A2 is an air-hardening cold-work tool steel. It machines reasonably well in the annealed state, then is hardened in air to ~60 HRC with minimal distortion. Common for stamping dies, blanking punches, and forming tools.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value (Hardened) |
|---|---|
| Hardness | 58–62 HRC |
| Tensile strength | ~2070 MPa (HT) |
| Density | 7.86 g/cm³ |
| Modulus | 203 GPa |
| Machinability rating | Fair (annealed) |
Typical applications
- Blanking punches and stamping dies.
- Forming and bending tools.
- Wear plates and gauges.
- Plastic molds requiring hardness.
Related materials
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