AISI A2 X100CrMoV5 1.2363 SKD12 Tool Steel

Product Overview

DIN X100CrMoV5 (1.2363) is a widely specified high‑carbon, high‑chromium cold work tool steel complying with DIN EN ISO 4957. It delivers an outstanding balance of high hardness, excellent wear resistance, good hardenability, moderate corrosion resistance, and excellent dimensional stability after proper heat treatment.

This grade is globally recognized with equivalent standards:

• ASTM A681: A2

• JIS G4404: SKD12

• GB/T 1299: Cr5Mo1V

It is engineered for high‑load precision molds, long‑life cutting tools, and components requiring stable dimensions and resistance to temper softening.

Key Properties & Advantages

• Air‑hardening: Low distortion, roughly 1/4 the deformation of conventional oil‑hardening tool steels.

• Wear resistance: Between oil‑hardening grades (e.g., O1) and high‑carbon high‑chromium grades (e.g., D2).

• Toughness: Superior to Cr12, 9Mn2V, and many high‑chromium cold work steels.

• Dimensional stability: Minimal change during heat treatment, ideal for complex precision dies.

• Machinability & grindability: Better than high‑chromium 12% grades like D2 / 1.2379.

• Secondary hardening: Stable hardness at service temperatures up to ~400°C.

Equivalent Grades Table

Product Features

Chemical Composition

Melting & Quality

• Melting route: EF + LF + VD or EF + LF + VD + ESR

• Forging: Preheat 700–800°C; Start 1050–1100°C; Finish 850–900°C; Furnace / sand cooling

• Ultrasonic test: EN 10228‑3 Class III or SEP 1921‑84 D/D

Hardness & Heat Treatment

Surface hardness and hardenability

Annealing

• Heat to 840–860°C, hold, cool slowly in furnace

• Result: Soft for machining, uniform structure

Quenching & Tempering

• Preheat: ~788°C

• Austenitize: 960–980°C (salt bath / vacuum furnace)

• Quench: Air cool

• Temper: 170–190°C, air cool

• Working hardness: 58–62 HRC

Above curve in figure is a rough guide to the tempering behaviour of steels.

Supply size & Tolerance & Stock size

Typical Applications

Cold Work Dies

• Punching, blanking, piercing dies

• Bending, drawing, flanging dies

• Coining, embossing, jewelry dies

• Cold forging & extrusion dies for fasteners

Cutting Tools & Blades

• Shear blades, paper cutters, shredder blades

• Metal working knives, thread rolling dies

Precision Components

• Gauges, plug gauges, ring gauges, templates

• Guide pins, guide bushes, bearings, rollers

1.2363 vs. Similar Grades: Comparison

A2 (1.2363) vs D2 (1.2379)

• A2: Better toughness, lower distortion, easier machining/grinding

• D2: Higher wear resistance, higher chromium, higher hardness retention

• Use A2 when toughness and dimensional stability are critical

• Use D2 for extreme abrasive wear with low impact

A2 vs O1

• A2: Air‑hardening, less distortion, better toughness, higher hardenability

• O1: Oil‑hardening, lower cost, simpler heat treatment

• A2 is the modern upgrade for precision dies

A2 vs SKD11 / Cr12MoV

• A2: Significantly better toughness, finer carbides, less cracking risk

• SKD11: Higher wear resistance but more brittle

• A2 preferred for medium–high impact punching & forming

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between A2 and 1.2363?

A1: A2 (ASTM A681) and DIN 1.2363 (X100CrMoV5) are essentially equivalent grades with nearly identical chemical compositions and mechanical properties. They can be used interchangeably in most cold work applications.

Q2: Is 1.2363 the same as A2 tool steel?

A2: Yes. 1.2363 (DIN), A2 (ASTM), SKD12 (JIS), and Cr5Mo1V (GB) are equivalent grades with nearly identical chemistry and performance.

Q3: What is the maximum hardness of A2 / 1.2363?

A3: After proper quenching and low‑temperature tempering, hardness typically reaches 58–62 HRC, sometimes up to 63 HRC.

Q4: Why choose A2 over D2 or O1?

A4: Choose A2 for balanced wear resistance + toughness + low distortion

Choose O1 for low‑cost, simple oil‑hardening tools

Choose D2 for maximum abrasive wear with minimal impact

Need a quote or customized size? Contact us for competitive pricing and fast delivery.