Metal
Tool Steel
Built for hardness, edge retention and wear where ordinary steel will not survive.
01 · QUICK ANSWER
When should you choose Tool steel?
Choose A2 for stable air hardening, D2 for high wear resistance, O1 for simple oil-hardened tools, and H13 for hot-work dies and thermal cycling.
02 · SELECTION DATA
Typical properties at a glance
Screening values only. Final design data must follow the exact grade, condition, stock form and supplier certificate.
Density7.7–8.0 g/cm³
Strength rangeSpecified mainly by hardness
TemperatureGrade dependent
MachinabilitySpecialist
03 · ENGINEERING NOTES
Specify what changes the result
A material name alone is not enough. Include grade, condition, finish and documentation on the drawing or purchase specification.
- A2
- D2
- O1
- H13
- S7
- Dies and punches
- Cutting tools
- Mold inserts
- Wear plates
- Machine before final hardening where possible
- Hardening and grinding add lead time
- Sharp corners increase cracking risk
- Ground
- Polished
- Black oxide
- Nitrided
- PVD coating
04 · MANUFACTURING FIT
Available process routes
CNC machiningCommonly available
Sheet metalReview by grade and geometry
3D printingReview by grade and geometry
05 · NEXT COMPARISON