· KAIPU Engineering · material-grade-converter · 8 min read
Material Grade Converter: ASTM/AISI · JIS · DIN/EN · GB Steel Cross-Reference
A runnable cross-reference table for cold-work tool steel, high-speed steel, martensitic stainless and carbide grades. Find the equivalent of AISI D2, M2, M4, 440C, 9Cr18MoV, YG6X, YG8 and 30+ other grades across ASTM/AISI, JIS, DIN/EN/W.-Nr., GB, BS, AFNOR, UNI, SS and UNE.
When a European customer asks for “W.-Nr. 1.2379”, a Chinese customer asks for “Cr12Mo1V1”, and a Japanese customer asks for “SKD11”, they are almost always asking for the same steel. The international cross-reference is not perfect — there are subtle chemistry and heat-treat differences between equivalent grades from different national systems — but for industrial blade specification it is accurate enough that a single chemistry target can be quoted against any of the four major national systems.
This page is the runnable cross-reference we use at KAIPU when a customer RFQ arrives in one national nomenclature and the warehouse stocks in another. The tables are organised by material family (cold-work tool steel, high-speed steel, hot-work tool steel, martensitic stainless, tungsten carbide) and cover the grades most-commonly specified for industrial blades.
One-line summary: D2 ≈ SKD11 ≈ 1.2379 ≈ Cr12Mo1V1. M2 ≈ SKD51 ≈ 1.3343 ≈ W6Mo5Cr4V2. M4 ≈ SKD54 ≈ 1.3344 ≈ W6Mo5Cr4V4. 440C ≈ 95Cr18 ≈ 1.4125 ≈ 9Cr18MoV (close). YG6X ≈ K20. YG8 ≈ K30.
Cold-work tool steel
The most-quoted family for industrial slitter, shear and granulator blades. Air-hardening, high-carbon, high-chromium, M₇C₃ primary carbides in a tempered martensite matrix.
| AISI / ASTM | UNS | JIS | DIN / EN | W.-Nr. | GB | BS | AFNOR | UNI | SS | UNE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2 | T30402 | SKD11 | X153CrMoV12 | 1.2379 | Cr12Mo1V1 | BD2 | Z160CDV12 | X165CrMoW12KU | 2310 | F5211 |
| D3 | T30403 | SKD1 | X210Cr12 | 1.2080 | Cr12 | BD3 | Z200C12 | X205Cr12KU | 2312 | F5213 |
| D4 | T30404 | — | X210CrW12 | 1.2436 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| D5 | T30405 | — | X165CrMoV12 | 1.2601 | — | — | Z200CD12 | — | — | — |
| D7 | T30407 | — | X220CrVMo13-4 | 1.2380 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| A2 | T30102 | SKD12 | X100CrMoV5 | 1.2363 | Cr5Mo1V | BA2 | Z100CDV5 | X100CrMoV5KU | 2260 | F5227 |
| A8 | T30108 | — | X38CrMoV5-1 | 1.2343 | 4Cr5MoSiV1 | — | Z38CDV5 | — | — | — |
| O1 | T31501 | SKS3 | 100MnCrW4 | 1.2510 | 9Mn2V | BO1 | 90MCW5 | — | — | — |
| O2 | T31502 | — | 90MnCrV8 | 1.2842 | — | BO2 | 90MV8 | — | — | — |
| S1 | T41901 | — | 60WCrV7 | 1.2550 | — | BS1 | 55WC20 | — | — | — |
| DC53 (Daido proprietary) | — | DC53 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| K110 (Böhler) | — | — | X153CrMoV12 | 1.2379 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Notes. D2 / SKD11 / 1.2379 / Cr12Mo1V1 / BD2 are all the same chemistry. SKD11 typically has a tighter V range (0.20–0.50 % vs D2’s 0.50–1.10 %), which affects grindability — see the D2 vs SKD11 comparison for details. DC53 is a refinement with finer carbides and higher toughness at the same hardness. K110 is a Böhler trade name for 1.2379.
High-speed steel (HSS / HSS-Co)
The workhorse of high-speed slitting, shearing and converting lines. Molybdenum-tungsten-vanadium tool steel, hardened to HRC 62–67, retains hardness at 500–600 °C.
