D3 Tool Steel


D3 tool steel suppliers and stockholders. D3 is a high carbon high chromium tool steel supplied in rounds and flats with delivery to the whole of the UK. This quality tool steel grade is noted for its resistance to abrasion, it offers excellent dimensional stability in hardening. After heat treatment D3 is hard, durable and dense, and is immune from sinking in use. It offers a measure of corrosion resistance when polished. In general, the applications of D3 tool steel resemble those of D2 but it should be remembered that D3 has better wear resistance of the two steels and is preferred for such items as shear blades. Owing to its higher wear resistance, D3 tool steel is slightly more difficult to grind than D2.

We welcome export enquiries for tool steel. Please contact our sales office and consult our shipping policy for further details.

Related Specifications

AISI ASTM A681  DIN 17350  BS EN ISO 4957

Alternative tool steel grades we supply

O1 | D2 | O2 | D6 | A2 | S1 | H13 | P20 | P20S | 420 | 1.2083 | 2767 | M2 | M42 | 1.1730

Form of Supply

West Yorkshire Steel are stockholders and suppliers of D3 tool steel flat sections. Rectangular pieces can be sawn from flat bar or block to your specific sizes as one offs or multiple cut pieces. As D3 we have a limited range in round bar, D6 tool steel grade is commonly offered in lieu when round bar sizes are not available.

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  • Flat
  • Diameter

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Applications

D3 is suitable for applications such as complex blanking and forming tools for long runs and for hard and abrasive materials. It is commonly used for other applications such as brick and tile mould liners, master hobs for cold hobbing plastic moulds, tabletting punches and sleeves for corrosive powders.


Carbon 2.10% Chromium 11.50%
Manganese 0.30% Silicon 0.30%

Precision ground flat stock / gauge plate can be produced using D3 tool steel. Subject to size suitability and availability pieces can be produced in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Standard and non-standard sizes are available.


Pre-heat at 900-950°C then raise temperature to 1050-1100°C. Soak until uniformly heated. D3 tool steel is relatively hard at elevated temperature. Therefore, initial hammer blows must be light and the temperature must not be allowed to fall below 1020°C until the metal begins to flow. Final forging should not be done below 900°C.


D3 is supplied in the annealed and machinable condition. Re-annealing will only be necessary if the steel has been forged or hardened by the toolmaker. To anneal, heat slowly and uniformly to 900°C. Soak for three to four hours and allow to cool in the furnace to room temperature. Re-heat to 800-1040°C and again soak for three to four hours. Allow to cool in the furnace to room temperature.


When tools  are heavily machined, ground or otherwise subjected to cold work, the relief of internal strains is advisable before hardening to minimise the possibility of distortion. Stress relieving should be done after rough machining. To stress relieve, heat the steel component to 600-650°C. Soak well and cool in the furnace or in air. The tools may then be finish machined before hardening.


It is preferable to heat the tools in a controlled atmosphere. If this is not possible, pack hardening is recommended. A reducing atmosphere is desirable. Pre heat the component to 750-800°C. and allow to soak at this temperature. Raise to the hardening temperature of 950-980°C. Soak thoroughly at the temperature for thirty minutes per 25mm of ruling section, then cool or quench accordingly.


Martempering is an alternative hardening procedure which may be used when suitable salt bath equipment is available. By this method internal strain, distortion and risk of quench cracking are reduced to the minimum. Pre-heat dry at 300-400°C. Pre-heat in salt at 800-850°C holding in the salt for ten minutes 25mm of ruling section. Raise to the hardening temperature of 950-980°C holding in the salt for ten minutes 25mm of ruling section. Marquench in salt at 230-250°C holding in the bath for five minutes 25mm of ruling section. Cool in still air. Tempering will be necessary.


Double tempering is recommended. Tempering should be done with the least possible delay after hardening, preferably when the tools are still hand warm. Select a suitable tempering temperature, bearing in mind the service requirements. Heat slowly and uniformly. When the component has reached the desired temperature, soak for at least one hour per 25mm of thickness. The second tempering should be a repetition of the first.

Temperature [°C] 150 200 300 400 500
Hardness [HRc] 64-63 62-61 60-59 59-58 56-55

Typical physical properties at room temperature.

Modulus of elasticity 10³N/mm² :  210

Density kg/dm³ :  7.70

Thermal Conductivity W/(m.K) :  20.0

Electric resistivity Ohm.mm²/m :  0.65

Specific heat capacity J/(kg.K) :  460

 

Mean coefficient of thermal expansion (at varying temperatures)

Temperature 20-100°C 20-200°C 20-300°C 20-400°C 20-500°C 20-600°C
10-6 m/(m.K) 10.5 11.0 11.0 11.5 12.0 12.0

Heat treatment temperatures, including rate of heating, cooling and soaking times will vary due to factors such as the shape and size of each steel component. Other considerations during the heat treatment process include the type of furnace, quenching medium and work piece transfer facilities. Please consult your heat treatment provider for full guidance on heat treatment of tool steels.


Select the correct grade of wheel in consultation with the grinding wheel manufacturer. Ensure the grinding wheel is in good condition by means of a suitable dressing tool. Wet grinding is a preferable option using a copious supply of coolant. If dry grinding is resorted to then use a very soft wheel.


D3 tool steel is supplied in accordance with our ISO 9001:2015 registration.