Grades · Tool Steel · 1.2601

1.2601

Data under review

1.2601 (X165CrMoV12) sits between D2 and D6: high carbon and 12% chromium with small Mo, W and V additions balancing wear resistance, hardenability and stability. It is a traditional German grade for heavily loaded cold work dies.

Hardness58–62 HRC
DIN1.2601
AISI— (D2/D6 intermediate type)
GBCr12Mo1V (near)
CategoryTool Steel

Chemical composition

ElementContent (%)
C1.55–1.75
Si0.25–0.40
Mn0.25–0.40
Cr11.00–12.00
Mo0.60–0.80
W0.40–0.60
V0.20–0.35

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

Properties

Delivery conditionAnnealed
Hardness (hardened)58–62 HRC
Density7.75 g/cm³

Heat treatment

Harden 960–1000 °C air/oil; temper 180–250 °C (or ~510 °C secondary).

Equivalent grades

StandardDesignation
din1.2601
aisi— (D2/D6 intermediate type)
gbCr12Mo1V (near)

Compare side by side: 1.2601 vs D2 · 1.2601 vs 1.2436 (D6) · 1.2601 vs Cr12MoV

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

Applications & Processing

Applications: Blanking and fine-blanking dies, cold extrusion punches, thread rolling dies, shear blades.

Processing: Behavior close to D2; slightly better through-hardening in thick sections thanks to the tungsten.

Need 1.2601 from stock?

Steel.Wiki is sponsored by Shenzhen NewAsia Special Steel (Nasteel), a special-steel stockholder in Shenzhen stocking mold, tool and alloy steels with EN 10204 3.1 certification.

Ask for a quotationVisit Nasteel

Source: EN ISO 4957 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.