| AISI / ASTM | UNS | JIS | DIN / EN | W.-Nr. | GB | BS | AFNOR | UNI | SS | UNE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | T11301 | — | S6-5-2 (approx.) | 1.3343 (close) | — | BM1 | — | — | — | — |
| M2 | T11302 | SKD51 / SKH51 | HS6-5-2C / S6-5-2 | 1.3339 / 1.3343 | W6Mo5Cr4V2 | BM2 | Z85WDCV6-5-4-2 | X82WMoV6-5-4 | 2722 | F5603 |
| M3 (Class 1) | T11313 | SKD52 | HS6-5-3 | 1.3344 | W6Mo5Cr4V3 | — | Z90WDCV6-5-3 | — | — | — |
| M3 (Class 2) | T11323 | — | HS6-5-4 | 1.3344 (close) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| M4 | T11304 | SKD54 / SKH54 | HS6-5-4 | 1.3344 (close) | W6Mo5Cr4V4 | BM4 | Z90WDCV6-5-4 | — | — | — |
| M35 | T11335 | SKD55 / SKH55 | HS6-5-2-5 | 1.3243 | W6Mo5Cr4V2Co5 | BM35 | Z85WDKCV6-5-5-4 | — | — | — |
| M42 | T11342 | SKD59 / SKH59 | HS2-9-1-8 | 1.3247 | W2Mo9Cr4VCo8 | BM42 | Z110DKCWV9-8-4 | — | — | — |
| T1 | T12001 | SKH2 | HS18-0-1 | 1.3355 | W18Cr4V | BT1 | Z80WCV18-4-1 | X75W18KU | — | — |
| T15 | T12015 | SKH10 | HS12-1-5-5 | 1.3202 | W12Cr4V5Co5 | BT15 | Z150WKVC12-5-5 | — | — | — |
Notes on the HSS cross-reference. M2 / SKH51 / 1.3343 / W6Mo5Cr4V2 / BM2 are all the same chemistry. The “1.3343 vs 1.3339” distinction is a powder-metallurgy vs ingot-cast variant; 1.3343 is the more common PM grade. M4 has higher V (3.75–4.50 % vs 1.75–2.20 % for M2), making it more wear-resistant but harder to grind. M35 and M42 are cobalt-alloyed HSS for hot hardness above 600 °C.
Hot-work tool steel
For high-temperature cutting, die-casting and hot-shear applications. Lower carbon than cold-work, higher hot-strength, secondary hardening at 500–600 °C.
| AISI / ASTM | UNS | JIS | DIN / EN | W.-Nr. | GB | BS | AFNOR | UNI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H11 | T20811 | SKD6 | X38CrMoV5-1 | 1.2343 | 4Cr5MoSiV | BH11 | Z38CDV5 | X37CrMoV5-1KU |
| H12 | T20812 | SKD62 | X37CrMoW5-1 | 1.2606 | 4Cr5MoWSiV | BH12 | Z35CWDV5 | X35CrMoW5-1KU |
| H13 | T20813 | SKD61 | X40CrMoV5-1 | 1.2344 | 4Cr5MoSiV1 | BH13 | Z40CDV5 | X40CrMoV5-1KU |
| H21 | T20821 | SKD5 | X30WCrV9-3 | 1.2581 | 3Cr2W8V | BH21 | Z30WCV9 | X30WCrV9-3KU |
| H23 | T20823 | — | X26CrMoWV | 1.2625 | — | — | — | — |
| H26 | T20826 | SKD7 | X32WCrV5 | 1.2666 | — | — | — | — |
Notes. H11 / SKD6 / 1.2343 / 4Cr5MoSiV are all the same chemistry. H13 is the most widely used hot-work tool steel; the H11 / H12 / H13 family is what you specify for die casting, hot shear, and hot forging blades. H21 (tungsten hot-work) is for higher-temperature applications.
Martensitic stainless steel
For food-contact, medical, washdown and corrosion-resistant industrial cutting. The 440 family and the GB 9Cr18 family are the workhorses.
| AISI / ASTM | UNS | JIS | DIN / EN | W.-Nr. | GB | BS | AFNOR | UNI | UNE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 410 | S41000 | SUS410 | X12Cr13 | 1.4006 | 1Cr12 | 410S21 | Z13C13 | X12Cr13 | F.3401 |
| 420 | S42000 | SUS420J1 / J2 | X20Cr13 / X30Cr13 | 1.4021 / 1.4028 | 2Cr13 / 3Cr13 | 420S29 / 420S45 | Z20C13 / Z33C13 | — | F.3402 / F.3403 |
| 420F | S42020 | SUS420F | X30Cr13 (free-machining) | 1.4028 (mod) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 440A | S44002 | SUS440A | X70CrMo15 | 1.4110 | 7Cr17 | — | — | — | — |
| 440B | S44003 | SUS440B | X90CrMoV18 | 1.4112 | 8Cr17 / 85Cr17 | — | — | — | — |
| 440C | S44004 | SUS440C | X105CrMo17 | 1.4125 | 9Cr18MoV / 11Cr17 | — | Z100CD17 | — | F.3405 |
| 440F | S44020 | SUS440F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| — | — | — | X90CrMoV18 | 1.4112 | 9Cr18MoV | — | — | — | — |
| — | — | — | X46Cr13 | 1.4034 | 4Cr13 | — | Z40C14 | — | — |
| — | — | — | X38CrMo14 | 1.4419 | — | — | — | — | — |
| — | — | — | X39CrMo17-1 | 1.4122 | — | — | — | — | — |
Notes. 440C and 9Cr18MoV are close but not identical. 9Cr18MoV (≈ 1.4112 / X90CrMoV18) carries 0.1–0.2 % V and 1.0–1.3 % Mo that 440C does not. The Mo improves pitting resistance in chloride environments; the V forms small MC carbides that improve toughness. For most industrial blade applications the two are interchangeable, but for medical / food-contact, the differences can matter — see the 9Cr18MoV vs 440C comparison.
