As a first-timer in the manufacturing industry, you might find it hard to choose between D2 and D3 steel for specific applications. Your choice of the right metal would ultimately depend on your unique needs. However, a little bit of preliminary knowledge of their basic properties might help you make better decisions.
Chemical Properties and Composition
When speaking of chemical combinations, D2 steel offers:
- Carbon or C about 1.40-1.60%.
- Chromium or Cr about 11.00-13.00%.
- Molybdenum or Mo about 0.70-1.20%.
- Vanadium or V about 0.80-1.20%.
- Manganese or Mn about 0.20-0.50%.
- Silicon or Si about 0.20-0.50%.
- Phosphorus or P no more than 0.030%.
- Sulfur or S, no more than 0.030%.
On the other hand, D3 cold work Steel contains:
- Carbon or C about 2.00-2.30%.
- Chromium or Cr about 11.00-13.00%.
- Molybdenum or Mo about 0.20-0.50%.
- Vanadium or V about 0.20-0.50%.
- Manganese or Mn about 0.20-0.50%.
- Silicon or Si about 0.20-0.50%.
- Phosphorus or P no more than 0.030%.
- Sulfur or S, no more than 0.030%.
About Hardness and Wear Resistance
D2 Steel has:
- Hardness of 58-62 HRC.
- Excellent wear resistance.
- Moderate toughness.
- Good corrosion resistance.
- Somewhat difficult machinability.
D3 Steel, on the other hand, offers:
- Hardness of about 60-62 HRC.
- Good Wear Resistance.
- Low-moderate toughness.
- Fair corrosion resistance.
However, just like the D2 steel variety, it is difficult to machine.
Both D3 and D2 steel are high-chromium, high-carbon metals. However, D2 has a relatively low carbon content. Also, with a better-balanced composition, D2 is tougher and more machinable than D3 steel.
Comparing Between the Two
Both D3 and D2 tool steel offer fairly good wear resistance. However, the properties of D3 steel, with comparatively high carbon content, might make it more wear-resistant. Nevertheless, this difference is not likely to have any major effect on different applications.
Factors that Wear Resistance
Some of the most competent D3 Steel Supplier, such as TJKSSL, mention that certain factors are likely to affect the wear resistance of both steel varieties. Such factors include, but do not remain confined to:
- Heat treatment: When done right, it can improve the wear resistance of both steel types.
- Surface finish: Having a smoothened surface can also help to reduce tear and wear.
- Conditions of application: Factors like the presence of different types of abrasives, pressure and temperature can also increase or decrease the level of wear resistance.
However, while comparing the two, you can say that D2 Steel gives better wear resistance, as well as edge retention. This is because of the hardness range that it has to offer.
Use and Applications
D2 Steel is more suitable for manufacturing punches, cutting tools, industrial knives, and dies. This is due to its excellent edge retention and wear resistance properties. D3 Steel, on the other hand, is more fitting for applications that need cold-work applications. This involves blanking as well as forming dies. Such applications need moderate toughness along with fair edge retention.
Availability and Price
On the whole, D2 Steel can be costlier than that of D3 steel. This is often due to its edge retention and wear resistance properties. D3 steel, again, has moderate toughness to offer.
The final takeaway? D3 is the go-to option if you want a versatile metal with moderate toughness, while D2 is the better choice when your application needs more wear resistance. You can always use opinions from industry experts to find the best choice specific to your needs.