Cr12MoV adds molybdenum and vanadium: better hardenability, toughness and tempering response, and it is the closer match to D2. Cr12 is the plain, cheaper D3-type grade.

Grades · Tool Steel · Cr12

Cr12

Data verified

Cr12 is the GB/T 1299 designation of the D3-type high-carbon, high-chromium cold work steel, produced in huge volumes in China. It is the economy wear steel behind countless domestic dies, blades and wear parts.

Hardness58–62 HRC

DIN1.2080

AISID3

JISSKD1

CategoryTool Steel

Chemical composition

Element	Content (%)
C	2.00–2.30
Si	≤0.40
Mn	≤0.40
Cr	11.50–13.00

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

Properties

Delivery condition	Annealed
Hardness (hardened)	58–62 HRC
Density	7.70 g/cm³
Wear resistance	Very high, low cost

Heat treatment

Harden 950–1000 °C oil/air; temper 200–300 °C.

Equivalent grades

Standard	Designation
din	1.2080
aisi	D3
jis	SKD1
gb	Cr12

Compare side by side: Cr12 vs D3 · Cr12 vs 1.2436 (D6)

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

Applications & Processing

Applications: Blanking dies, drawing dies, shear blades, cold rolls, wear plates and guides.

Processing: Same practice as D3: difficult machining, low toughness, carbide banding in large sections. Often the cheapest quote in any Chinese die-steel inquiry.

FAQ

Cr12 vs Cr12MoV?: Cr12MoV adds molybdenum and vanadium: better hardenability, toughness and tempering response, and it is the closer match to D2. Cr12 is the plain, cheaper D3-type grade.

Need Cr12 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 quotation Visit Nasteel

Source: GB/T 1299 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.