Latham Steel, located in Hamilton, New Zealand, stands out as a top manufacturer and supplier of Tool and Die Steel A2 Bars. They offer high-quality steel products that are crafted for exceptional wear resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability. A2 steel, known for its versatility as an air-hardening tool steel, is a go-to choice for applications that demand precision, strength, and durability. Latham Steel takes pride in ensuring that every A2 bar adheres to rigorous quality and international standards, making them perfect for tool-making, die manufacturing, and high-performance industrial tasks where reliability and longevity are essential.
These Tool and Die Steel A2 Bars are made up of about 1% carbon, 1% chromium, 1.5% molybdenum, and 0.5% vanadium, along with trace amounts of manganese and silicon. This specific blend results in remarkable hardness, wear resistance, and toughness, all while keeping good dimensional stability during heat treatment. Typically, A2 bars showcase a tensile strength ranging from 850 to 1000 MPa and a hardness of 57 to 62 HRC after proper heat treatment, making them ideal for heavy-duty tooling needs.
| 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.
You’ll find Tool and Die Steel A2 Bars commonly used in the production of dies, punches, molds, cutting tools, and jigs across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and general engineering. Their outstanding wear resistance and toughness make them perfect for high-stress operations, and their ability to maintain precise dimensions guarantees accuracy in tooling applications. A2 bars deliver dependable performance, a long service life, and require minimal maintenance, making them a top choice for engineers and toolmakers who need consistent quality and durability in critical applications.






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