X210Cr12 / 1.2080 Steel: Properties, Applications, and Supplier

For demanding industrial operations where component failure is not an option, material selection is critical. When your applications require exceptional wear resistance, high hardness, and compressive strength, X210Cr12 / 1.2080 tool steel is a premier choice. This high-carbon, high-chromium ledeburitic steel is engineered to perform under extreme pressure, making it indispensable for tool and die manufacturing.

At Nifty Alloys, we understand that the reliability of your operations depends on the quality of your materials. That is why we supply X210Cr12 / 1.2080 steel that meets stringent international standards, complete with the technical documentation and traceability you require. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of this superior tool steel, covering its properties, applications, and processing requirements to help you make an informed decision for your next project. We are committed to being your reliable partner, ensuring you receive certified materials that deliver consistent performance.

What is X210Cr12 / 1.2080 Steel

X210Cr12, also known by its Werkstoff number 1.2080, is a cold-work tool steel with a ledeburitic microstructure. This structure, characterized by a high volume of hard carbides, is the source of its exceptional wear resistance and dimensional stability. Its high carbon content is responsible for its achievable hardness, while the significant chromium percentage enhances both hardenability and resistance to abrasive and adhesive wear.

This steel is specifically designed for applications where cutting, shaping, and forming other materials are the primary functions. Its ability to retain a sharp cutting edge and resist deformation under high mechanical stress makes it a preferred material for manufacturing cutting tools, dies, and punches. When you choose 1.2080 steel, you are selecting a material proven to extend tool life, reduce downtime, and improve the precision of your manufacturing processes.

Comparison with Similar Steel Grades

While X210Cr12 / 1.2080 is a powerful tool steel, it is important to understand how it compares to other common grades. This allows you to select the optimal material based on the specific balance of properties your application requires, such as toughness, wear resistance, or machinability.

X210Cr12 (1.2080 / D3) vs. X153CrMoV12 (1.2379 / D2)

This is one of the most common comparisons in the tool steel industry. While both are high-carbon, high-chromium cold-work tool steels, they have key differences.

• Toughness: 1.2379 (D2) generally offers superior toughness. The addition of molybdenum and vanadium in its composition helps refine the grain structure and improve its resistance to chipping and cracking. This makes D2 a better choice for applications involving heavy shock or side loading.
• Wear Resistance: 1.2080 (D3) typically has slightly higher abrasive wear resistance due to its higher carbon content, which results in a greater volume of hard carbides. For applications where pure abrasion is the primary failure mode (like slitting knives), 1.2080 may offer longer life.
• Machinability: Both steels are considered difficult to machine. However, 1.2379 is often regarded as having slightly better machinability due to its more refined microstructure.
• Dimensional Stability: Both grades offer good dimensional stability, but 1.2379 is an air-hardening steel, which generally results in less distortion during heat treatment compared to the oil-quenching often used for 1.2080.

Conclusion: Choose 1.2080 (D3) for maximum abrasive wear resistance. Choose 1.2379 (D2) when you need a better balance of wear resistance and toughness.

X210Cr12 (1.2080 / D3) vs. O1 Tool Steel (1.2510)

O1 is an oil-hardening tool steel known for its excellent balance of properties and ease of heat treatment.

• Wear Resistance: 1.2080 is significantly more wear-resistant than O1 due to its much higher chromium and carbon content.
• Toughness: O1 is considerably tougher and less prone to chipping than 1.2080.
• Machinability: O1 is much easier to machine, making it a more economical choice for complex tools that do not require extreme wear resistance.
• Hardening: O1 can be hardened at lower temperatures and is more forgiving during heat treatment, making it popular for general-purpose toolmaking.

Conclusion: Choose 1.2080 for high-volume production tools where wear is the primary concern. Choose O1 for general-purpose tools, prototypes, or applications where toughness is more important than ultimate wear resistance.