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D3 1.2080 SKD1 Cold Work Tool Steel

D3 tool steel features exceptional wear resistance and high compressive strength. Perfect for heavy-duty blanking, drawing, forming, trimming and notching dies.

Standard: AISI D3, DIN 1.2080, JIS SKD1, GB Cr12
Technique: EAF + LF + VD or ESR, forged, multi-directional forging ratio ≥4, spheroidized annealed
Shape: Round, Flat, Plates, Blocks
Heat treatment: Supplied in annealed condition, hardness ≤255 HBW; pre-hardened to 58–62 HRC (quenched and tempered) available on request
Surface Treatment: Black (hot-rolled / forged surface), turned, milled / ground, sawn ends
Tolerance: flat bars & plates thickness: +0.5/-0.0 mm (turned); forged blocks: ±0.2 mm
MOQ: 1 Ton

We supply AISI D3 in various custom sizes

Chemical Composition (%)

Grade	C	Si	Mn	P (≤)	S (≤)	Cr	(Other Elements, ≤)
1.2080 (X210Cr12)	1.90–2.20	0.10–0.60	0.20–0.60	0.030	0.030	11.00–13.00	Ni 0.25, Cu 0.25
D3	2.00–2.35	0.10–0.60	0.20–0.60	0.030	0.030	11.00–13.00	Ni 0.25, Cu 0.25, (Mo+V ≤0.50)
SKD1	1.80–2.40	≤0.40	≤0.60	0.030	0.030	11.00–13.00	Ni 0.25, Cu 0.25
Cr12	2.00–2.30	≤0.40	≤0.40	0.030	0.030	11.50–13.00	Ni 0.25, Cu 0.25

Main characteristics of D3 tool steel

Exceptional wear resistance - extends tool service life drastically
High compressive strength - withstands heavy cold working loads
Good dimensional stability - minimal distortion after proper heat treatment
Deep hardenability - achieves high hardness in through-hardened moderate sections

D3 | 1.2080 | SKD1 tool steel applications

D3 steel for Heavy-Duty Blanking Die

Exceptional wear resistance from high carbon and high chromium content enables D3 to maintain sharp, clean cutting edges in blanking thick or hard sheet materials over long production runs.

D3 steel for Drawing & Forming Die

Good dimensional stability in heat treatment combined with high attainable hardness makes it reliable for deep drawing and forming dies requiring consistent profile accuracy.

D3 steel for Trimming & Notching Die

High compressive strength and excellent anti-galling properties withstand the abrasive conditions of trimming and notching operations, reducing scoring and extending die life.

Our Production Technology For 1.2080 (X210Cr12 / D3 / SKD1 / Cr12) Cold Work Tool Steel

Ultrasonic testing (UT) 100% as per SEP 1921, ASTM A388, or EN 10228-3 (upon request)
Micro Cleanliness as per ASTM E45 or DIN 50602
Spheroidized microstructure as per relevant tool steel standards
Macrostructure, microstructure, grain size, and mechanical properties shall meet the standards specified in GB/T 1299 for Tool and Die Steels
Delivery condition: Soft annealed, hardness ≤ 250 HB

mechanical properties & heat treatment of D3 steel

Heat temperature	Start forging temperature	Finish forging temperature	Cooling method
1100 – 1150 °C	1050 – 1100 °C	≥ 900 °C	Pit, sand, or furnace cooling

Annealing

Heat slowly and uniformly to 800 – 850°C
Hold at temperature for 2 – 5 hours, depending on section thickness
Cool slowly in the furnace at a controlled rate of 10 – 20°C/h down to approximately 600°C
Then air cool to room temperature
Hardness after annealing: max. 250 HB

Hardening

Pre-heat (recommended for complex shapes): Heat slowly to 750–800°C and soak thoroughly
Austenitizing temperature:
940 – 980°C for conventional oil quenching or warm bath quenching (approx. 400°C bath). Recommended hardening temperature range: 940–970°C.
960 – 1000°C for air or compressed air quenching (suitable for small parts up to 30mm thickness).
Preferred range: 940 – 970°C
Holding time: 15–30 minutes after reaching the hardening temperature
Quenching media:
Oil (preferred for most sections)
Gas, compressed air, or still air for small tools up to 25mm thickness, especially when the hardening temperature is on the upper side of the range
Hardness after quenching: 64 – 66 HRC (oil quenching), 63 – 65 HRC (air quenching for small sections up to 30mm thickness)

Stress relieving

Perform after rough machining or heavy stock removal, especially when tools have heavy machining or unbalanced crosssections
Heat carefully to 600 – 650°C
Hold at temperature for 1 – 2 hours (or 2 hours per 25mm of section thickness)
Furnace cool slowly to approximately 500°C, then air cool (or cool directly in still air)
This operation is performed to reduce the risk of distortion during final hardening

Tempering

Temper immediately after the workpiece cools to handwarm temperature (approx. 50–70°C). Delayed tempering may cause cracking
Number of tempers: Minimum 2 times. Double tempering is recommended to improve toughness and dimensional stability
Holding time: 1 hour per 20mm of section thickness (minimum 2 hours per cycle). After each cycle, air cool to room temperature before the next tempering
Tempering temperature range: 150 – 400°C (200–350°C preferred). This steel does not exhibit a secondary hardening peak

Why Choose NSPM as Your D3 Tool Steel Supplier

Source Direct

Direct mill cooperation ensures stable supply, competitive pricing, and consistent quality. Global resource integration and strong supply chain management guarantee reliable material sourcing and long-term availability.

Stock Ready

50,000+ tons inventory across 11 warehouses enables fast delivery. Flexible cutting, short lead times, and ready stock support urgent demands and improve customers’ production efficiency.

Expert Team

600+ professionals, including R&D specialists and technical engineers, provide application-driven support. Fast response and deep tooling knowledge ensure accurate solutions for diverse industrial needs.

Fully Inspected

Strict quality control system with full traceability, UT testing, and heat treatment records. Certified standards (ISO, CE) ensure every material meets high-performance and reliability requirements.

Full-Chain Machining

From steel supply to precision machining, heat treatment, and equipment manufacturing, NSPM offers integrated solutions that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and overall tooling performance.