CNC Turning A2 Tool Steel is part of VT machining's grade-specific capability. A2 Tool Steel is wear-resistant and hardenable for tooling, and we combine controlled turning with material-aware setup to produce parts that meet your specification.
CNC Turning Capability for A2 Tool Steel
- Air/oil/water-hardening grades
- High wear resistance
- Hardenable to 58–64 HRC
- Tolerance to ±0.005 mm
A2 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 A2 Tool Steel with CNC Turning
When turning A2 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 A2 Tool Steel mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Turning A2 Tool Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.05 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bore diameter | H9 | H6 |
| Length / shoulder position | ±0.10 mm | ±0.020 mm |
| Concentricity OD to ID | 0.05 mm TIR | 0.010 mm TIR |
| Roundness | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Thread class | 6g / 2A | 4h / 3A |
| Surface finish, as turned | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm |
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.
Why A2 Tool Steel?
Customers select A2 Tool Steel for CNC Turning because it is wear-resistant and hardenable for tooling. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.
CNC Turning Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned A2 Tool Steel holds diameter tolerances to about ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm and good roundness. Turned finishes of Ra 0.4–0.8 µm are achievable with finishing passes and sharp tooling.
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 A2 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.
Design Tips for CNC Turning A2 Tool Steel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help A2 Tool Steel turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Turning 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 Turning A2 Tool Steel
A2 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 Turning A2 Tool Steel
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the A2 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 A2 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 Turning A2 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 A2 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.
A2 Tool Steel in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the A2 Tool Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Turning A2 Tool Steel?
CNC Turning prototypes for A2 Tool Steel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Turning on A2 Tool Steel?
Machined A2 Tool Steel edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Can VT machining make custom A2 Tool Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. A2 Tool Steel A2 Tool Steel turning is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
Why is A2 Tool Steel a good choice for CNC Turning?
A2 Tool Steel is wear-resistant and hardenable for tooling, which makes it well suited to CNC Turning. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished A2 Tool Steel turning part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.