Tool Steel - Grades and Specifications

Overview of Tool Steel

Tool steel is a high-performance carbon and alloy steel specifically engineered for the manufacture of cutting tools, dies, moulds, punches, machine tooling and wear-resistant components. By combining carefully controlled levels of carbon with alloying elements such as chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, tungsten, manganese and silicon, tool steel delivers exceptional hardness, wear resistance, toughness, dimensional stability and heat resistance.

Unlike conventional engineering steels, tool steels are designed to retain their hardness and strength under demanding operating conditions, including repeated impact loading, abrasive wear and elevated temperatures. Following appropriate heat treatment, tool steels achieve excellent edge retention, compressive strength and resistance to deformation, making them suitable for precision tooling and long production runs.

Tool steel is extensively used throughout the tooling, aerospace, automotive, defence, plastics, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, metalworking, forging and precision engineering industries where reliable performance and extended service life are essential.

Chargentum supplies premium-quality Ground Flat Stock Tool Steel together with H13, D2, O1 and P20 Tool Steel Round Bars in a comprehensive range of sizes for customers across the UK. Materials are supplied with full mill certification and are suitable for machining, heat treatment and precision engineering applications.

Tool Steel Types

ProductDIN GradeTool Steel TypeTypical Applications
Ground Flat Stock Tool Steel – 500mmVarious Tool Steel GradesPrecision Ground Tool SteelDies, Jigs, Fixtures, Machine Components, General Toolmaking
H13 Tool Steel Round BarDIN 1.2344Hot Work Tool SteelDie Casting Dies, Extrusion Dies, Forging Tools, Hot Shear Blades
D2 Tool Steel Round BarDIN 1.2379High Carbon High Chromium Cold Work Tool SteelBlanking Dies, Punches, Industrial Knives, Wear Parts
O1 Tool Steel Round BarDIN 1.2510Oil Hardening Cold Work Tool SteelCutting Tools, Gauges, Bushes, Punches, Precision Tools
P20 Tool Steel Round BarDIN 1.2311Plastic Mould Tool SteelInjection Moulds, Plastic Dies, Blow Moulds, Tooling Plates

Notes:

Standard Grades

Chargentum supplies the UK’s most widely specified Tool Steel grades for precision machining, mould tooling, die manufacture, metal forming and industrial engineering applications.

GradeDIN DesignationTypical Hardness (HRC)*Primary Applications
Ground Flat Stock Tool SteelVariousSupplied AnnealedGeneral Toolmaking, Jigs & Fixtures
H13DIN 1.234444–52 HRCHot Work Dies, Forging & Die Casting
D2DIN 1.237958–62 HRCCold Work Dies, Knives, Punches
O1DIN 1.251057–62 HRCPrecision Cutting Tools & Gauges
P20DIN 1.231128–34 HRC (Pre-Hardened)Plastic Injection Moulds & Tooling

*Typical hardness after appropriate heat treatment unless supplied pre-hardened.

Chemical Composition (Typical % by Mass)

ElementH13 (1.2344)D2 (1.2379)O1 (1.2510)P20 (1.2311)Function
Carbon (C)0.37–0.421.45–1.600.85–1.000.35–0.45Hardness & Strength
Silicon (Si)0.80–1.200.10–0.600.10–0.400.20–0.40Deoxidation
Manganese (Mn)0.20–0.500.20–0.601.00–1.401.30–1.60Toughness
Chromium (Cr)4.80–5.5011.00–13.000.40–0.701.80–2.10Wear & Corrosion Resistance
Molybdenum (Mo)1.20–1.500.70–1.20Trace0.15–0.30Hardenability
Vanadium (V)0.80–1.200.70–1.100.10–0.25—Grain Refinement & Wear Resistance
Nickel (Ni)———Up to 0.30Toughness
Sulphur (S)≤0.03≤0.03≤0.03≤0.03Controlled Residual
Phosphorus (P)≤0.03≤0.03≤0.03≤0.03Controlled Residual

Mechanical Properties

PropertyH13D2O1P20Notes
Hardness44–52 HRC58–62 HRC57–62 HRC28–34 HRCTypical Supply/Heat Treated Condition
Density7,800–7,850 kg/m³7,700 kg/m³7,850 kg/m³7,850 kg/m³Typical
Modulus of Elasticity210,000 MPa210,000 MPa210,000 MPa210,000 MPaMaterial Stiffness
Thermal Conductivity24–28 W/mK20–24 W/mK36–42 W/mK29–32 W/mKApproximate
Compressive StrengthExcellentExcellentVery GoodGoodTooling Performance
Wear ResistanceVery GoodExcellentExcellentGoodService Life
ToughnessExcellentGoodVery GoodExcellentImpact Resistance

