Cold Work Tool Steel is engineered for extreme cold working conditions involving room-temperature plastic deformation, high wear resistance and high shear stress. These steels are widely used in stamping dies, blanking dies and precision forming molds. With excellent wear resistance, high hardness and outstanding compressive strength, cold work tool steel ensures long die service life and high-precision workpiece processing performance.
At NSPM, we focus on delivering steels that perform under pressure. By combining optimized chemical composition with strict quality control, we help our customers achieve longer tool life, reduced maintenance frequency, and improved productivity.
Cold Work Tool Steel is designed to maintain ultra-high hardness, excellent dimensional accuracy, and superior wear resistance even during continuous, high-speed operations. Under long-term stamping and blanking conditions, it resists surface chipping, deformation, and premature failure. This ensures extended die service life and reliable processing of high-precision workpieces.
Here are a wide range of industry-recognized Cold Work Tool Steel grades to meet the varying needs of wholesalers and end users.
Each grade is selected based on its ability to perform under specific working conditions, such as high wear, high impact, or precision forming.
Our technical team ensures that every material recommendation aligns with performance expectations.
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | V | W | Ni |
| 1.2379 | 1.45-1.60 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.20-0.60 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-13.00 | 0.70-1.00 | 0.70-1.00 | — | — |
| D2 | 1.40-1.60 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.20-0.60 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-13.00 | 0.70-1.20 | 0.50-1.10 | — | — |
| DC53 | 0.90-1.05 | 0.80-1.10 | 0.20-0.50 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 7.80-8.50 | 1.80-2.10 | 0.15-0.35 | — | — |
| SKD11 | 1.40-1.60 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.60 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-13.00 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.20-0.50 | — | — |
| Cr12MoV | 1.45-1.70 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-12.50 | 0.40-0.60 | 0.15-0.30 | — | — |
| 1.2601 | 1.55-1.75 | 0.25-0.40 | 0.20-0.40 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-12.00 | 0.50-0.70 | 0.10-0.50 | — | — |
| 1.208 | 1.90-2.20 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.20-0.60 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-13.00 | — | — | — | — |
| D3 | 2.00-2.35 | 0.10-0.60 | 0.20-0.60 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-13.00 | — | — | — | — |
| 1.2436 | 2.00-2.30 | 0.10-0.40 | 0.30-0.60 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-13.00 | — | — | 0.60-0.80 | — |
| D6 | 2.00-2.30 | 0.20-0.40 | 0.20-0.40 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.50-12.50 | — | — | 0.60-0.80 | — |
| 1.251 | 0.90-1.05 | 0.15-0.35 | 1.00-1.20 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 0.50-0.70 | — | 0.05-0.15 | 0.50-0.70 | — |
| O1 | 0.85-1.00 | 0.10-0.50 | 1.00-1.40 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 0.40-0.70 | — | ≤0.30 | 0.40-0.60 | — |
| SKS3 | 0.90-1.00 | ≤0.35 | 0.90-1.20 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 0.50-1.00 | — | — | 0.50-1.00 | — |
| 1.2842 | 0.85-0.95 | 0.10-0.40 | 1.80-2.20 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 0.20-0.50 | — | 0.05-0.15 | — | — |
| O2 | 0.85-0.95 | ≤0.50 | 1.40-1.80 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.50 | ≤0.30 | — | — | — |
| 1.2201 | 1.55-1.75 | 0.25-0.40 | 0.20-0.40 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 11.00-12.00 | — | 0.07-0.12 | — | — |
| 1.221 | 0.55-0.65 | 0.70-1.00 | 0.15-0.45 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 0.90-1.20 | — | 0.10-0.20 | 1.70-2.20 | — |
| 1.2327 | 0.83-0.90 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.30-0.45 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 1.60-1.90 | 0.20-0.35 | 0.05-0.15 | — | — |
| CH1 | 0.80-0.90 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.70-1.10 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 1.80-2.20 | 0.20-0.30 | 0.05-0.10 | — | — |
| 1.2358 | 0.58-0.62 | 0.20-0.50 | 0.70-0.90 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 4.30-4.70 | 0.40-0.60 | 0.20-0.30 | — | — |
| 1.2361 | 0.86-0.96 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 17.00-19.00 | 0.90-1.30 | 0.07-0.12 | — | — |
| 1.2362 | 0.60-0.65 | 1.00-1.20 | 0.30-0.50 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 5.00-5.50 | 1.00-1.30 | 0.25-0.35 | — | — |
| 1.2363 | 0.95-1.05 | 0.10-0.40 | 0.40-0.80 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 4.80-5.50 | 0.90-1.20 | 0.15-0.35 | — | — |
| A2 | 0.95-1.05 | 0.10-0.50 | 0.40-1.00 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 4.75-5.50 | 0.90-1.40 | 0.15-0.50 | — | — |
| 1.255 | 0.55-0.65 | 0.70-1.00 | 0.15-0.45 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 0.90-1.20 | — | 0.10-0.20 | 1.70-2.20 | — |
| S1 | 0.45-0.55 | 0.25-0.45 | 0.20-0.40 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 1.20-1.75 | ≤0.40 | 0.15-0.30 | 1.50-3.00 | |
| 1.2746 | 0.41-0.49 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.60-0.80 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 1.40-1.60 | 0.73-0.85 | 0.45-0.55 | 3.80-4.20 | — |
| 1.2767 | 0.40-0.50 | 0.10-0.40 | 0.20-0.50 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 1.20-1.50 | 0.15-0.35 | — | — | 3.80-4.30 |
| S7 | 0.45-0.55 | 0.20-1.00 | 0.20-0.80 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 3.00-3.50 | 1.30-1.80 | — | — | — |
| 1.236 | 0.45-0.50 | 0.70-0.90 | 0.35-0.45 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 7.30-7.80 | 1.30-1.50 | 1.30-1.50 | — | — |
| 1.2360 mod | 0.48-0.55 | 0.75-1.05 | 0.20-0.49 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 7.25-8.00 | 1.25-1.75 | 0.20-0.55 | — | — |
| A8 | 0.50-0.60 | 0.75-1.10 | ≤0.50 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 4.75-5.50 | 1.15-1.65 | 1.00-1.50 | — | — |
Cold Work Tool Steel from NSPM is designed to meet the demanding requirements of various industrial applications.
