# D2 tool steel equivalents

D2 tool steel is nearest to EN 1.2379 (X153CrMoV12), JIS SKD11 and China GB Cr12Mo1V1. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | D2 |
| EN steel name | X153CrMoV12 |
| EN steel number | 1.2379 |
| JIS | SKD11 |
| China GB | Cr12Mo1V1 |

Family: Cold-work tool steel, air-hardening

## What it is

A high-carbon, high-chromium cold-work tool steel that hardens in air. It has very high wear resistance and good dimensional stability in hardening, but lower toughness than A2 or O1.

## Typical uses

Blanking and forming dies, punches, shear blades, slitter knives, thread-rolling dies and wear parts.

## Machining notes

Machine annealed; machinability is poor compared with O1 or A2. After hardening, finish by grinding or wire EDM.

## Related grades

- A2 tool steel (1.2363): Tougher air-hardening grade
- O1 tool steel (1.2510): Oil-hardening, easier to machine
- M2 high-speed steel (1.3343): High-speed steel for cutting tools

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

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of D2 tool steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.2379, steel name X153CrMoV12.

**What is the JIS equivalent of D2 tool steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is SKD11.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of D2 tool steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is Cr12Mo1V1.

**Is 1.2379 the same as D2?**
1.2379 (X153CrMoV12) is the nearest European equivalent of D2, 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 D2 used for?**
Blanking and forming dies, punches, shear blades, slitter knives, thread-rolling dies and wear parts.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/d2-tool-steel/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)