Delivery Conditions

ConditionDescription
AnnealedStandard machining condition
Pre-HardenedStandard for P20 Tool Steel
Hot RolledMill finish available
PeeledImproved dimensional accuracy
TurnedMachined finish
GroundPrecision ground finish
Precision GroundTight tolerance applications
Cut to SizeAvailable on request
Ultrasonically TestedAvailable for critical applications

Physical Properties

PropertyValueNotes
Density7,700–7,850 kg/m³Depending on grade
Modulus of Elasticity210,000 MPaTypical
Thermal Expansion10.5–12.5 ×10⁻⁶ /°CApproximate
Thermal Conductivity20–42 W/mKGrade dependent
Electrical Conductivity5–10% IACSApproximate
Melting Range1,370–1,480°CGrade dependent

Standards & Specifications

GradeDINEN EquivalentAISI EquivalentTypical Application
Ground Flat StockVariousVariousVariousGeneral Toolmaking
H131.2344X40CrMoV5-1H13Hot Work Tooling
D21.2379X153CrMoV12D2Cold Work Tooling
O11.2510100MnCrW4O1Oil Hardening Tool Steel
P201.231140CrMnMo7P20Plastic Mould Tool Steel

Heat Treatment Information

ProcessH13D2O1P20Purpose
Annealing840–870°C850–900°C760–790°C710–760°CImprove Machinability
Stress Relieving600–650°C600–650°C650°C550–650°CReduce Residual Stress
Hardening1,010–1,030°C1,020–1,040°C780–820°CUsually Supplied Pre-HardenedIncrease Hardness
QuenchingAirAir/OilOil—Controlled Cooling
Tempering540–650°C150–550°C150–300°C500–600°C (If Required)Improve Toughness & Stability

This technical data provides a general engineering guide. Actual properties may vary depending on the manufacturing process, heat treatment condition and applicable material standards. Full mill certification and material test reports are available upon request with all Chargentum Tool Steel products.

METAL TYPES & APPLICATIONS

Ground Flat Stock Tool Steel – 500mm

Ground Flat Stock Tool Steel is supplied in precision-ground rectangular sections with consistent thickness and width tolerances. All sizes below are based on standard 500mm lengths and calculated using typical tool steel density (~7,850 kg/m³).

Chargentum supplies precision Ground Flat Stock Tool Steel in a wide range of thicknesses and widths, all manufactured to strict dimensional tolerances for high-performance toolmaking and engineering applications.

All material is supplied in standard 500mm lengths with precision-ground surfaces, ensuring excellent machinability, stability, and accuracy during fabrication.

Available with full mill certification, and nationwide UK delivery for toolmaking, mould manufacturing, and precision engineering industries.

This table is designed for toolmakers, machinists, and engineers requiring accurate weight estimation and material selection for tooling and precision applications.

