SteelWhat is D2 steel and what is it used for? Cold work tool steel
D2 steel is a cold work tool steel. In this guide we explain what D2 steel is, its chemical composition, hardness, how it is heat treated, what it is used for and the sizes we stock.
What is D2 steel?
High-carbon, high-chromium tool steel with very high wear resistance, air hardening. For blanking dies, punches and high-volume cold forming tooling.
Chemical composition of D2 steel
This is the typical composition of D2 steel (AISI D2 / EN-DIN 1.2379 / JIS SKD11 standard):
| Element | Contents | What for? |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.40 – 1.60 % | Hardness and wear resistance |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.60 % | Deoxidizer |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.10 – 0.60 % | Hardenability |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11.00 – 13.00 % | Hardenability and wear resistance |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.70 – 1.20 % | Hot hardness and hardenability |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.50 – 1.10 % | Refines the grain and forms hard carbides |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.030 % max. | Impurity, kept low |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 % max. | Impurity, kept low |
Hardness and heat treatment of D2 steel
The typical working hardness of D2 is 58 – 62 HRC. It is air-quenched and tempered. Its high chromium and carbon content forms abundant hard carbides, which give it outstanding wear resistance, ideal for high-volume production. You can see the full overview in our article on heat treatments for steel, and hardness scales in steel hardness.
What is it for? Applications of D2
D2 steel is mainly used in:
- Cutting and blanking dies
- High-production punches
- Industrial knives and slitters
- Scrap shear blades
- Coining and drawing dies
- Sheet metal dies
- Cold extrusion tools
- Cold forming rolls
- Gages and wear parts
Forms and sizes we carry
At NAT MAC we stock D2 steel in these forms and sizes:
| Package size | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Round bars | Ø 1/4" – 24" (Ø 6 – 610 mm) |
| Plates | 1/8" – 12" (3 – 305 mm) |
If you need a particular size, tell us which one and we will gladly source it for you.
D2 equivalents and standards
D2 steel is also identified by these standards: AISI D2 / EN-DIN 1.2379 / JIS SKD11. You can see how to read them in our article on steel standards.
Theoretical weight of D2 steel
To estimate freight, handling or costs, this is the reference theoretical weight per size, calculated with a density of 7.70 g/cm³ (the same one our calculator uses). Actual weight may vary due to manufacturing tolerances.
| Round bar Ø | mm | kg per meter |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 12.7 | 0.98 |
| 1" | 25.4 | 3.90 |
| 1 1/2" | 38.1 | 8.78 |
| 2" | 50.8 | 15.6 |
| 3" | 76.2 | 35.1 |
| 4" | 101.6 | 62.4 |
| 6" | 152.4 | 140 |
| 8" | 203.2 | 250 |
| 10" | 254 | 390 |
| Plate (thickness) | mm | kg per m² |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 6.3 | 48.9 |
| 1/2" | 12.7 | 97.8 |
| 3/4" | 19 | 147 |
| 1" | 25.4 | 196 |
| 2" | 50.8 | 391 |
| 3" | 76.2 | 587 |
| 4" | 101.6 | 782 |
Need another size? Get the exact weight with the Steel weight calculator: choose the grade, form and dimensions and get the result instantly.
In summary
- D2 is a cold work tool steel
- Typical composition: C 1.40 – 1.60 and Cr 11.00 – 13.00, plus alloying elements
- Typical working hardness: 58 – 62 HRC
- Ideal for maximum wear resistance in cold work
- We carry it in round bar (1/4" – 24") and plates (1/8" – 12"), cut to size
Frequently asked questions about D2 steel
What hardness does D2 steel reach?
Its typical working hardness is 58 to 62 HRC. It is air hardened and tempered; its high chromium and carbon content forms hard carbides that give it outstanding wear resistance.
What is the equivalent of D2 steel?
It is DIN 1.2379 and JIS SKD11.
What is D2 steel used for?
Blanking and stamping dies, high-production punches, industrial knives and slitters, coining dies and cold forming rolls: high-volume cold work tooling.
How much does a D2 steel bar weigh?
With a reference density of 7.70 g/cm³, a 1" round bar weighs about 3.90 kg per meter and a 2" bar about 15.6 kg per meter.
What sizes of D2 steel do you carry?
Round bar from 1/4" to 24" (6 to 610 mm) and plate from 1/8" to 12" (3 to 305 mm), cut to size.
Why buy your D2 steel at NAT MAC?
We have more than 54 years of experience as an industrial supplier and ISO 9001 certified quality. We carry a wide range of tool grade steels and help you choose the right one for your tool or mold.
- Quality D2 Steel, backed and traceable
- Material cut to the size you need
- Technical advice on choosing the right grade
- Wide range of tool-grade steels in stock
- On-time deliveries and competitive prices
Tell us what tool or mold you are going to make and in what dimensions, and we will recommend the right grade and form. Request your free quote.
Sources: data sheet from our NAT MAC catalog (composition, sizes and applications) and public industry references for working hardness. Values are for reference and may vary by standard, heat and treatment.
