Grades · Tool Steel · SKS3

SKS3

Data verified

SKS3 is the JIS oil-hardening alloy tool steel — the Japanese counterpart of AISI O1 / DIN 1.2510, a Mn-Cr-W grade that hardens in oil with low distortion for gauges and short-run cold work tooling.

Hardness58–62 HRC
DIN1.2510 (105WCr6, near)
AISIO1
JISSKS3 (JIS G4404)
CategoryTool Steel

Chemical composition

ElementContent (%)
C0.90–1.00
Si≤0.35
Mn0.90–1.20
P≤0.030
S≤0.030
Cr0.50–1.00
W0.50–1.00

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Delivery conditionAnnealed
Hardness (hardened)58–62 HRC
Density7.85 g/cm³

Heat treatment

Harden 800–850 °C oil; temper 150–250 °C. Simple, forgiving oil hardening.

Equivalent grades

StandardDesignation
din1.2510 (105WCr6, near)
aisiO1
jisSKS3 (JIS G4404)
gb9CrWMn

Compare side by side: SKS3 vs O1

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Gauges, measuring tools, bushings, short-run blanking and forming dies, taps and hand tools.

Processing: Machines well annealed; oil hardening with modest, predictable size change — the reason it stays popular for precision gauges.

FAQ

SKS3 = O1?
Counterpart grades: SKS3 allows slightly wider Cr and W windows (0.50–1.00% each) and omits O1’s small vanadium addition, but hardening practice and working hardness are the same.

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Source: JIS G4404 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.