Cr12 vs 1.2436 (D6)
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.
Cr12
Tool Steel
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.
Standards: DIN 1.2080 · AISI D3 · JIS SKD1 · GB Cr12
1.2436 (D6)
Tool Steel
1.2436 is the tungsten-bearing D6 cold work steel: D3-class carbide volume with tungsten added for air hardening and superior dimensional stability. It is the European precision-gauge and die counterpart to the American D-family.
Standards: DIN 1.2436 · AISI D6 · JIS SKD2 · GB Cr12W (near)
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | Cr12 | 1.2436 (D6) |
|---|---|---|
| C | 2.00–2.30 | 2.00–2.30 |
| Si | ≤0.40 | 0.10–0.40 |
| Mn | ≤0.40 | 0.30–0.60 |
| Cr | 11.50–13.00 | 11.00–13.00 |
| W | — | 0.60–0.80 |
Properties compared
| Property | Cr12 | 1.2436 (D6) |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 58–62 HRC | 58–62 HRC |
| Density | 7.70 g/cm³ | 7.80 g/cm³ |
| Wear resistance | Very high, low cost | — |
| Dimensional stability | — | Excellent (air hardening, W-bearing) |
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: Cr12 · 1.2436 (D6). Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.