Injection Molding
Tooling and molding for your repeat plastic parts.
Tool Steel Machining for Your Custom Parts
Match wear, impact and heat exposure to the grade you specify. Plan your stock condition, heat-treatment route and final-fit inspection before the first cut.
Grade & StandardIdentify your full specification.
Stock ConditionReview the supplied state.
Finished FitDefine mating and working faces.
Material RecordsAgree receiving evidence.
Know Your Tool Steel Before You Order
Tool steel is a family of materials. Choose against the failure mode of your die, punch, mold insert or wear component, then define the condition on your drawing.
4 Application Groups
Cold work · hot work · plastic molds · impact, high-speed and powder grades.
2 Different States
Supplied hardness and final working hardness are separate requirements. A grade name does not fix either value.
Reference Chemistry
| Average wt.% | A2 / K305 | D2 / K110 | H13 / W302 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 1.00 | 1.55 | 0.39 |
| Cr | 5.20 | 11.30 | 5.20 |
| Mo | 1.10 | 0.75 | 1.40 |
| V | 0.25 | 0.75 | 0.95 |
Selected BÖHLER products, producer average composition, not standard limits or LK lot analysis. Listed product data refer to long products; confirm your actual form.
Properties Depend on Condition
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Annealed stock | Plan roughing, remaining stock and the required later treatment. |
| Prehardened stock | Confirm delivered condition, section and machining requirements. |
| Final working state | Define hardness test locations, critical fit and inspection after all operations. |
Compare Chromium Content
Producer average wt.% · common axis 0–12%
A2 / K305
5.2%
D2 / K110
11.3%
H13 / W302
5.2%
06%12%
Composition comparison only. Chromium percentage is not a wear, toughness or corrosion rating.
BÖHLER K305 ↗ K110 ↗ W302 ISOBLOC ↗
8 Grades to Start Your Specification Review
| Grade | European comparison index | Your selection question |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | 1.2363 / X100CrMoV5 | Cold-work dies, punches and wear inserts; compare impact and abrasion. |
| D2 | 1.2379 / X153CrMoV12 | Abrasion-focused dies and wear tooling; review edge support and finishing. |
| O1 | 1.2510 / 100MnCrW4 | Gauges and general cold-work tooling; allow for the specified hardening route. |
| S7 | No single EN substitute assigned | Impact-loaded tooling; confirm the actual supplier grade and specification. |
| H13 | 1.2344 / X40CrMoV5-1 | Hot-work dies and inserts; specify thermal duty and melting route. |
| P20 | Common reference:1.2311 | Plastic molds and inserts; distinguish sulfur and nickel modifications. |
| M2 | Common reference:1.3343 / HS6-5-2C | High-speed steel tooling; confirm machining, finishing and acceptance scope. |
| DC53 | Daido brand;no direct generic EN equivalent | Brand-specific cold-work tooling; do not relabel D2 or SKD11 as DC53. |
Comparison names support your material review. Confirm product standard, chemistry, delivery state, section and your approval before substitution. Availability and manufacturing scope are confirmed for your drawing.
Other Tool Steel: review additional grades
For your O2, D3, D6, H10, H11, 1.2367, S1, 1.2312, 1.2738, 1.2083, NAK80, 1.2316, M35, M42, T1, A11, Vanadis 4 Extra or ASP 2023 inquiry, send the complete material designation and producer document. Trade names and standard grades are reviewed separately.
European comparison examples: O2 / 1.2842; H10 / 1.2365; H11 / 1.2343; M35 / 1.3243; M42 / 1.3247. These are candidate references, not automatic replacements.
Other Tool Steel specification review →Match Your Grade to the Finished Part
Compare carbon and alloy steel routes for your finished components. These grades are not automatic substitutes for tool steel; confirm the application and material approval for your drawing.
