CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel is part of VT machining's grade-specific capability. D3 Tool Steel is wear-resistant and hardenable for tooling, and we combine controlled gear cutting with material-aware setup to produce parts that meet your specification.
CNC Gear Hobbing Capability for D3 Tool Steel
- Air/oil/water-hardening grades
- High wear resistance
- Hardenable to 58–64 HRC
- Tolerance to ±0.005 mm
D3 Tool Steel Material Data
| Density | 14.5 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 2000–3500 (TRS) MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | — |
| Hardness | 88–93 HRA / 1300–1800 HV |
| Melting point | 2870 (WC) °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 70–100 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 5.0 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 10% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | grind / EDM only |
| Grades we run | YG6, YG8, YG15 (K10–K30), D2, H13, M2, SKD11 |
Published typical values for WC-Co (YG8 / K20). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Everything is done by grinding, wire EDM or sinker EDM. Design in a small corner radius wherever possible — a true sharp internal corner doubles the EDM time.
Machining D3 Tool Steel with CNC Gear Hobbing
When gear cutting D3 Tool Steel, machinability is machined in the annealed state, then hardened; carbide tooling preferred. Our process plan reflects this so the finished part holds its tolerances without distortion or poor finish.
Documented parameters for D3 Tool Steel mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy class | DIN 8 / AGMA 10 | DIN 6 / AGMA 12 |
| Profile deviation | 0.020 mm | 0.008 mm |
| Lead deviation | 0.020 mm | 0.008 mm |
| Pitch deviation (cumulative) | 0.040 mm | 0.015 mm |
| Runout | 0.030 mm | 0.010 mm |
| Tooth surface finish | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm (ground) |
| Module range | m0.5–m8 | m1–m6 |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Providing complete gear data (module, pressure angle, profile shift, quality class) lets us produce D3 Tool Steel gears right the first time. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Why D3 Tool Steel?
Customers select D3 Tool Steel for CNC Gear Hobbing because it is wear-resistant and hardenable for tooling. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.
CNC Gear Hobbing Tolerances & Surface Finish
Gear features are produced to a specified DIN/AGMA accuracy class, with profile and lead controlled for quiet, durable running under load.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most D3 Tool Steel parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.
CNC Gear Hobbing Quality & Inspection
Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.
Applications of CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel
D3 Tool Steel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
How to Order CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the D3 Tool Steel grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.
Finishing Options for D3 Tool Steel
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact D3 Tool Steel grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
D3 Tool Steel in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the D3 Tool Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Which industries use CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel parts?
CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise D3 Tool Steel components are required.
What is CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel and how is it done?
CNC Gear Hobbing D3 Tool Steel refers to gear hobbing generates gear teeth with a rotating hob synchronized to the workpiece. Applied to D3 Tool Steel — wear-resistant and hardenable for tooling — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What gear accuracy class can you achieve on D3 Tool Steel?
Gear accuracy is specified to DIN/AGMA classes appropriate to the application. Profile and lead are controlled so D3 Tool Steel gears run accurately and quietly under load.
What surface finish is achievable on D3 Tool Steel with CNC Gear Hobbing?
Surface finish on D3 Tool Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.