A7 vs D2
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
A7
Tool Steel
A7 packs very high carbon with about 4% vanadium, forming a dense population of hard vanadium carbides. It sits between D2 and the high-speed steels in abrasive wear resistance, for the most punishing cold-work applications.
Standards: DIN — (1.2431 family) · AISI A7 · GB Cr5Mo1V3 (near)
D2
Tool Steel
D2 is the world-standard high-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel. Massive chromium carbides give exceptional abrasive wear resistance and long die life in blanking and forming.
Standards: DIN 1.2379 · AISI D2 · JIS SKD11 · GB Cr12Mo1V1
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | A7 | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 2.00–2.85 | 1.45–1.60 |
| Si | ≤0.50 | 0.10–0.60 |
| Mn | 0.20–0.80 | 0.20–0.60 |
| Cr | 5.00–5.75 | 11.00–13.00 |
| Mo | 0.90–1.40 | 0.70–1.00 |
| V | 3.20–4.40 | 0.70–1.00 |
Properties compared
| Property | A7 | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 58–64 HRC | 58–62 HRC |
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ | 7.70 g/cm³ |
| Wear resistance | Extreme (vanadium carbides) | Very high |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: A7 · D2. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.