Low-carbon steel
1018 for Your Finished Part
For your 1018 steel machining review, identify datum faces, bore fits and any welded or plated features. Cold-drawn and hot-rolled conditions must be specified separately.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- General machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
General machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
No universal EN substitute: compare the actual low-carbon steel specification.
1018 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. General machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- General machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
No universal EN substitute: compare the actual low-carbon steel specification.
Plan Your 1018 Condition Before Cutting
State whether material is supplied cold drawn or hot rolled; do not assume one strength from the grade name.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- General machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
No universal EN substitute: compare the actual low-carbon steel specification.
1018 Finish & Material Records
Protect functional bores and threads when specifying coating thickness.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- General machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
No universal EN substitute: compare the actual low-carbon steel specification.
Low-carbon steel
1020 for Your Finished Part
For your 1020 steel machining inquiry, define stock form, fit and joining requirements. Confirm permitted substitutes against the drawing.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Clevises, pins and general machined components.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Clevises, pins and general machined components.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
No automatic EN equivalence; compare specified chemistry and product form.
1020 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Clevises, pins and general machined components.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Clevises, pins and general machined components.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
No automatic EN equivalence; compare specified chemistry and product form.
Plan Your 1020 Condition Before Cutting
Specify the incoming state and any required treatment; do not infer finished properties from carbon content.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Clevises, pins and general machined components.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
No automatic EN equivalence; compare specified chemistry and product form.
1020 Finish & Material Records
Identify surface protection, masked faces and dimensional acceptance after finishing.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Clevises, pins and general machined components.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
No automatic EN equivalence; compare specified chemistry and product form.
Medium-carbon steel
1045 for Your Finished Part
For your 1045 steel machining project, connect shaft journals, keyways and final hardness to the complete manufacturing sequence.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Shafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Shafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
Compare C45 / C45E: EN 1.0503 / 1.1191 are similar-designation references, not blanket substitutes.
1045 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Shafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Shafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Compare C45 / C45E: EN 1.0503 / 1.1191 are similar-designation references, not blanket substitutes.
Plan Your 1045 Condition Before Cutting
Identify hardening method, treatment locations, final hardness and machining allowance before release.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Shafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
Compare C45 / C45E: EN 1.0503 / 1.1191 are similar-designation references, not blanket substitutes.
1045 Finish & Material Records
Mark ground journals, surface texture and protected areas for your final fit.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Shafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Compare C45 / C45E: EN 1.0503 / 1.1191 are similar-designation references, not blanket substitutes.
Carbon structural steel
ASTM A36 for Your Finished Part
For your A36 steel machining and fabrication review, connect the plate thickness, joint details and mounting faces to the final assembly.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Welded bases, gussets and support plates.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Welded bases, gussets and support plates.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
Review EN structural grades such as S235JR against the actual requirements; A36 is not automatically equivalent.
ASTM A36 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Welded bases, gussets and support plates.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Welded bases, gussets and support plates.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Review EN structural grades such as S235JR against the actual requirements; A36 is not automatically equivalent.
Plan Your ASTM A36 Condition Before Cutting
A36 is a structural product specification. Any stress relief or other treatment requires project review.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Welded bases, gussets and support plates.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
Review EN structural grades such as S235JR against the actual requirements; A36 is not automatically equivalent.
ASTM A36 Finish & Material Records
Agree mill-scale removal, coating, mounting-pad protection and flatness in the finished assembly.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Welded bases, gussets and support plates.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Review EN structural grades such as S235JR against the actual requirements; A36 is not automatically equivalent.
Free-machining carbon steel
1215 for Your Finished Part
For your 1215 steel machining inquiry, define turned diameters, thread engagement, burr access and finish. Review joining requirements before selecting a free-machining grade.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Turned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Turned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
Compare free-cutting specifications individually; no universal EN substitute is stated.
1215 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Turned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Turned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Compare free-cutting specifications individually; no universal EN substitute is stated.
