D3 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel with about 2% carbon and 12% chromium. It has very high wear resistance and is hardened in oil. It is used for blanking and piercing dies, shear blades and wear parts where abrasion matters more than shock.
Quick facts
- Type
- High-carbon high-chromium cold work tool steel
- Working hardness
- About 58–64 HRC
- Hardening
- Oil quench
- Wear resistance
- Very high
- Toughness
- Lower than D2; avoid heavy shock
- As supplied
- Annealed, about 220–250 HB
Equivalent grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| AISI | D3 |
| DIN / EN | 1.2080, X210Cr12 |
| JIS | SKD1 |
| BS | BD3 |
Equivalents are close, not identical. Name the grade and standard on the drawing.
Typical chemical composition
| Element | % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | About 2.0–2.35 |
| Chromium (Cr) | About 11–13.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | Up to about 0.6 |
| Silicon (Si) | Up to about 0.6 |
Values are typical. The exact limits depend on the standard and supplier; ask for the mill test certificate when it matters.
Heat treatment
- Preheat to about 650–750 °C
- Harden at about 940–980 °C
- Quench in oil
- Temper at about 150–250 °C for highest hardness, twice
- Hardness about 58–64 HRC
D3 or D2?
| D3 | D2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | About 2.1% | About 1.5% |
| Hardening | Oil | Air (less distortion) |
| Wear resistance | Higher | High |
| Toughness | Lower | Better |
| Typical use | Abrasive work, shear blades | General blanking and forming dies |
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Questions
- What is the hardness of D3 steel?
- About 58–64 HRC after oil hardening and low tempering.
- D2 or D3 for dies?
- D2 is the usual choice: it is air hardening, distorts less and is tougher. D3 is chosen for very abrasive work where wear matters more than toughness.
- Can D3 be wire-cut after hardening?
- Yes. Like D2, it is often hardened and tempered first and then wire-cut, with a stress-relieving temper to reduce the risk of cracking.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 16 October 2026.