L2 vs O1
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.
L2
Tool Steel
L2 is a low-alloy special-purpose tool steel supplied in several carbon bands matched to section size and duty. Its Cr-V chemistry gives better hardenability and wear than plain carbon W steels at modest cost.
Standards: DIN — (1.2210 family, near) · AISI L2 · GB CrV (near)
O1
Tool Steel
O1 is a general-purpose oil-hardening tool steel — cheap, easy to heat treat with basic equipment, and dimensionally stable enough for short-run tooling.
Standards: DIN 1.2510 · AISI O1 · JIS SKS3 · GB 9CrWMn
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | L2 | O1 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.45–1.00 | 0.85–0.95 |
| Si | 0.10–0.50 | 0.10–0.40 |
| Mn | 0.10–0.90 | 1.00–1.20 |
| Cr | 0.70–1.20 | 0.50–0.70 |
| V | 0.10–0.30 | 0.05–0.15 |
| W | — | 0.50–0.70 |
Properties compared
| Property | L2 | O1 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 55–62 HRC (grade band dependent) | 57–62 HRC |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
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: L2 · O1. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.