1.2080 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel that conforms to the German standard DIN 17350. It is renowned for its exceptional wear resistance, high hardness, and good dimensional stability, making it suitable for applications requiring durability and precision under high-stress conditions. Due to its outstanding performance, many countries have developed equivalent steels to DIN 1.2080. Such as the American standard D3 (ASTM A681), the international standard X210Cr12 (ISO 4957), the Japanese standard SKD1 (JIS G4404), and the Chinese standard Cr12 (GB/T 1299).
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DIN 1.2080 is a premium high-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel that adheres to the German standard DIN 17350. Renowned for its exceptional wear resistance, outstanding hardness, and reliable dimensional stability, this steel is engineered to excel in high-stress applications where durability and precision are non-negotiable. It has been widely recognized globally, with equivalent grades across major standards—including AISI D3 (ASTM A681), X210Cr12 (ISO 4957), JIS SKD1 (JIS G4404), and Chinese Cr12 (GB/T 1299)—making it a versatile choice for international manufacturing projects. Whether used in blanking dies, shear blades, or high-precision components, DIN 1.2080 delivers consistent performance that meets the demands of rigorous cold working processes.
With a carbon content ranging from 1.90-2.20% and chromium levels of 11.00-12.00%, DIN 1.2080 achieves an optimal balance of hardness and wear resistance. The high carbon content ensures superior edge retention, while chromium enhances corrosion resistance and overall hardness—critical properties for tools subjected to repeated friction and pressure.
Even under demanding cold working conditions, DIN 1.2080 maintains precise dimensions, minimizing post-processing efforts and ensuring consistent part quality. This stability is particularly valuable for molds and tools that require tight tolerances for mass production.
The availability of equivalent grades (AISI D3, X210Cr12, JIS SKD1, Cr12) allows manufacturers to source materials seamlessly across regions, ensuring supply chain flexibility without compromising performance.
After hardening and tempering, DIN 1.2080 reaches a minimum hardness of HRC 62, making it capable of withstanding heavy loads and prolonged use in harsh working environments.
1: Steel equivalent
Country | USA | ISO | Germany | China | Japan |
Standard | ASTM A681 | ISO 4957 | DIN17350 | GB/T1299 | JIS G4404 |
Grade | D3 | X210Cr12 | 1.2080 | Cr12 | SKD1 |
2: Chemical composition
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | V |
D3 | 2.00-2.35 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 11-13.5 | 1.00Max |
X210Cr12 | ±0.05 | ±0.03 | ±0.04 | +0.005 | +0.005 | ±0.15 | / |
1.2080 | 1.90-2.20 | 0.10-0.40 | 0.15-0.45 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 11-12 | / |
Cr12 | 2.00-2.30 | 0.40Max | 0.40Max | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 11.5-13 | / |
SKD1 | 1.90-2.20 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.20-0.60 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 11-13 | / |
3: Surface hardness and hardenability
Heat Treatment | Hardness |
Annealed (+A) | HB248Max |
Cold-drawn condition | HB269Max |
Hardening and Tempering (+HT) | HRC62 Min |
4: Supply size & Tolerance & Stock size
Product type | Size range | Length |
Hot rolled bar | Φ10-Φ190mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot forged bar | Φ200-Φ600mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot rolled plate/sheet | T:10-60mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot forged plate | T:70-250mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot Forged block | T: 260-500mm; W: 300-1000mm | 2000-5800mm |
Surface Finish | Turned | Milled | Grinding(Best) | Polished(Best) | Peeled(Best) | Black Forged | Black Rolled |
Tolerance | +0/+3mm | +0/+3mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.1mm | +0/+5mm | +0/+1mm |
Straighness | 1mm/1000mm max. | 3mm/1000mm max. | |||||
For 1.2080 steel, because we don’t use them in domestic market, so there is no stocks for that material, usually we use Cr8 steel instead of 1.2080 steel in China, Cr8 steel is with similar mechanical properties but lower cost.
5: Ultrasonic Test
EN10228-3 class III or Sep 1921-84 D/D
6:Steel making & Forging processing
1): Steel making process:
EF+LF+VD
EAF+LF+VD
EF+LF+VD+ESR
EAF+LF+VD+ESR
2): Forging processing:
Put the 1.2080 ingot into the furnace and pre-heat to 700-800℃
Continue heating the ingot to initial temperature: 1050-1100℃
Forge the ingot, forging temperature should be not less than 850-900℃
Cooling in the sand or lime after forging
7: Heat treatment
1): Annealed:
Heat 1.2080 steel to 820-850℃ in the furnace
Soak at this temperature in the furnace
Cooling in the furnace slowly
2): Quenching and tempering:
Preheat Temperature: 816℃
Heat 1.2080 steel to 960-980℃ in the salt bath furnace
Soak at this temperature in the furnace
Quench in oil
Temper steel at 170-190℃ in the furnace
Take out from furnace and cool in the air.

