechanical properties. It is ideal for cold work applications, such as cutting, punching, and die-making.
Controlled Heat Treatment
We optimize hardness (57-62 HRC after tempering) and wear resistance through precise heat treatment, ensuring reliable performance even in high-stress and high-temperature environments.
3. Reliable Product Quality
Strict Process Quality Control
We implement strict quality control measures throughout the entire production process to ensure consistent mechanical properties, uniform microstructure, and precise dimensional accuracy in each batch of A2 Tool Steel.
Compliance with Global Standards
A2 Tool Steel meets international standards such as ASTM A681, DIN EN ISO 4957, and JIS G4404, making it a reliable choice for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and tooling.
4. Technical Expertise and Customization
Continuous Process Optimization
We continuously invest in improving our manufacturing processes to meet the evolving demands of various industries while maintaining high performance and reliability.
Customized Solutions Available
We offer A2 Tool Steel in various forms, including round bars, flat bars, and sheets. Additionally, we provide customized heat treatments and surface finishes to meet the specific needs of each customer.


Applications
Applications of AISI A2 Tool Steel | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5 | SKD12 - Versatile Cold Work Steel
Our AISI A2 Tool Steel (1.2363/X100CrMoV5/SKD12) provides a good balance of wear resistance and toughness, making it ideal for various cold work applications. Typical uses include:
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Blanking Dies: For cutting sheet metal.
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Coining Dies: For producing precise shapes.
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Cold Forming Dies: For shaping materials.
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Trimming and Forming Dies: For trimming applications.
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Cold Shears: For cutting in cold conditions.
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Punches and Mandrels: For punching and shaping.
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Reamers and Shear Blades: For precision cutting and finishing.
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Stamping Dies: For stamping and forming parts.
AISI A2 Tool Steel is a reliable choice for tooling applications that require both toughness and wear resistance, offering excellent performance at a lower cost compared to high-carbon, high-chromium steels.
Otai Steel provides high-quality AISI A2 Tool Steel with competitive pricing and customized options to meet your specific needs.
Packaging & Shipping



FAQ
Q1: What are the advantages of AISI A2 Tool Steel | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5 | SKD12 over conventional tool steels?
A: AISI A2 Tool Steel (1.2363/X100CrMoV5/SKD12) offers a balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness, making it ideal for cold work applications. It performs better than conventional tool steels, offering superior durability and precision for medium to high-performance tools, especially when a good balance between toughness and wear resistance is required.
Q2: What sizes and forms do you supply for AISI A2 Tool Steel | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5 | SKD12?
A: We supply AISI A2 Tool Steel (1.2363/X100CrMoV5/SKD12) in round bars, flat bars, sheets, and custom blanks. Sizes can be tailored to meet customer needs for various cold work tooling applications, including cutting tools, dies, and punches.
Q3: Do you offer customized solutions for AISI A2 Tool Steel | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5 | SKD12?
A: Yes, we offer customized sizes, heat treatments, and surface finishes to ensure optimal performance for specific cold work tooling applications, such as cutting, punching, and forming.
Q4: How do you ensure product quality consistency for AISI A2 Tool Steel | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5 | SKD12?
A: We maintain strict quality control throughout the entire production process to ensure consistent mechanical properties, uniform microstructure, and precise dimensions, guaranteeing reliable performance in demanding cold work applications.