A-2 Grade Steel

The Balanced Tool Steel for Tough Jobs

A-2 tool steel is a versatile, air-hardening, medium-alloy cold work steel known for its exceptional balance of toughness and wear resistance. Ideal for tool and die applications, A-2 steel is widely used for forming dies, cutting tools, gauges, and shear blades. With a Rockwell hardness range typically between 57–62 HRC after heat treatment, A-2 offers outstanding dimensional stability and holds a sharp edge through heavy-duty cycles.

Whether you’re manufacturing punches, molds, or precision dies, our cut-to-size A2 steel delivers consistent machinability and excellent performance in high-pressure environments.

A2 Grade Tool Steel

  • Excellent Toughness: A-2 provides better impact resistance than D-2, making it suitable for applications where shock loading occurs.

  • Air Hardening: Its ability to harden in air reduces the risk of distortion during heat treatment, a major advantage for precision tools.

  • Good Wear Resistance: While not as hard as D-2, A-2 still offers solid wear resistance and edge retention for long service life.

  • Dimensional Stability: A-2 maintains size and shape after heat treating, ideal for close-tolerance components.

Why Choose Us for A2 Tool Steel?

At American Specialty Metal, we deliver precision-cut A-2 steel to meet your exact specifications. With fast turnaround, expert support, and mill-direct sourcing, we ensure the material you get is ready for performance and built to last.

A-2 steel is ideal for jobs requiring both wear resistance and the ability to withstand shock or impact. It offers a cost-effective, dependable option for tools that operate under moderate to heavy loads without sacrificing precision or strength. Its balance of durability and workability makes it a go-to steel for general-purpose tooling.

Heat Treatment and Machinability

A-2 tool steel can be heat treated with air cooling, which helps prevent warping and cracking. It can be tempered to achieve hardness levels typically between 57–62 HRC. A-2 offers better machinability than D-2, making it a more convenient choice for complex tool shapes.

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Industries

Automotive
Aerospace
Tool & Die Industry
Precision Machining
Construction & Heavy Equipment