Starc Metals is a reliable manufacturer and supplier of Tool and Die Steel A2 Bars, proudly based in Canberra, Australia. Renowned for its commitment to quality and precision, Starc Metals offers top-notch A2 steel bars that adhere to international standards for strength, toughness, and wear resistance. With state-of-the-art production facilities and strict quality control measures, the company guarantees consistent performance and reliability in every product. Catering to a variety of industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace, Starc Metals provides durable, high-performance solutions for tooling and die applications, empowering clients to boost productivity, achieve accurate results, and prolong the lifespan of their industrial tools.
Tool and Die Steel A2 Bars are air-hardening, high-carbon, and high-chromium tool steels celebrated for their outstanding toughness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. Their typical composition features Carbon (0.95–1.05%), Chromium (4.75–5.50%), Manganese (0.60–1.00%), and Vanadium (0.80–1.20%). After heat treatment, A2 steel reaches hardness levels of 57–62 HRC, along with good machinability and resistance to distortion. This well-balanced mix of toughness and wear resistance makes it perfect for tools and dies that require precision, durability, and dependable performance under repeated stress and moderate-temperature conditions.
| 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.
Tool and Die Steel A2 Bars find extensive use in applications that require high wear resistance and toughness. They are commonly utilized for punches, dies, shear blades, stamping tools, and industrial knives. Additionally, they serve in cold work tooling, forming dies, and cutting instruments where dimensional stability and edge retention are crucial. The air-hardening property of A2 steel simplifies the heat treatment process while reducing the risk of warping, making it an excellent choice for precision toolmaking and industrial applications. Its blend of strength, toughness, and wear resistance ensures a longer tool life, enhanced efficiency, and consistent performance in demanding manufacturing settings.






We provide products that come with both mill test certificates and third-party test certificates, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Starc Metals is a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of high-quality bars, rods, and forgings, catering to various industries in Canberra, Australia
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