A-8 Grade Tool Steel
A-8 Tool Steel: Precision. Stability. Strength.
A-8 is an Air-hardening, cold work tool steel designed for applications requiring a unique balance of toughness and wear resistance. It contains chromium for corrosion and wear protection, while its high carbon content delivers the strength and edge retention expected in industrial-grade tooling.
Mechanical Properties That Matter
A-8 steel boasts excellent impact toughness, high compressive strength, and good dimensional stability during heat treatment. With a Rockwell hardness range of 58–62 HRC, it’s built to perform under extreme pressure and repeated shock loads without chipping or breaking.
Heat Treating & Hardening Characteristics
A-8 is air-hardened at 1750–1800°F and tempered at 400–700°F to achieve desired mechanical properties. This treatment ensures minimal distortion during hardening, making it a favorite among toolmakers for precise, tight-tolerance parts.
Why Choose A-8 Over Other Tool Steels?
Unlike more brittle tool steels, A-8 provides a more forgiving toughness without compromising wear resistance. This makes it a superior choice for tooling that faces both heavy impact and abrasive conditions. It’s often selected as a middle ground between A-2 and D-2 steels—offering better toughness than D-2 and better wear resistance than A-2.
Why Choose American Specialty Metals for A-8 Steel?
When it comes to sourcing and processing A-8 tool steel, American Specialty Metals stands out for our deep expertise, fast turnaround, and precision cutting capabilities. We understand the specific demands of cold work applications, and our team is experienced in handling air-hardening steels like A-8 with care and accuracy. Whether you need raw material, tight-tolerance cuts, or bulk processing, we deliver consistent quality and dependable service every time. Located in the U.S., we proudly serve customers nationwide with reliable shipping and personalized support that ensures your project stays on track.
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