CNC Machining Materials

A2 Tool Steel

At a glance

Processes

CNC Mill
CNC Lathe
EDM Hobbing

Lead Time

As fast as 7 days

Finishing options

Media Blasting, Tumbling, Black Oxide

Tolerance

With drawing: as low as +/- 0.005 mmNo drawing: ISO 2768 medium

Price

$$$

Applications

Tools, fixtures, tool holders, punches

About the material

A2 Tool Steel offers excellent wear resistance and toughness. Due to its high compressive strength and dimensional stability, this material is commonly used to make fixtures, tools, tool holders, gauges and punches.

Material Properties

Yield Strength

55,000 PSI

Elongation at Break

22%

Hardness

Rockwell B90

Density

0.284 lbs / cu. in

McMaster Part Number

89885k117

Material Finish

Very similar to other grades of mild steel, tool steel is generally shiny in appearance and slightly darker than aluminum alloys. For corrosion resistance, black oxide can be applied post-machining. To achieve a variety of surface finishes, tool steel parts can also be media blasted or tumbled.

Design Recommendations

Min Wall Thickness

0.5 mm

Min End Mill Size

0.8 mm (0.03 in)

Min Drill Size

0.5 mm (0.02 in)

Max Part Size

1200 x 500 x 152 mm [x,y,z] (mill)
152 x 394 mm [d,h] (lathe)

Undercuts

Square profile, full radius, dovetail profiles

Radii : Depth

Depth must not exceed 12x drill bit diameter.
For end mills, depth must not exceed 10x tool diameter.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN

DFM for CNC Master Class: How to Optimize DFM for Complex Mechanical Designs

In this webinar, we explore how to reduce manufacturing effort in the most complex designs applicable to industries such as medical devices, robotics, and aerospace. Here we will specify key risk mitigation strategies for high precision, high geometric complexity, and extreme part sizes (large and small). You’ll walk away knowing: When design parameters transition into […]

Learn More

DFM for CNC Master Class: How Design Requirements Drive CNC Manufacturability

In this webinar, we explore how to optimize higher complexity designs for manufacturability, where effort cannot be completely minimized. We will also explore the sources of manufacturing effort and key techniques for reducing relative effort for parts that are faster, more economic, and less risky to produce.  You’ll walk away knowing: How effort scales for […]

Learn More