AISI A2 Tool Steel, Properties, Applications, Price & India’s Leading Supplier
Product description
AISI A2 Tool Steel – Properties, Applications & India’s Leading Supplier
Introduction to AISI A2 Tool Steel
AISI A2 Tool Steel — often referred to as A2 Steel — is one of the most popular air-hardening, cold work tool steels in the world. Known for its exceptional wear resistance, high hardness, dimensional stability during heat treatment, and moderate machinability, AISI A2 is a go-to choice for manufacturing precision tools, molds, and dies.
At Milano Special Steel, we are proud to be a leading AISI A2 Tool Steel supplier in India, delivering premium-quality plates, sheets, bars, and custom-cut pieces to customers across industries — from plastic mold manufacturing to automotive component production.
We stock and supply A2 Tool Steel that meets international standards, ensuring guaranteed chemical composition, perfect hardness range, and superior surface finish — all at competitive prices.
What is AISI A2 Tool Steel?
AISI A2 Tool Steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium, air-hardening tool steel. It belongs to the A-series tool steel family under the ASTM A681 specification. Unlike oil-hardening steels (like O1), A2 steel hardens in still air, which reduces distortion and ensures high dimensional stability. This makes it a preferred choice for high-precision tools.
Key Benefits of AISI A2:
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Excellent Wear Resistance – Handles abrasive environments and extended tool life.
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Air-Hardening Advantage – Minimal distortion after heat treatment.
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Good Machinability – Easier to machine in annealed condition.
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High Toughness – Resists chipping and cracking under heavy loads.
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Excellent Dimensional Stability – Maintains shape and size during heat treatment.
Chemical Composition of AISI A2 Tool Steel
The performance of A2 Steel comes from its optimized alloy composition.
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.95 – 1.05 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.75 – 5.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.90 – 1.40 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50 – 1.00 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.15 – 0.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03 |
This balanced composition gives A2 tool steel its combination of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
International Equivalents of AISI A2 Tool Steel
AISI A2 has recognized equivalents in global steel standards:
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| AISI/SAE | A2 |
| UNS | T30102 |
| W.-Nr. | 1.2363 |
| DIN | X100CrMoV5 |
| JIS | SKD12 |
| BS | BD2 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Annealed) | 212 HB |
| Hardened Hardness | 57–62 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | ~ 2000 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
| Impact Toughness | High for cold-work steels |

AISI A2 Tool Steel, Properties, Applications, Price, India’s Leading Supplier
Heat Treatment of AISI A2 Tool Steel
Proper heat treatment is critical for maximizing steel performance.
1. Annealing
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Heat uniformly to 845°C – 885°C
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Hold for 2–4 hours
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Furnace cool at 10°C/hr down to 650°C, then air cool
2. Stress Relieving
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Heat to 600°C – 650°C after rough machining
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Hold for 2 hours, air cool
3. Hardening
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Preheat to 790°C – 815°C, then to 960°C – 980°C
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Hold and air-cool (or positive pressure quench)
4. Tempering
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Immediately temper after quenching
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Typical temper range: 150°C – 540°C
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Double tempering recommended
Applications of AISI A2 Tool Steel
Because of its excellent balance of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance, AISI A2 is the first choice in many industries:
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Cutting Tools
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Shear blades
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Punches
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Forming dies
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Slitters
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Plastic Molds
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Injection mold cavities
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Core pins
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Molding dies
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Metal Forming
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Press tooling
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Thread rolling dies
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Forming rolls
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Automotive Components
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Trim dies
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Stamping dies
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Wear components
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Aluminum Die Casting
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Dies for pressure die casting
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Inserts for high-temperature operations
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Why Choose Milano Special Steel as Your AISI A2 Tool Steel Supplier?
Established in 1972, Milano Special Steel has over 50 years of experience in steel distribution, making us one of the most trusted AISI A2 Tool Steel suppliers in India.
We specialize in:
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High-quality steel grades sourced from the world’s best manufacturers.
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Custom sizes and cut lengths to match client specifications.
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Nationwide delivery reaching every state and major industrial hub.
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Competitive rates without compromising on quality.
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Massive ready stock to fulfill urgent orders.
Our warehousing and operational hubs in Gurugram, Kundli, Sonipat, Manesar, Bawal, Bhiwadi, and Dharuhera give us a strong advantage in fast logistics and delivery.
We cover all regions:
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North India – Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh
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West India – Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa
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South India – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala
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East India & North-East – West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim
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Union Territories – Andaman & Nicobar, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, J&K, Puducherry
AISI A2 Tool Steel Price in India
The AISI A2 steel price varies depending on size, shape, and quantity.
At Milano Special Steel, we ensure best-in-market pricing thanks to our bulk imports and efficient supply chain.
Shapes & Sizes Available
We supply AISI A2 Tool Steel in:
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Rounds – from small diameters to large forgings
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Flats / Plates – precision ground plates, annealed condition
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Squares – for die blocks
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Custom Cut Sizes – as per drawing
Industries We Serve
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Automotive – Dies & precision tools
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Casting – Aluminum & pressure die casting molds
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Plastic – Injection & blow molds
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Metal Forming – Punches & rolls
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Aerospace – Components needing wear resistance
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Forging – Dies, blocks, tools
Maintenance Tips for AISI A2 Tool Steel
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Avoid overheating during machining
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Perform proper stress relieving before finishing
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Store in dry environment to prevent corrosion
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Apply protective oil film during storage
Conclusion
AISI A2 Tool Steel is a versatile, reliable cold work tool steel used worldwide for its wear resistance, hardness, and toughness. Whether you need sheets, plates, round bars, or custom die blocks—Milano Special Steel is your trusted AISI A2 Tool Steel supplier in India.
Contact Us Today:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.milanospecialsteel.com

