Cr12 vs D3
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
D3
Tool Steel
D3 is an ultra-high-carbon chromium steel with even more carbide than D2 and no Mo/V additions. It maximizes abrasive wear life at the lowest cost, but with the lowest toughness of the D-family.
Standards: DIN 1.2080 · AISI D3 · JIS SKD1 · GB Cr12
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | Cr12 | D3 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 2.00–2.30 | 1.90–2.20 |
| Si | ≤0.40 | 0.10–0.60 |
| Mn | ≤0.40 | 0.20–0.60 |
| Cr | 11.50–13.00 | 11.00–13.00 |
Properties compared
| Property | Cr12 | D3 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 58–62 HRC | 58–64 HRC |
| Density | 7.70 g/cm³ | 7.70 g/cm³ |
| Wear resistance | Very high, low cost | Extreme (abrasive) |
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 · D3. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.