AISI D2 Cold Work Tool Steel: High-Carbon High-Chromium — Stamping, Blanking & Shear Blades
ASTM A681 / DIN 1.2379 / JIS SKD11 · Published: 2026-05-31 · Updated: 2026-05-31
AISI D2 is the most produced cold-work tool steel, containing 1.40-1.60% carbon and 11.00-13.00% chromium — classifying it as a high-carbon high-chromium (HCHC) tool steel. The high carbon and chromium produce a microstructure of primary M₇C₃...
AISI D2 is the most produced cold-work tool steel, containing 1.40-1.60% carbon and 11.00-13.00% chromium — classifying it as a high-carbon high-chromium (HCHC) tool steel. The high carbon and chromium produce a microstructure of primary M₇C₃ carbides (hardness ~1600 HV) dispersed in a tempered martensitic matrix, giving D2 its signature combination of excellent wear resistance (abrasive and adhesive) and moderate toughness at 58-62 HRC. D2 is the standard material for blanking/piercing dies, shear blades, cold-forming rolls, thread-rolling dies, and gage blocks. It is air-hardening (4-6 inch sections harden fully in still air), providing minimal distortion compared to water- or oil-hardening tool steels (W1, O1).
Quick Facts
| Category | Tool Steel |
| Standard | ASTM A681 / DIN 1.2379 / JIS SKD11 |
| Density | 7.70 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | Compressive yield ~2200 MPa at 60 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 1500-2000 MPa depending on tempering temperature |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
| Alternative Standard / Grade | Action |
|---|---|
| EN X153CrMoV12 | Compare |
| DIN 1.2379 | Compare |
| JIS SKD11 | Compare |
| GB Cr12MoV | Compare |
| Böhler K110 | Compare |
Related Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can D2 be used for injection mold cavities?
D2 is occasionally specified for high-volume injection molds processing glass-fiber-reinforced resins where wear from the fiberglass is the dominant failure mode. However, D2's corrosion resistance is limited — it will rust in humid storage and pit from PVC/PVF outgassing. For combined wear + corrosion resistance, specify a stainless mold steel: Böhler M340 (Corrosion-resistant tool steel with D2-level wear resistance through vanadium carbides), Uddeholm Stavax ESR, or ASSAB 8407 Supreme. For general-purpose injection molding without fiberglass, P20 prehardened mold steel (28-32 HRC) is the standard and more cost-effective choice — D2 is overkill and adds unnecessary heat treatment complexity and dimensional change risk.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu