# A2 tool steel equivalents

A2 tool steel is nearest to EN 1.2363 (X100CrMoV5), JIS SKD12 and China GB Cr5Mo1V. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | A2 |
| EN steel name | X100CrMoV5 |
| EN steel number | 1.2363 |
| JIS | SKD12 |
| China GB | Cr5Mo1V |

Family: Cold-work tool steel, air-hardening

## What it is

An air-hardening cold-work tool steel. It moves less in hardening than oil-hardening grades and balances wear resistance and toughness: tougher than D2, more wear resistant than O1.

## Typical uses

Punches, blanking and forming dies, trim dies, gauges and machine knives.

## Machining notes

Machine annealed; easier than D2. Finish by grinding after hardening.

## Related grades

- D2 tool steel (1.2379): More wear resistant, less tough
- O1 tool steel (1.2510): Oil-hardening, easiest to heat treat

Equivalents are nearest matches, not identical grades. The governing standard or mill certificate decides.

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of A2 tool steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.2363, steel name X100CrMoV5.

**What is the JIS equivalent of A2 tool steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is SKD12.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of A2 tool steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is Cr5Mo1V.

**Is 1.2363 the same as A2?**
1.2363 (X100CrMoV5) is the nearest European equivalent of A2, not an identical grade. Composition limits and required properties differ in detail, so check the governing standard or the mill certificate when it matters.

**What is A2 used for?**
Punches, blanking and forming dies, trim dies, gauges and machine knives.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/a2-tool-steel/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)