DIN 1.2379 Steel (AISI D2, JIS SKD11, DIN X155CrVMo121, Bohler K110): chemical composition and Comprehensive Guide for Engineers, Buyers, and Manufacturers
Introduction
DIN 1.2379 steel—also known by its international equivalents AISI D2, JIS SKD11, DIN X155CrVMo121, and Bohler K110—is a premium, high-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel alloy. Renowned for its exceptional wear resistance, hardness, dimensional stability, and toughness, DIN 1.2379 is a global favorite across industries demanding precision and endurance. This guide dives deep into its chemical composition, pricing, technical specifications, and uses, serving as an SEO-rich resource for procurement, material selection, and engineering applications.
Chemical Composition of DIN 1.2379 Steel
The impressive properties of 1.2379 originate from its carefully balanced alloying elements. Here’s the standard chemical composition range:
| Element | Symbol | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | 1.40 – 1.60 |
| Silicon | Si | 0.10 – 0.60 |
| Manganese | Mn | 0.10 – 0.60 |
| Phosphorus | P | max 0.030 |
| Sulphur | S | max 0.030 |
| Chromium | Cr | 11.00 – 13.00 |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 0.70 – 1.20 |
| Vanadium | V | 0.50 – 1.10 |
These elements are tightly controlled in line with international standards (EN ISO 4957, ASTM A681).
Key roles:
- Chromium (Cr): Delivers corrosion and wear resistance.
- Vanadium (V): Promotes finer grain, boosting toughness.
- Molybdenum (Mo): Increases hardenability and temper resistance.
- High Carbon: Ensures achievable high hardness (up to 62 HRC).
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value/range |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.7 g/cm³ |
| Hardness, HRC | Up to 62 (quenched & tempered) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 190-210 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | 10.4 × 10⁻⁶/°C |
| Melting Point | ≈1421°C |
1.2379’s microstructure features high volumes of hard alloy carbides, leading to outstanding wear resistance and minimal distortion during heat treatment.
Price of DIN 1.2379 Steel (2025)
DIN 1.2379 steel pricing depends on form (round bar, flat stock, plate), quantity, market origin, and manufacturer.
Current indicative prices (2025):
| Product/Form | Price Range (per ton) |
|---|---|
| Forged round bar/rod | $790 – $980 |
| Forged rod (AISI D2 grade) | $4,800 – $8,500 |
| Mold steel, die steel, round bar/plate | $2650 – $8,000 |
| Alloy steel bar (general 1.2379) | $4,800 – $8,500 |
| Special mold die steel (factory direct) | $2650 – $8,000 |
| Bulk orders, cut-to-size, or stock clearances | $900 – $2999 |
| India retail price (round bar, Chennai, 2018) | ₹182/kg (≈$2.15/kg) |
Prices can fluctuate due to supply chain, region, alloy surcharge, and order size. Always get a current quote for accurate project costing.
Detailed Properties and Advantages
Wear Resistance
Thanks to high chromium and vanadium content, 1.2379 steel delivers exceptional resistance to abrasion, galling, and adhesive wear—making it a top choice for high-volume and high-precision production where tooling longevity is essential.
Hardness & Toughness
- Achieves 58–62 HRC—a balance between hardness and toughness, ideal for cold working applications needing both sharp cutting edges and impact endurance.
- Secondary hardening response enables surface treatments for further improvement.
Dimensional Stability
Low distortion during hardening and superior through-hardening properties make it perfect for intricate or multi-stage dies requiring tight tolerances.
Heat Treatment
Can be forged, annealed, hardened, tempered, and nitrided:
- Forging temp: 1065–954°C (do not forge below 926°C)
- Annealing: 871–898°C, slow cool for machinability
- Hardening: Oil/air quench from 1020–1040°C
- Tempering: 180–250°C for maximum toughness
Uses and Applications
1.2379 is synonymous with high-performance cold work tooling worldwide. Core applications include:
Blanking & Forming Dies
- Automotive: Gear and brake part dies, sheet stamping, structural component dies.
- Electronics: Connector and terminal dies.
Shear Blades & Slitters
Punches & Knives
- Industrial knives (e.g. tyre shredders, scrap choppers)
- Punches for presses, fine blanking equipment, thread rolling.
Rolls & Gages
- Seaming rolls, forming rolls, rolls for wire/strip processing.
Cold Heading and Stamping Tools
- Bolt, nut, rivet, and screw manufacturing dies (cold heading).
- Stamping dies for deep drawing, stretching, and forming.
Other Precision Components
- Injection mold screws and tips, trimming dies, burnishing tools, lamination dies, coining molds, rolling mill equipment.
Why 1.2379/D2/SKD11/K110 Is Preferred:
- Unparalleled tool life in abrasive and repetitive service conditions.
- Holds sharp edges/clearances for high dimensional accuracy.
- Works reliably for both small and massive production runs.
International Equivalents and Specifications
The global reputation of DIN 1.2379 is evident in its standardized equivalents:
| Standard | Steel Grade | Alternative Designations |
|---|---|---|
| DIN | 1.2379 (X153CrMoV12) | |
| ASTM | AISI D2 | UNS T30402 |
| JIS | SKD11 | |
| BOHLER | K110 | |
| GB (China) | Cr12Mo1V1 | |
| B.S./UK | BD2 |
Ensures world-wide material traceability and specification match for global engineering projects.
Comparison: DIN 1.2379 vs. Other Cold Work Tool Steels
| Property | DIN 1.2379 (AISI D2) | DIN 1.2080 (AISI D3) | DC53 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (%) | 1.40 – 1.60 | 2.00 – 2.40 | 0.95 – 1.10 |
| Chromium (%) | 11.00 – 13.00 | 11.00 – 13.00 | 8.00 – 8.50 |
| Vanadium (%) | 0.50 – 1.10 | — | 0.35 – 0.50 |
| Molybdenum (%) | 0.70 – 1.20 | — | 2.00 |
| Max Hardness (HRC) | 62 | 62 | 62–64 |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Very high |
| Toughness | High | Moderate | Superior |
| Typical Application | High-precision dies, long tooling life | Simple dies, lower cost | High-stress, complex dies |
Purchase Tips & Considerations
- Verify supplier certification and demand mill test certificates for traceability, especially when buying for aerospace, medical, or automotive tooling.
- Choose stock form (round, flat, plate, block, pre-machined) based on your project’s machining needs.
- For cost optimization, consider bulk orders or long-term contracts, as prices per ton can drop significantly for scheduled deliveries.
- Consider additional surface treatments for extremely corrosive or abrasive environments.
Conclusion: Why Choose DIN 1.2379/D2/SKD11/K110?
DIN 1.2379 delivers a combination of durability, edge retention, and wear resistance unmatched in cold work tool steel families, making it ideal for manufacturing environments demanding reliability and cost efficiency. Whether you’re designing intricate progressive dies, high-wear blades, or requiring just-in-time supply for sheet metal work, 1.2379 provides superior performance, global availability, and exceptional value.
With robust pricing in the $500–$3,500/ton range, multiple global equivalents, and a proven record in every major industrial sector, this alloy remains the preferred choice for engineers, procurement professionals, and tool makers seeking operational excellence and longevity.
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For up-to-date prices, technical support, or bulk orders, always contact a reputable steel supplier with experience in high-performance tool steels.