By combining high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness, our materials provide reliable solutions tailored to different working conditions and production needs.
Blanking and Stamping Dies for High-Volume Precision
Blanking and stamping dies require excellent wear resistance and edge retention under continuous operation. For high-volume production, NSPM recommends D2 / 1.2379 or D3 / 1.2080 due to their high hardness (58–65 HRC) and superior abrasion resistance. For applications requiring improved toughness, DC53 is an ideal alternative to reduce chipping.
Cold Forming and Coining Under High Impact Loads
Cold forming and coining processes involve high strength and repeated impact, requiring a balance between hardness and toughness. A2 / 1.2363 and DC53 are recommended due to their good dimensional stability and impact resistance. These grades perform well at 55–60 HRC, minimizing cracking while maintaining wear resistance.
Shear Blades and Cutting Tools for Continuous Operation
Shear blades and cutting tools demand sharp edges and consistent wear resistance. NSPM recommends D2 / 1.2379 for long service life in continuous cutting operations. For applications requiring better machinability and lower cost, O1 / 1.2510 is a practical choice with stable performance and easy heat treatment.
More Applications Across General Tooling Needs
Cold Work Tool Steel is also widely used in guide plates, gauges, thread rolling dies, and wear-resistant components. Depending on the application, NSPM offers flexible grade selection, including O1 for precision tools and A2 for balanced performance, ensuring cost-effective and reliable solutions.
At NSPM, you can access a full range of Cold Work Tool Steel products with reliable stock & consistent quality.
We also provide value-added services such as pre-machining, heat treatment coordination, and customized cutting, helping you reduce processing time and operational costs.
Available sizes and supply conditions
Cold work tool steel round bars ranging from 5 mm to 800 mm in diameter. These materials are widely used for manufacturing punches, shafts, and cylindrical tooling components.
Flat bars and plates are essential for die and mold manufacturing. NSPM offers a wide range of dimensions to accommodate different tooling designs.
Forged blocks are designed for heavy-duty tooling applications. The forging process refines the internal grain structure, resulting in improved mechanical properties and enhanced toughness.
We also offer custom cut blocks tailored to specific mold designs. Our precision cutting services ensure accurate dimensions and high surface quality.
At NSPM, we provide full technical support for heat treatment to ensure Cold Work Tool Steel achieves optimal hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
Materials are supplied in annealed condition (180–250 HB) for easy machining. We guide customers in selecting proper hardening and tempering parameters based on application needs. For stamping and blanking dies, hardness can reach 58–65 HRC for maximum wear resistance. For cold forming tools, we recommend 55–60 HRC to balance toughness and durability.
NSPM also supports coordination with heat treatment partners to ensure stable quality, reduced distortion, and consistent tool performance.
Cold Work Tool Steel is engineered to perform under high stress, wear, and repeated impact at room temperature. With hardness up to 65 HRC and excellent stability, it ensures long tool life and precision.
Cold Work Tool Steel offers excellent resistance to abrasive wear and metal contact. With high chromium content grades, tools maintain sharp edges and stable surfaces even in long-run stamping operations.
After quenching and tempering, hardness typically reaches 58–65 HRC for wear applications. This ensures strong resistance to deformation and high compressive strength under heavy stamping and blanking loads.
Supplied in annealed condition at 180–250 HB, the steel ensures easy machining. Air-hardening grades minimize distortion during heat treatment, maintaining precise dimensions for high-accuracy tooling applications.
For high-impact applications, hardness is controlled at 55–60 HRC to balance toughness and wear resistance. This reduces the risk of chipping and cracking during cold forming and repeated impact conditions.
Cold work tool steels are high-carbon (0.5%–2.5%), high-alloy steels, typically operating under 200°C.
Key alloying elements include chromium (up to 12%), vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten to form hard carbides.
Common types include D-series (high C/Cr), A-series (air-hardening), and O-series (oil-hardening).
NSPM Steel — Your Reliable Tool Steel Partner for Mold Manufacturing
Stable supply from leading tool steel mills
Competitive pricing advantage
Flexible delivery and supply solutions
Large stock and flexible cutting services
Professional technical support
Complete tool steel grade portfolio
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