1.2601 vs D2
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.
1.2601
Tool Steel
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.
Standards: DIN 1.2601 · AISI — (D2/D6 intermediate type) · GB Cr12Mo1V (near)
D2
Tool Steel
D2 is the world-standard high-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel. Massive chromium carbides give exceptional abrasive wear resistance and long die life in blanking and forming.
Standards: DIN 1.2379 · AISI D2 · JIS SKD11 · GB Cr12Mo1V1
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 1.2601 | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1.55–1.75 | 1.45–1.60 |
| Si | 0.25–0.40 | 0.10–0.60 |
| Mn | 0.25–0.40 | 0.20–0.60 |
| Cr | 11.00–12.00 | 11.00–13.00 |
| Mo | 0.60–0.80 | 0.70–1.00 |
| W | 0.40–0.60 | — |
| V | 0.20–0.35 | 0.70–1.00 |
Properties compared
| Property | 1.2601 | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 58–62 HRC | 58–62 HRC |
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ | 7.70 g/cm³ |
| Wear resistance | — | Very high |
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: 1.2601 · D2. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.