
Available Shapes
A2 Tool Steel
AISI A2 tool steel is one of ‘A’ group cold works steel in ASTM A681 standard. A2 Tool Steel is a versatile, air hardening chromium alloy tool steel that replaces O1 tool steel when safer hardening, less distortion and increased wear resistance are required. AISI type A2 steel is intermediate in wear resistance between O1 oil-hardening tool steel and D2 high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel.
AISI Steel A2 is heat treatable and will offer a hardness in the range 57-62 HRC. ASTM grade A2 steel delivers good toughness with medium wear resistance and is relatively easy to machine. Tool Steels A2 are used in many applications which require good wear resistance as well as good toughness. Due to its lower chromium content, the wear resistant properties of A2 are not as great as those to be found in high carbon, high chromium steels such as D3 and D2 but it is much easier to machine than the latter specifications
Related Specifications
AISI ASTM A681 DIN 17350 BS EN ISO 4957
Applications
Typical Analysis
Ground Flat Stock
Forging
Annealing
Stress Relieving
Hardening
Applications
A2 tool steels are used in slitters, die shapes and other such applications where wear resistance is significant.
Typical Analysis
Carbon | 1.00% | Manganese | 0.50% |
Chromium | 5.00% | Molybdenum | 1.00% |
Vanadium | 0.20% |
Ground Flat Stock
Precision ground flat stock / gauge plate can be produced using A2 tool steel. Subject to size suitability and availability pieces can be produced in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Standard and non-standard sizes are available.
Forging
A2 tool steels are forged between 1093 to 913°C (2000 to 1675°F). These tool steels should not be forged below 899°C (1650°F).
Annealing
A2 tool steels are annealed at 857°C (1575°F) and then cooled slowly in the furnace at a rate of 4°C (40°F) per hour or less.
Stress Relieving
After heavy grinding or machine it is advisable to stress relieve tool steel A2 to reduce the danger of cracking or distortion during subsequent heat treatments. Heat slowly to 670-700°C, soak for a minimum of two hours per 25mm of section then cool down in the furnace.
Hardening
Preheating temperature: 1200–1380°F (650–750°C). Austenitizing temperature: 1700 –1780°F (925–970°C) but usually 1720–1760°F (940–960°C).