Material datasheet · Cold-work tool steel
AISI A2 Air-Hardening Cold-Work Tool Steel
UNS T30102 · Annealed for machining; hardened by air quench from 1750°F
The tool-room workhorse. Air-hardens to 60+ HRC with minimal distortion.
Chemical composition
Nominal % by weight.
| Element | % by wt |
|---|---|
| Fe | Bal. |
| C | 0.95–1.05 |
| Cr | 4.75–5.50 |
| Mo | 0.90–1.40 |
| V | 0.15–0.50 |
Applicable specifications
AMS / ASTM / MIL.
- ASTM A681
- DIN 1.2363
Air harden 1750°F, double temper 350–400°F.
Machining guidance
CNC parameters and tooling.
Coated carbide; HSS for low-volume
Annealed condition machines well; hardened state requires grinding or EDM.
Stock & cost
Forms and Q1 2026 pricing.
- Black oxide
- Nitride (gas/plasma)
- DLC coating
- Chrome plate
Typical applications
Where A2 Tool Steel is the right pick.
- Punches and dies
- Form tools
- Inspection gauges
- Hardened fixturing
- Knives
Alternative materials
Substitute or upgrade options.
- D2 (better wear, lower toughness)
- S7 (high impact)
- M2 (better hot hardness)
True Precision Machining · Buellton, CA
Machine your part in A2 Tool Steel.
5-axis CNC · ISO 9001 · AS9100 · ITAR · CMMC-compliant · DFARS-compliant supply chain. AS9102 FAI on aerospace.
Technically reviewed by the True Precision Machining engineering team · Last reviewed June 2026
Standards referenced: ASTM A681, DIN 1.2363
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