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📊 Tool Steel Grades Chart: Properties, Types & Applications
📌 Introduction
If you’re in the tooling, die-making, or machining industry, selecting the right tool steel is essential. This tool steel grades chart helps compare popular grades based on hardness, composition, and application. Tool steels are engineered to resist wear, maintain sharpness, and withstand extreme working conditions. Use this guide to make informed decisions for your next tooling project.
🧰 What Is Tool Steel?
Tool steel refers to a variety of alloyed steels optimized for manufacturing tools and dies. They offer:
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High hardness
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Wear resistance
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Thermal stability
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Toughness under impact
Tool steels are classified into cold work, hot work, high-speed, and shock-resisting categories based on their usage and composition.
📘 Tool Steel Grades Chart (Quick Reference)
| Grade | Category | Hardness (HRC) | Key Elements | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2 | Cold Work | 58–62 | C, Cr, Mo, V | Dies, blanking tools, knives |
| O1 | Cold Work | 57–62 | C, Mn, Cr | Gauges, punches, tooling dies |
| A2 | Cold Work | 58–61 | C, Cr, Mo | Shear blades, forming tools |
| H13 | Hot Work | 44–52 | Cr, Mo, V | Die casting molds, forging dies |
| H11 | Hot Work | 43–50 | Cr, Mo, V | Extrusion tools, hot punches |
| M2 | High-Speed Steel | 62–66 | W, Mo, V, Cr | Drills, reamers, milling cutters |
| M35 | High-Speed Steel | 64–67 | Co, W, Mo, V | Gear cutters, saws, high-temp tools |
| S7 | Shock-Resisting | 54–58 | C, Cr, Mo, V | Hammers, rivet sets, chisels |
📸 Image Alt Tag: “Tool steel grades comparison chart with hardness and applications”
🔍 Tool Steel Grade Categories Explained
✅ Cold Work Tool Steels
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Used in room-temperature applications
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High hardness and wear resistance
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Examples: D2, O1, A2
✅ Hot Work Tool Steels
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Withstand thermal fatigue and high temperatures
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Ideal for forging, die-casting
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Examples: H13, H11
✅ High-Speed Tool Steels
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Maintain cutting edge at elevated speeds and temperatures
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High alloy content
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Examples: M2, M35, T1
✅ Shock-Resisting Tool Steels
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Excellent toughness under impact
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Used in tools subjected to sudden loads
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Examples: S7
🧪 Key Properties to Consider in the Chart
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Hardness (HRC): Indicates wear resistance and edge retention
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Toughness: Resistance to cracking and chipping
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Heat Resistance: Essential for hot-working and high-speed tools
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Machinability: Important for secondary processing like grinding
🔗 Related Product Pages
🛒 Buying Tips Based on the Tool Steel Chart
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Need wear resistance? → Choose D2 or M2
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Need toughness for impact? → Go with S7
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Working in hot conditions? → Opt for H13
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For cost-effective tools → Try O1
Always match the grade with your tool function, operating temperature, and load condition.
📦 Custom Supply Options
We offer:
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Custom lengths and diameters
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Annealed, pre-hardened, or quenched and tempered material
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Export-ready packaging and test certificates
📤 Get a Quote or Datasheet
Need help selecting the right tool steel grade? Use our tool steel grades chart to compare, then reach out for detailed datasheets and quotes.
📞 Phone: +91 7385863226
📧 Email: info@amengineeringworks.in
🏢 Address: Plot No. 15, Khan compound, Taloja M.I.D.C. Navi-Mumbai 410208, Maharashtra INDIA