Above curve in figure is just a rough guide to the tempering behaviour of steels. When applying the curves for an estimation of the hardness which can be expected in quenched and tempered tools, it should be taken into account that the optimum heat-treatment conditions for the tools are not necessarily identical with those specified for the test pieces.
The heating time of test pieces in a salt batch shall be as give in below table:
Total heating time of test pieces in a salt bath
Nature of steel | Hardening Time min | Tempering Time min |
Cold or hot work steels | 25 +/- 1 | 60 |
High-speed steels | 3 | Minimum 2 periods of 60 each |
If the test pieces are not heated in a salt batch, the heating time must be extended accordingly, and the times for heating give above are not valid for thicker tools.
Stamping Dies: Ideal for stamping and forming metal sheets with high precision.
Shearing Dies: Delivers clean cuts for metal sheets and strips in mass production.
Drawing Dies: Suitable for deep drawing processes requiring consistent dimensional accuracy.
Cold Heading Dies: Excels in cold heading forming operations for fasteners and components.
Cutters: Efficiently machines high-hardness materials thanks to superior wear resistance.
Measuring Tools: Used in high-precision measuring instruments due to stable dimensions.
Guide Pins and Bushings: Provides reliable guidance in molds with minimal wear.
Wear-Resistant Liners: Protects equipment in high-wear environments, extending service life.
High-hardness mechanical parts such as bearings and gears.
Precision molds for manufacturing high-quality components across industries.
DIN 1.2080 has global equivalents including AISI D3 (USA, ASTM A681), X210Cr12 (ISO, ISO 4957), JIS SKD1 (Japan, JIS G4404), and Cr12 (China, GB/T 1299).
After annealing, the maximum hardness is HB248; in cold-drawn condition, it reaches HB269 max; and after hardening and tempering, the minimum hardness is HRC62.
Supply options include hot rolled bars (Φ10-Φ190mm), hot forged bars (Φ200-Φ600mm), hot rolled plates (T:10-60mm; W:310-810mm), hot forged plates (T:70-250mm), and hot forged blocks (T:260-500mm), all with lengths of 2000-5800mm.
No, DIN 1.2080 is not stocked for domestic use. Cr8 steel is often used as a cost-effective alternative with similar mechanical properties.
DIN 1.2080 is a premium high-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel that adheres to the German standard DIN 17350. Renowned for its exceptional wear resistance, outstanding hardness, and reliable dimensional stability, this steel is engineered to excel in high-stress applications where durability and precision are non-negotiable. It has been widely recognized globally, with equivalent grades across major standards—including AISI D3 (ASTM A681), X210Cr12 (ISO 4957), JIS SKD1 (JIS G4404), and Chinese Cr12 (GB/T 1299)—making it a versatile choice for international manufacturing projects. Whether used in blanking dies, shear blades, or high-precision components, DIN 1.2080 delivers consistent performance that meets the demands of rigorous cold working processes.
With a carbon content ranging from 1.90-2.20% and chromium levels of 11.00-12.00%, DIN 1.2080 achieves an optimal balance of hardness and wear resistance. The high carbon content ensures superior edge retention, while chromium enhances corrosion resistance and overall hardness—critical properties for tools subjected to repeated friction and pressure.
Even under demanding cold working conditions, DIN 1.2080 maintains precise dimensions, minimizing post-processing efforts and ensuring consistent part quality. This stability is particularly valuable for molds and tools that require tight tolerances for mass production.
The availability of equivalent grades (AISI D3, X210Cr12, JIS SKD1, Cr12) allows manufacturers to source materials seamlessly across regions, ensuring supply chain flexibility without compromising performance.
After hardening and tempering, DIN 1.2080 reaches a minimum hardness of HRC 62, making it capable of withstanding heavy loads and prolonged use in harsh working environments.