Plan Your 1215 Condition Before Cutting
Do not select a heat-treatment route from machinability alone; agree the required final condition.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Turned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
Compare free-cutting specifications individually; no universal EN substitute is stated.
1215 Finish & Material Records
Specify deburring and coating requirements at intersecting holes and thread runouts.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Turned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Compare free-cutting specifications individually; no universal EN substitute is stated.
Leaded free-machining steel
12L14 for Your Finished Part
For your 12L14 steel machining project, confirm the lead-containing grade is permitted for your application and market before reviewing turned features.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Precision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Precision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
Review 11SMnPb30 / EN 1.0718 only as a candidate requiring specification and compliance checks.
12L14 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Precision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Precision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Review 11SMnPb30 / EN 1.0718 only as a candidate requiring specification and compliance checks.
Plan Your 12L14 Condition Before Cutting
Confirm the complete specification and final condition; substitution and joining need review.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Precision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
Review 11SMnPb30 / EN 1.0718 only as a candidate requiring specification and compliance checks.
12L14 Finish & Material Records
Agree coating, cleaning and material declaration requirements before ordering.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Precision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Review 11SMnPb30 / EN 1.0718 only as a candidate requiring specification and compliance checks.
Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel
4130 for Your Finished Part
For your 4130 steel machining review, identify tube or bar product form, wall thickness, joint geometry and the final condition.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Tubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Tubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
25CrMo4 / EN 1.7218 is a comparison candidate; verify chemistry, product standard and condition.
4130 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Tubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Tubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
25CrMo4 / EN 1.7218 is a comparison candidate; verify chemistry, product standard and condition.
Plan Your 4130 Condition Before Cutting
Include the complete joining and thermal route in your dimensional acceptance plan.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Tubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
25CrMo4 / EN 1.7218 is a comparison candidate; verify chemistry, product standard and condition.
4130 Finish & Material Records
Review access for cleaning and surface protection around joints and internal passages.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Tubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
25CrMo4 / EN 1.7218 is a comparison candidate; verify chemistry, product standard and condition.
Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel
4140 for Your Finished Part
For your 4140 steel machining inquiry, separate annealed, prehardened and quenched-and-tempered stock. Mark critical shoulders, threads and bearing journals.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Drive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Drive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
Compare 42CrMo4 / EN 1.7225. Only specified variants meet SAE 4140; a similar name does not approve substitution.
4140 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Drive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Drive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Compare 42CrMo4 / EN 1.7225. Only specified variants meet SAE 4140; a similar name does not approve substitution.
Plan Your 4140 Condition Before Cutting
Plan your 4140 condition before cutting. Agree incoming material state, heat-treatment route and final inspection stage.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Drive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
Compare 42CrMo4 / EN 1.7225. Only specified variants meet SAE 4140; a similar name does not approve substitution.
4140 Finish & Material Records
Confirm final grinding or machining allowance, surface protection and inspection records.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Drive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Compare 42CrMo4 / EN 1.7225. Only specified variants meet SAE 4140; a similar name does not approve substitution.
Nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel
4340 for Your Finished Part
For your 4340 steel machining review, identify load-related features, generous shoulder transitions and the delivery and final conditions.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Axles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Axles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
34CrNiMo6 / EN 1.6582 is a comparison candidate, not a direct equivalent.
4340 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Axles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Axles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
34CrNiMo6 / EN 1.6582 is a comparison candidate, not a direct equivalent.
Plan Your 4340 Condition Before Cutting
Keep the required condition, section size, hardness and acceptance method on the same release.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Axles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
34CrNiMo6 / EN 1.6582 is a comparison candidate, not a direct equivalent.
4340 Finish & Material Records
Agree grinding allowance, surface condition and final dimensional records for critical journals.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Axles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
34CrNiMo6 / EN 1.6582 is a comparison candidate, not a direct equivalent.
Case-hardening alloy steel
8620 for Your Finished Part
For your 8620 steel machining project, identify functional case-hardened surfaces and separate them from the core and noncritical geometry.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Gears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Gears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
Review European case-hardening grades individually; 16MnCr5 is not automatically interchangeable with 8620.
