SKD11 Cold Work Die Steel
JIS SKD11 · AISI D2 · DIN X153CrMoV12 (1.2379)
SKD11 is a high-chromium cold work tool steel classified under JIS G4404, directly equivalent to AISI D2 and DIN 1.2379. With approximately 12% chromium and 1.5% carbon, it develops a dense network of hard chromium carbides that give it exceptional wear resistance — the defining requirement for long-production-run cold work tooling. It has become the default choice for stamping and blanking dies globally, particularly where die life is the primary production cost driver.
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Material Properties
At working hardness of 58–62 HRC, SKD11 exhibits a tensile strength of approximately 2 100–2 400 MPa. The high carbide volume fraction (approximately 14–18% by volume) delivers excellent abrasion resistance but requires careful heat treatment — particularly soaking time at austenitising temperature — to ensure sufficient carbide dissolution for adequate matrix hardness. The steel has modest toughness at full hardness; for applications requiring higher impact resistance, SKD11 can be tempered to 54–58 HRC to improve toughness with some reduction in wear resistance.
SKD11 is notable for its very small dimensional change during hardening — a consequence of its high alloy content and the near-austenitic transformation behaviour at austenitising temperature. This makes it particularly valuable for precision dies, gauges, and cutting tools where dimensional accuracy must be maintained through heat treatment.
PT. Precision Special Steel supplies SKD11 in both plate and round bar forms, sourced from Tiangong International. This makes it uniquely flexible: plates suit die inserts and blocks, while round bar suits punch stock, die pins, and turned components. Full Tiangong mill certificates accompany every delivery.
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 1.40 – 1.60 |
| Si | ≤ 0.40 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.60 |
| Cr | 11.0 – 13.0 |
| Mo | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| V | 0.15 – 0.30 |
| P | ≤ 0.030 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Annealed) | ≤ 255 HB |
| Hardness (After Hardening) | 58 – 62 HRC |
| Compressive Strength | ~2 700 MPa at 60 HRC |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~210 GPa |
| Density | 7.70 g/cm³ |
Heat Treatment
Annealing
Heat to 850–900°C, hold 3–5 hours, furnace cool slowly (≤15°C/hr) to below 500°C, then air cool. Target: ≤255 HB.
Stress Relief
After rough machining: heat to 650–700°C, hold 2–4 hours, furnace cool to 500°C, then air cool.
Preheating
Preheat to 650–700°C, then transfer to hardening furnace. Critical for large cross-sections.
Hardening
Austenitise at 1 000–1 050°C (typically 1 020–1 040°C), soak 30–50 min. Quench in still air, warm oil (60–80°C), or salt bath (400–500°C). Avoid direct water quench.
Tempering
Temper immediately after cooling to 50–70°C. Double temper: 150–180°C for maximum hardness (60–62 HRC), or 200–250°C for improved toughness (58–60 HRC). Each temper: 1–2 hrs per 25 mm section.
Typical Applications
Sourced from Tiangong International
This grade is sourced directly from Tiangong International Co., Ltd. (天工国际) — one of China's foremost manufacturers of special steel and the global leader in high-speed steel production. All material is supplied with original Tiangong mill test certificates, providing full heat number traceability from the production mill to your facility. PT. Precision Special Steel holds official authorized agent status for Tiangong International in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cold Work Die Steel
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View Details →Need SKD11 in Indonesia?
Get a competitive quote within 1 business day. Material in stock at our Cikarang warehouse — available for same-day cutting and in-house CNC machining.