1: Steel equivalent
Country | USA | ISO | Germany | China | Japan |
Standard | ASTM A681 | ISO 4957 | DIN17350 | GB/T1299 | JIS G4404 |
Grade | D3 | X210Cr12 | 1.2080 | Cr12 | SKD1 |
2: Chemical composition
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | V |
D3 | 2.00-2.35 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 11-13.5 | 1.00Max |
X210Cr12 | ±0.05 | ±0.03 | ±0.04 | +0.005 | +0.005 | ±0.15 | / |
1.2080 | 1.90-2.20 | 0.10-0.40 | 0.15-0.45 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 11-12 | / |
Cr12 | 2.00-2.30 | 0.40Max | 0.40Max | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 11.5-13 | / |
SKD1 | 1.90-2.20 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.20-0.60 | 0.030Max | 0.030Max | 11-13 | / |
3: Surface hardness and hardenability
Heat Treatment | Hardness |
Annealed (+A) | HB248Max |
Cold-drawn condition | HB269Max |
Hardening and Tempering (+HT) | HRC62 Min |
4: Supply size & Tolerance & Stock size
Product type | Size range | Length |
Hot rolled bar | Φ10-Φ190mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot forged bar | Φ200-Φ600mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot rolled plate/sheet | T:10-60mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot forged plate | T:70-250mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot Forged block | T: 260-500mm; W: 300-1000mm | 2000-5800mm |
Surface Finish | Turned | Milled | Grinding(Best) | Polished(Best) | Peeled(Best) | Black Forged | Black Rolled |
Tolerance | +0/+3mm | +0/+3mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.1mm | +0/+5mm | +0/+1mm |
Straighness | 1mm/1000mm max. | 3mm/1000mm max. | |||||
For 1.2080 steel, because we don’t use them in domestic market, so there is no stocks for that material, usually we use Cr8 steel instead of 1.2080 steel in China, Cr8 steel is with similar mechanical properties but lower cost.
5: Ultrasonic Test
EN10228-3 class III or Sep 1921-84 D/D
6:Steel making & Forging processing
1): Steel making process:
EF+LF+VD
EAF+LF+VD
EF+LF+VD+ESR
EAF+LF+VD+ESR
2): Forging processing:
Put the 1.2080 ingot into the furnace and pre-heat to 700-800℃
Continue heating the ingot to initial temperature: 1050-1100℃
Forge the ingot, forging temperature should be not less than 850-900℃
Cooling in the sand or lime after forging
7: Heat treatment
1): Annealed:
Heat 1.2080 steel to 820-850℃ in the furnace
Soak at this temperature in the furnace
Cooling in the furnace slowly
2): Quenching and tempering:
Preheat Temperature: 816℃
Heat 1.2080 steel to 960-980℃ in the salt bath furnace
Soak at this temperature in the furnace
Quench in oil
Temper steel at 170-190℃ in the furnace
Take out from furnace and cool in the air.

Above curve in figure is just a rough guide to the tempering behaviour of steels. When applying the curves for an estimation of the hardness which can be expected in quenched and tempered tools, it should be taken into account that the optimum heat-treatment conditions for the tools are not necessarily identical with those specified for the test pieces.
The heating time of test pieces in a salt batch shall be as give in below table:
Total heating time of test pieces in a salt bath
Nature of steel | Hardening Time min | Tempering Time min |
Cold or hot work steels | 25 +/- 1 | 60 |
High-speed steels | 3 | Minimum 2 periods of 60 each |
If the test pieces are not heated in a salt batch, the heating time must be extended accordingly, and the times for heating give above are not valid for thicker tools.
Stamping Dies: Ideal for stamping and forming metal sheets with high precision.
Shearing Dies: Delivers clean cuts for metal sheets and strips in mass production.
Drawing Dies: Suitable for deep drawing processes requiring consistent dimensional accuracy.
Cold Heading Dies: Excels in cold heading forming operations for fasteners and components.
Cutters: Efficiently machines high-hardness materials thanks to superior wear resistance.
Measuring Tools: Used in high-precision measuring instruments due to stable dimensions.
Guide Pins and Bushings: Provides reliable guidance in molds with minimal wear.
Wear-Resistant Liners: Protects equipment in high-wear environments, extending service life.
High-hardness mechanical parts such as bearings and gears.
Precision molds for manufacturing high-quality components across industries.
DIN 1.2080 has global equivalents including AISI D3 (USA, ASTM A681), X210Cr12 (ISO, ISO 4957), JIS SKD1 (Japan, JIS G4404), and Cr12 (China, GB/T 1299).
After annealing, the maximum hardness is HB248; in cold-drawn condition, it reaches HB269 max; and after hardening and tempering, the minimum hardness is HRC62.
Supply options include hot rolled bars (Φ10-Φ190mm), hot forged bars (Φ200-Φ600mm), hot rolled plates (T:10-60mm; W:310-810mm), hot forged plates (T:70-250mm), and hot forged blocks (T:260-500mm), all with lengths of 2000-5800mm.
No, DIN 1.2080 is not stocked for domestic use. Cr8 steel is often used as a cost-effective alternative with similar mechanical properties.