Louis Metals is a leading tool and die steel A2 bars manufacturer and supplier, exporting high-quality solutions from Houston, USA. A2 steel is an air-hardening tool steel with excellent dimensional stability, wear resistance, and toughness. Our A2 bars are manufactured to tight tolerances with a smooth fine surface finish, making them well-suited for applications that demand high precision. Louis Metals maintains uniform quality through strict metallurgical protocols and thorough inspections. Both hardness and ductility being so vital to long-term performance, these bars are relied upon in mold-making, tool fabrication, and precision machining applications.
Tool and Die Steel A2 Bars consist of a composition having about 5% chromium, 1% molybdenum, and 1% carbon. The alloy has good toughness and fair wear resistance. A2 steel attains a Rockwell hardness of 57–62 HRC through heat treatment. It is also notable for having high dimensional stability when undergoing heat processing, with tensile strength between 800–1000 MPa. Its air-hardening property minimizes distortion risks, thus being a material of choice for close-tolerance use. A2’s wear resistance, hardness, and machinability provide for a versatile use in different tooling applications.
| ASTM A681 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | ||||||
| A2/T30102 | 0.95 | 1.05 | 0.40 | 1.00 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.10 | 0.50 | 4.75 | 5.50 | 0.15 | 0.50 | 0.90 | 1.40 |
| DIN ISO 4957 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | ||||||
| 1.2363/X100CrMoV5 | 0.95 | 1.05 | 0.40 | 0.80 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.10 | 0.40 | 4.80 | 5.50 | 0.15 | 0.35 | 0.90 | 1.20 |
| JIS G4404 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | ||||||
| SKD12 | 0.95 | 1.05 | 0.40 | 0.80 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.10 | 0.40 | 4.80 | 5.50 | 0.15 | 0.35 | 0.90 | 1.20 |
| BS 4659 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | ||||||
| BA2 | 0.95 | 1.05 | 0.30 | 0.70 | 0.035 | 0.035 | . . . | 0.40 | 4.75 | 5.25 | 0.15 | 0.40 | 0.90 | 1.10 |
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (as air-hardened (63-65 HRC average), 60-62 HRC at 205°C, 59-61 HRC at 260°C, 58-60 HRC at 315°C, 57-59 HRC at 370°C and 425°C and 480°C, 56-58 HRC at 540°C, 50-52 HRC at 595°C, 42-44 HRC at 650°C) | 64 | 64 |
| Bulk modulus (typical for steels) | 140 GPa | 20300 ksi |
| Machinability (based on carbon tool steel) | 65% | 65% |
| Shear modulus | 78.0 GPa | 11300 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| Elastic modulus | 190-210 GPa | 27557-30457 ksi |
| Country | USA | German | Japan | British |
| Standard | ASTM A681 | DIN EN ISO 4957 | JIS G4404 | BS 4659 |
| Grades | A2/T30102 | 1.2363/X100CrMoV5 | SKD12 | BA2 |
| Properties | Conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| T (°C) | Treatment | ||
| Thermal expansion | 10.7 x 10-6/ºC | 20-100 | – |
The standard annealing temperature for A2 tool and die steel bars is typically between 800°C to 850°C (1472°F to 1562°F), followed by slow cooling to relieve internal stresses and soften the material.
A2 tool and die steel bars resist corrosion through their high chromium content, forming a protective oxide layer that enhances resistance to rust and wear, especially in cold-work applications.
Tool and die steel A2 bars should be stored in a dry, cool environment, away from moisture and corrosive elements. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid direct contact with the ground to prevent rust.
A2 Tool and Die Steel Bars are extensively used for applications that demand tools with a mix of strength and accuracy of dimensions. Some common applications include blanking dies, forming dies, tools for stamping, shear blades, punches, and tools for trimming. A2 is used where tooling operations demand a balance between toughness and wear resistance. It‘s particularly beneficial where water or oil quenching would be unpractical because of distortion concerns. Due to its superior stability and resistance to cracking or chipping, A2 bars are also utilized in molds, cutting tools, and other critical parts.






We provide products that come with both mill test certificates and third-party test certificates, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Louis Metals is a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of high-quality bars, rods, and forgings, catering to various industries in Houston, USA
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