Thickness (mm) Width (mm) Length (mm) Weight (kg/Piece) Condition Grade Typical Application
3105000.12AnnealedGround Flat StockShims, spacers
3205000.24AnnealedGround Flat StockGauge plates
4205000.31AnnealedGround Flat StockSmall tooling inserts
4255000.39AnnealedGround Flat StockPrecision parts
5255000.49AnnealedGround Flat StockTool components
5305000.59AnnealedGround Flat StockMachine parts
6305000.71AnnealedGround Flat StockWear strips
6405000.94AnnealedGround Flat StockFixtures
8405001.26AnnealedGround Flat StockJigs
8505001.57AnnealedGround Flat StockTool bases
10405001.57AnnealedGround Flat StockSmall die sets
10505001.96AnnealedGround Flat StockFixtures
10605002.36AnnealedGround Flat StockMachine tooling
12505002.36AnnealedGround Flat StockTool holders
12605002.83AnnealedGround Flat StockPress tools
12805003.77AnnealedGround Flat StockDie components
16505003.14AnnealedGround Flat StockHeavy inserts
16755004.71AnnealedGround Flat StockTooling blocks
161005006.28AnnealedGround Flat StockMould bases
20505003.93AnnealedGround Flat StockSmall dies
20805006.28AnnealedGround Flat StockPunch bases
201005007.85AnnealedGround Flat StockDie sets
25805007.85AnnealedGround Flat StockTool plates
251005009.81AnnealedGround Flat StockMould tooling
2512550012.27AnnealedGround Flat StockForming dies
3010050011.78AnnealedGround Flat StockMachine bases
3012550014.72AnnealedGround Flat StockTooling blocks
3015050017.66AnnealedGround Flat StockPrecision dies
4010050015.70AnnealedGround Flat StockHeavy tooling
4015050023.55AnnealedGround Flat StockMould components
4020050031.40AnnealedGround Flat StockIndustrial dies
5015050029.43AnnealedGround Flat StockLarge tooling
5020050039.25AnnealedGround Flat StockInjection mould tools
5025050049.06AnnealedGround Flat StockPress tool bases
6020050047.10AnnealedGround Flat StockHeavy engineering
6025050058.88AnnealedGround Flat StockLarge mould blocks
7520050058.88AnnealedGround Flat StockStructural tooling
7525050073.60AnnealedGround Flat StockHeavy dies
7530050088.31AnnealedGround Flat StockIndustrial tooling
10020050078.50AnnealedGround Flat StockLarge machine tooling
10025050098.13AnnealedGround Flat StockHeavy industrial tools
100300500117.75AnnealedGround Flat StockEngineering systems

H13 Tool Steel Round Bars – DIN 1.2344

H13 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2344) is a high-performance hot work tool steel designed for applications involving extreme heat, thermal shock and continuous mechanical stress. It is widely used in die casting, forging, extrusion and high-temperature tooling due to its excellent combination of hot hardness, toughness and resistance to thermal fatigue.

This chromium–molybdenum–vanadium alloy steel maintains strength at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for tooling exposed to repeated heating and cooling cycles. H13 is one of the most widely used hot work tool steels in demanding industrial environments where tool life and reliability are critical.

Chargentum supplies premium H13 Tool Steel Round Bars across the UK in a full range of diameters hot work tooling, die casting and forging applications. All material supplied in annealed condition for machining or heat-treated condition upon request, with full mill certification, ensuring traceability and compliance with UK engineering standards.

Diameter (mm)Weight (kg/m)Length (mm)ConditionGradeTypical Application
202.473000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Small punches
253.853000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Tool inserts
305.553000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Die components
357.553000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Precision tooling
409.873000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Punches
4512.493000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Hot work tools
5015.423000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Forging dies
6022.203000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Extrusion tooling
7030.213000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Heavy tooling
8039.463000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Industrial dies
9049.943000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Die casting systems
10061.653000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Heavy engineering tools
12596.333000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Large die components
150138.723000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)High-temperature tooling
200246.603000–6000AnnealedH13 (1.2344)Heavy-duty tooling

D2 Tool Steel Round Bars – DIN 1.2379

D2 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2379) is a high-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel designed for exceptional wear resistance, high hardness and superior edge retention. It is widely used in industrial tooling applications where prolonged service life and resistance to abrasion are critical.

Due to its high chromium content, D2 offers excellent resistance to wear and deformation, making it ideal for blanking dies, cutting tools, forming tools and precision industrial components. It is an air-hardening steel, providing good dimensional stability during heat treatment and reducing distortion compared to oil-quenched grades.

Chargentum supplies premium D2 Tool Steel Round Bars across the UK in a full range of diameters for cold work tooling, cutting tools and high-wear industrial applications, supplied in annealed condition for machining, with full mill certification and traceability, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with UK engineering standards.

Diameter (mm) Weight (kg/m) Length (mm) Condition Grade Typical Application
202.473000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Small punches
253.853000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Cutting inserts
305.553000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Precision dies
357.553000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Tool components
409.873000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Blanking dies
4512.493000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Industrial knives
5015.423000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Punch tools
5518.663000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Wear parts
6022.203000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Forming dies
6526.053000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Slitting blades
7030.213000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Heavy cutting tools
7534.693000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Industrial tooling
8039.463000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Wear-resistant parts
8544.553000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Machine knives
9049.943000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Tool systems
10061.653000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Heavy-duty dies
11074.593000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Industrial systems
12596.333000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Large tooling blocks
140120.873000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Press tools
150138.723000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)High wear systems
160157.833000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Heavy engineering tools
180199.783000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Industrial dies
200246.603000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Large tooling systems
220298.393000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Heavy duty components
250385.313000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Large industrial tooling
300554.853000–6000AnnealedD2 (1.2379)Forged tooling blocks

O1 Tool Steel Round Bars – DIN 1.2510

O1 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2510) is an oil-hardening cold work tool steel known for its excellent machinability, good dimensional stability during heat treatment and strong wear resistance. It is widely used in precision tooling applications where accuracy, edge retention and controlled hardness are essential.