8620 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Gears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Gears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Review European case-hardening grades individually; 16MnCr5 is not automatically interchangeable with 8620.
Plan Your 8620 Condition Before Cutting
Specify case depth, hardness, test locations, masking and final finishing sequence when carburizing is required.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Gears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
Review European case-hardening grades individually; 16MnCr5 is not automatically interchangeable with 8620.
8620 Finish & Material Records
Agree stock allowance and final inspection after the complete treatment and finishing route.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Gears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Review European case-hardening grades individually; 16MnCr5 is not automatically interchangeable with 8620.
Additional specified grades
Other Carbon & Alloy Steel for Your Finished Part
For your unlisted carbon or alloy steel component, provide the complete material designation, product standard and supplied condition. Review the required route from the controlled drawing.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Components requiring a specifically approved carbon or alloy steel grade.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Your application
Components requiring a specifically approved carbon or alloy steel grade.
Your stock
Specify product form and supplied condition.
Your approval
Confirm final geometry and required records.
Provide any proposed European material number and producer record for comparison; do not approve substitution by name alone.
Other Carbon & Alloy Steel Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing your setup. Components requiring a specifically approved carbon or alloy steel grade.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Components requiring a specifically approved carbon or alloy steel grade.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Provide any proposed European material number and producer record for comparison; do not approve substitution by name alone.
Plan Your Other Carbon & Alloy Steel Condition Before Cutting
Define treatment and acceptance for the actual grade and geometry. No general treatment recipe applies to every unlisted steel.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Components requiring a specifically approved carbon or alloy steel grade.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming state
Specify stock form and supplied condition.
Treatment route
Agree the required condition and responsible party.
Final acceptance
Inspect functional features after the full route.
Provide any proposed European material number and producer record for comparison; do not approve substitution by name alone.
Other Carbon & Alloy Steel Finish & Material Records
Agree the final surface, dimensional state and material documentation before ordering.
- Your input
- Grade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
- Your critical features
- Components requiring a specifically approved carbon or alloy steel grade.
- Your approval
- Final dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Provide any proposed European material number and producer record for comparison; do not approve substitution by name alone.
01 · Confirm stock02 · Plan machining03 · Treat if specified04 · Verify final fit
Sequence depends on your grade, geometry and specification. No single hardness or tolerance applies to every part.
Custom Tool Steel Parts for Your Application
Select your tooling duty, then review the four decisions that shape your manufacturing route.
Match the Material to Your Tooling Duty
A2, D2, O1 and DC53 serve different cold-work requirements. For your punches, die inserts and wear surfaces, compare abrasion, impact, working-edge support and final geometry.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Plan Your Machining Access
For your tool steel CNC machining review, identify pocket radii, dowel fits, working profiles and clamping surfaces. Reserve access for final machining or grinding where specified.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Define the Condition Before Cutting
Agree the supplied condition, required hardening and tempering, section changes and remaining finish stock. Air hardening does not eliminate dimensional movement.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Agree Your Final Acceptance
Specify the working profile, datum faces, dowel bores and final measurement state. Keep the material identity and approved drawing revision with the inspection record.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Match the Material to Your Tooling Duty
H13 is a starting point for hot-work dies and inserts. Define contact temperature, thermal cycling, loads, cooling geometry and the failure mode you need to address.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Plan Your Machining Access
Review cavity access, thick-to-thin transitions, cooling passages and realistic corner radii before programming your insert.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Define the Condition Before Cutting
