Tool Steel, Highspeed Steels and Mould Steels

O1 is an oil hardening carbon manganese tool steel, possessing excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment.

A2 is an air hardening, cold work, tool steel. A 5% Chromium steel which provides high hardness after heat treatment with good dimensional stability. A2 delivers good toughness with medium wear resistance and is relatively easy to machine. Used in many applications which require good wear resistance as well as good toughness.

D2 Steel is a high carbon, high chromium cold work tool steel. Recommended for use when greater toughness is required. It offers good wear resistance and high compressive strength.

D2 Supreme is a close equivalent to DC53 cold work die and mold steel. It has excellent machining characteristics coupled with excellent wear resistance, toughness and compressive strength. Highly recommended for use when greater toughness is required.

D3 Steel is a high Carbon, high chromium cold work tool steel. D3 is similar to D2 but can attain a slightly higher hardness, it displays excellent abrasion/wear resistance and has good dimensional stability and high compressive strength.

H13 is an air hardening chromium die steel – can be used for a range of appplications. The higher vanadium content ensures increased resistance to heat checking and all round improvement to properties at elevated temperatures. Tools may be water cooled without risk of cracking. After normal heat treatment has been carried out it is suitable for nitriding 0.30mm (0.012″) deep.

M2 is a medium alloyed high speed steel which has good machinability. The composition of M2 gives a good combination of toughness and hardness. Widely used for cutting tools such as twist drills, taps, milling cutters, saws, knives etc. Also suitable for cold work applications in tools for punching, forming and pressing.

M42 is highly cobalt alloyed. It's composition makes for a good combination of toughness and hardness. M42 is a steel to be used in conditions where the demand for hot hardness is greatly important. Due to it's well balanced properties M42 has come into wide use for all cutting tools.

P20 (1.2311) Pre hardened to approximately 300 B.H (65 t.s.i) P20 requires no further heat treatment therefore avoiding risk of distortion or cracking. Although pre-hardened P20 is still capable of being machined and of giving a good polished finish.

Delivered pre-hardened this material is ready for use at approximately 280/325 H.B. Similar to P20 (1.2311) but with a higher sulpher content which provides much improved machinability. This grade is not suitable for polishing or other applications requiring a fine finish.

Delivered pre hardened ready for use at 280/325 H.B. With added Nickel to ensure consistent hardness through large sections. Easy to polish and readyily machinable.