Compared to high-chromium steels like D2, O1 offers easier machining and better control during heat treatment, making it ideal for toolmakers producing gauges, cutting tools, punches and precision engineering components. Its oil quenching process helps minimise distortion and cracking, making it suitable for complex tooling shapes.

Chargentum supplies premium O1 Tool Steel Round Bars across the UK in a full range of diameters suitable for precision tooling, cutting tools and engineering applications, supplied in annealed condition for machining, with full mill certification and traceability to ensure consistent performance and compliance with UK engineering standards.

Diameter (mm) Weight (kg/m) Length (mm) Condition Grade Typical Application
202.473000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Small punches
253.853000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Cutting tools
305.553000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Precision dies
357.553000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Tool inserts
409.873000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Gauge components
4512.493000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Machine tooling
5015.423000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Punch tools
5518.663000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Precision gauges
6022.203000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Cutting dies
6526.053000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Industrial tooling
7030.213000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Heavy tools
7534.693000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Engineering components
8039.463000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Wear parts
8544.553000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Tool systems
9049.943000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Precision tooling
10061.653000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Heavy-duty tools
11074.593000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Industrial systems
12596.333000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Large tooling blocks
140120.873000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Press tooling
150138.723000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Heavy engineering tools
160157.833000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Tooling systems
180199.783000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Large dies
200246.603000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Industrial tooling
220298.393000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Heavy components
250385.313000–6000AnnealedO1 (1.2510)Large industrial tooling

P20 Tool Steel Round Bars – DIN 1.2311

P20 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2311) is a low-alloy mould steel widely used for plastic injection moulds, die casting mould bases and precision tooling applications. It is supplied in a pre-hardened condition, offering a balanced combination of machinability, toughness and moderate wear resistance without requiring additional heat treatment in most applications.

P20 is one of the most commonly used mould steels in the tooling and plastics industry due to its excellent machinability, good polishability and dimensional stability. It is particularly suited for large mould cavities, mould frames, and tooling components where consistent performance and reduced machining time are essential.

Chargentum supplies premium P20 Tool Steel Round Bars across the UK in a wide range of diameters for plastic mould making, tooling systems and engineering applications, supplied in pre-hardened condition, with full mill certification and traceability to ensure consistent quality and compliance with UK engineering standards.

Diameter (mm)Weight (kg/m)Length (mm)ConditionGradeTypical Application
202.473000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Small mould inserts
253.853000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Precision tooling
305.553000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Mould cavities
357.553000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Tool blocks
409.873000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Injection mould parts
4512.493000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Mould bases
5015.423000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Plastic mould tooling
5518.663000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Die inserts
6022.203000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Large mould components
6526.053000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Industrial mould tools
7030.213000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Mould frames
7534.693000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Heavy mould tooling
8039.463000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Plastic injection systems
8544.553000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Engineering moulds
9049.943000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Mould tooling blocks
10061.653000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Large mould systems
11074.593000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Industrial mould bases
12596.333000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Heavy mould tooling
140120.873000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Large cavity moulds
150138.723000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Plastic mould systems
160157.833000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Engineering mould blocks
180199.783000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Heavy mould applications
200246.603000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Large industrial moulds
220298.393000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)High-volume mould tooling
250385.313000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Heavy-duty mould systems
300554.853000–6000Pre-hardenedP20 (1.2311)Large engineering mould blocks

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EXPLORE MORE ABOUT CHARGENTUM’S STRUCTURAL STEEL, ENGINEERING STEEL, ALLOY STEEL, PERFORATED SHEETS, SEAMLESS TUBES, TOOL STEEL, STAINLESS STEEL, BRASS, COPPER, ALUMINIUM, GREEN STEEL AND METAL GRADES & SPECIFICATIONS

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Structural steel is a hot-rolled, non-alloy steel extensively used in construction, industrial fabrication, and mechanical engineering. It combines high strength, toughness, ductility, and excellent weldability, making it ideal for load-bearing and structural applications.

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