Specify the actual H13 product, melting route when required, target condition and verification. ESR describes a remelting route; it is not a separate universal grade.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Agree Your Final Acceptance
Connect cavity geometry and locating faces to the final working state. Agree any hardness or process records with your drawing review.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Match the Material to Your Tooling Duty
For your P20 mold steel machining inquiry, define the cavity, core, molding resin, polish or texture requirement and expected service exposure.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Plan Your Machining Access
Identify ribs, cooling ports, parting faces and shutoff features. Confirm access and finishing direction on visible or sealing surfaces.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Define the Condition Before Cutting
Confirm the prehardened delivery state. 1.2311, sulfur-modified 1.2312 and nickel-modified 1.2738 should not be purchased as one interchangeable material.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Agree Your Final Acceptance
Inspect parting faces, critical shutoffs and locating features after finishing. Agree the finish sample and dimensional acceptance together.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Match the Material to Your Tooling Duty
For impact-loaded tools, review S7 separately from abrasion-focused grades. M2 is high-speed steel; DC53 and powder products retain their producer identities.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Plan Your Machining Access
Show shoulder radii, supported length, bore fits and feature access for punches, pins and wear bushings. Specialized cutting-tool manufacture needs separate scope review.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Define the Condition Before Cutting
Provide the exact producer designation and specified thermal route. A hardness number alone does not describe toughness, carbide structure or suitability.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
Agree Your Final Acceptance
Agree diameter and shoulder checks, working-face acceptance, material traceability and any required test method before release.
| Your decision | What to define |
|---|---|
| Your fit | Working surfaces, datums and mating features. |
| Your process | Supplied condition, sequence and finishing allowance. |
| Your approval | Final dimensions and required records. |
From Your Material to Your Finished Tooling
Agree the operations and acceptance sequence for your actual grade, condition and geometry.
Milling & Drilling
For die pockets, mold cavities, datums and dowel features.
Explore Milling & Drilling →
Resolve 6 Risks Before Drawing Release
Your tooling cost and service outcome depend on more than the material name or hardness number.
Identify Your Grade Before the First Setup
Unknown scrap or a trade name without a producer record can leave your heat-treatment route undefined. Confirm stock identity, product form, condition and any supplied-material restrictions.
01 · Requirement
Define the controlled feature and final state.
02 · Verification
Agree method, location and document scope.
03 · Final fit
Accept geometry after the full process.
Rough machineTreat if specifiedFinish machineInspect
Make Your Intersections Reachable
Define entry direction, useful engagement, thread runout and burr-removal access. Identify dowel fits and the stage at which holes reach final size.
01 · Requirement
Define the controlled feature and final state.
02 · Verification
Agree method, location and document scope.
03 · Final fit
Accept geometry after the full process.
Rough machineTreat if specifiedFinish machineInspect
Reserve Stock for the Final Working Fit
Specify target condition, test method and locations, section and finishing allowance. Confirm the sequence after distortion; a rough-machined dimension is not final acceptance.
01 · Requirement
Define the controlled feature and final state.
02 · Verification
Agree method, location and document scope.
03 · Final fit
Accept geometry after the full process.
Rough machineTreat if specifiedFinish machineInspect
Support Your Working Edges
Show permitted corner radii, backing sections and critical edge conditions. Compare chipping, impact and wear needs before choosing a harder grade.
01 · Requirement
Define the controlled feature and final state.
02 · Verification
Agree method, location and document scope.
03 · Final fit
Accept geometry after the full process.
Rough machineTreat if specifiedFinish machineInspect
Keep the Finish from Changing Your Fit
Specify the finish system, working temperature, masked surfaces and final bore or datum requirements. Review coating compatibility with the heat-treated substrate.
01 · Requirement
Define the controlled feature and final state.
02 · Verification
Agree method, location and document scope.
03 · Final fit
Accept geometry after the full process.
Rough machineTreat if specifiedFinish machineInspect
Inspect After the Full Agreed Route
Plan final geometry and hardness verification after machining, treatment and finishing. Agree separate evidence for dimensions, material identity and specified properties.
01 · Requirement
Define the controlled feature and final state.
02 · Verification
Agree method, location and document scope.
03 · Final fit
Accept geometry after the full process.
