A2 Tool Steel

A2 Tool Steel - Information - Properties - Applications - Chemical Composition

Learn About A2 Tool Steel & Buy Online

Tool Steel Service, Inc. is a leading distributor of high-quality A2 Tool Steel, offering a full selection of products including oversize-to-finish decarb-free plates, flat bars, and round bars. We also provide tight-tolerance precision ground flat stock and drill rod. With a commitment to fast, reliable service, we proudly supply customers across North America, serving industries from tooling and die-making to aerospace and manufacturing.

About A2 Tool Steel

A2 tool steel is a versatile, air-hardening, cold work tool steel known for its exceptional toughness, dimensional stability, and wear resistance. Part of the A-series (air-hardening) of tool steels, A2 offers a balanced combination of hardness and machinability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of industrial tooling and die applications.

Key Properties of A2 Tool Steel

Hardness: Can achieve 57–62 HRC after heat treatment.
Toughness: Superior to high-carbon, high-chromium steels like D2, making it more resistant to cracking and chipping.
Wear Resistance: Excellent resistance to abrasion, making it ideal for long-lasting tools.
Dimensional Stability: Minimal distortion during heat treatment thanks to its air-hardening nature.
Machinability: Easier to machine than high-alloy grades like M2 or D2, especially in annealed condition

Applications of A2 Tool Steel

A2 is a go-to steel for tools that require both strength and moderate wear resistance. Common applications include:

Blanking Dies and Punches: Ideal for medium-run stamping operations.
Shear Blades: Performs well in trimming and cutting operations.
Forming Dies: Suitable for moderate-pressure forming tools.
Plastic Molds: Used when wear resistance and toughness are both required.
Thread Rolling Dies: Effective under high-compression conditions.
Knives and Blades: Offers excellent edge retention with resilience against breakage.

A2 Tool Steel Chemical Composition (Typical)

Element Percentage
Carbon (C) 0.90% to 1.05%
Chromium (Cr) 4.75% to 5.50%
Molybdenum (Mo) 0.90% to 1.25%
Manganese (Mn) 0.30% to 1.00%
Vanadium (V) 0.20% to 0.40%
Silicon (Si) 0.15% to 0.35%