Rough machineTreat if specifiedFinish machineInspect
Agree Your Finish Before Production
Visual samples are concepts. Treatment suitability, color, surface texture, masking and manufacturing scope require your project review.
Surface Finishing →Compare Without Assuming Substitution
| Your comparison | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| A2 vs D2 | Wear, impact, edge support and final geometry. |
| H13 vs cold-work grades | Thermal cycling and hot-work duty. |
| P20 vs P20+S or P20+Ni | Producer chemistry, polish requirement and delivered state. |
| S7 or proprietary grades | Exact product identity, condition and approval. |
Higher chromium or a larger hardness number does not establish a better choice for your tool.
Check the Finished Tool, Not Only the First Cut
01 · Incoming material
Grade, product form, supplied state and lot identity.
02 · After specified treatment
Required condition, distortion and remaining finish stock.
03 · Finished tool
Working geometry, functional surfaces and records.
Confirm the Material You Actually Receive
Review grade, producer, product standard, stock form, condition and required lot records before machining.
- Material identity and traceability.
- Critical dimensions and final fit.
- Treatment and finish records, where specified.
Sampling, methods and document scope are agreed with your quotation.
Quality Assurance →
Approve Your Sequence Before Repeating It
Review the sample against critical faces and the planned treatment and finishing stages. Confirm remaining stock before final release.
- Material identity and traceability.
- Critical dimensions and final fit.
- Treatment and finish records, where specified.
Sampling, methods and document scope are agreed with your quotation.
Quality Assurance →
Check the Features That Control Tooling Fit
Agree the final working profile, datum scheme, locating fits and any specified hardness or surface tests.
- Material identity and traceability.
- Critical dimensions and final fit.
- Treatment and finish records, where specified.
Sampling, methods and document scope are agreed with your quotation.
Quality Assurance →
Protect Your Tooling and Receiving Records
Define protected edges, identification, packaging and the documents your receiving team needs.
- Material identity and traceability.
- Critical dimensions and final fit.
- Treatment and finish records, where specified.
Sampling, methods and document scope are agreed with your quotation.
Quality Assurance →
China Manufacturing. Dallas-Area Coordination.
Coordinate your drawing review, material specification, sample decisions and receiving requirements.
6 Inputs for Your Tool Steel Quote
01CAD and controlled drawing
02Grade, product standard and producer where specified
03Stock form and supplied condition
04Trial and repeat quantities
05Critical dimensions, treatment and finish
06Inspection records and delivery needs
Answers Before You Specify
Which tool steel grade should I choose?
Start with the failure mode: abrasion, chipping, impact, thermal cycling or mold-surface requirements. Compare the exact product and condition with your tool geometry; no one grade is best for every application.
Do you machine tool steel before or after hardening?
Agree the route for your drawing. Roughing may precede specified hardening, with critical features finished afterward. Prehardened material follows a different plan. Define stock condition, remaining allowance and final inspection.
Is D2 better than A2 for my tool?
Compare abrasive wear with impact and edge-support needs. A higher alloy content does not automatically reduce chipping or improve your finished tool. Include working material and service conditions in your inquiry.
Are European tool steel numbers direct equivalents?
Use the EN material number and symbolic designation as comparison aids. Check the complete product standard, chemistry, delivery state, section and approved processing before substitution. Trade names require producer identification.
Can heat-treated tool steel move during finishing?
Yes. Heat treatment and subsequent material removal can affect geometry. Agree final datums, machining or grinding allowance, sequence and measurement state before production.
Can tool steel be welded or repaired?
Treat repair as a separate engineering review. Identify the steel, prior treatment, damage, section and required service condition. Confirm a qualified procedure and final acceptance rather than assuming a general welding route.
What changes a tool steel machining quote?
Send CAD and the controlled drawing, exact grade and stock state, quantities, target condition, finish, critical dimensions, inspection records and delivery needs. Compare quotations for the same drawing revision and final state.