Tungsten carbide (cemented carbide)
For granulator, recycling, shear and high-abrasion slitter blades. Cobalt-bound tungsten carbide, classified by ISO 513 K-series (K05–K40 for cast iron, non-ferrous metals and non-metallics).
| ISO 513 | China GB | ISO application range | Cobalt % | Typical WC grain | Hardness (HRA) | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K05 | YG3X | Finishing, high wear | 3 % | 0.5–1.0 µm | 92.5–93.0 | — |
| K10 | YG6A | Finishing, high wear | 6 % (fine) | 0.8–1.2 µm | 92.0–92.5 | — |
| K10–K20 | YG6X | Slitting, granulator bed | 6 % (fine) | 0.8–1.2 µm | 91.5–92.5 | — |
| K20 | YG6 | General purpose | 6 % | 1.5–2.5 µm | 91.0–92.0 | — |
| K20–K30 | YG8 | Granulator rotor, shear | 8 % | 1.2–2.0 µm | 90.0–91.0 | C2, K20–K30 |
| K20–K30 | YG8C | Coarse grain YG8 | 8 % (coarse) | 2.0–3.0 µm | 89.5–90.5 | — |
| K30 | YG10X | Impact-loaded granulator | 10 % (fine) | 0.8–1.2 µm | 90.0–91.0 | C3 |
| K30 | YG10 | Standard YG10 | 10 % | 1.5–2.0 µm | 89.0–90.5 | C3 |
| K30–K40 | YG15 | Heavy impact, recycling | 15 % | 1.5–2.5 µm | 87.5–89.0 | C4 |
| K40 | YG20 | Primary shredders | 20 % | 2.0–3.0 µm | 86.0–87.5 | — |
Notes on carbide grades. The “X” suffix (YG6X, YG10X) denotes fine grain (0.8–1.2 µm), which gives higher hardness and better edge retention. YG6X is the workhorse for slitter blades; YG8 and YG10X are the workhorses for granulator rotors and shear inserts. Higher Co = tougher but less wear-resistant. The YG6X vs YG8 comparison covers the field guidance in detail.
How to use this table on an RFQ
For a typical customer RFQ:
- Identify the requested grade in the customer’s national nomenclature. The drawing or RFQ text will name a grade. Look it up in the column for that system.
- Cross-reference to the grade you stock. Find the row, scan across to the column matching your warehouse nomenclature.
- Verify the chemistry. If the mill certificate from your warehouse matches the cross-referenced grade’s chemistry band, you can stamp the part with either the customer’s nomenclature or yours.
- Flag the difference. If the chemistry is at the edge of the cross-reference band (e.g. D2 spec says V 0.50–1.10 % and your warehouse stock is 1.05 %), flag it to the customer before quoting. Some applications care about the V level (e.g. higher V = more wear but harder to grind).
A good knife supplier will maintain a single chemistry target for each cross-referenced family and stamp the part with whichever nomenclature the customer requests. KAIPU ships parts stamped to the customer’s national standard from a single heat — D2, SKD11, 1.2379, Cr12Mo1V1, BD2, Z160CDV12 all come off the same furnace.
Substitutions to avoid
These pairs are not equivalent and should not be cross-referenced:
- D2 ↔ H13. Different alloy systems, different heat-treat response, different applications.
- D2 ↔ A2. A2 has lower carbon and lower wear resistance; not a drop-in.
- M2 ↔ M35. M35 has 5 % Co that M2 does not; the hot hardness is different.
- 440C ↔ 304. 304 is austenitic and cannot be hardened. 440C is martensitic. Substituting 304 for 440C on a food cutting line is a common and dangerous mistake.
- YG6X ↔ YG8. Different Co content, different impact resistance. The choice is by application, not interchange. See YG6X vs YG8 for the field decision.
- YG6 ↔ YG6X. Same Co content, but YG6X has finer grain. For a thin slitter blade, YG6X is the right call; for a thick wear part, YG6 may be acceptable.
Common chemistry differences worth knowing
| Element | What it does | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | Primary hardness driver. Higher = harder, more wear, less toughness. | D2 at 1.40 % C is a different steel from 1.2379 at 1.45–1.60 % C in the V range. |
| Chromium (Cr) | Forms M₇C₃ carbides; high-Cr grades resist corrosion. | 440C at 16–18 % Cr is a stainless; D2 at 11–13 % Cr is not. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | Improves pitting resistance (stainless) and hot hardness (HSS). | 9Cr18MoV at 1.0–1.3 % Mo vs 440C at ≤ 0.75 % Mo. |
| Vanadium (V) | Forms MC carbides — hardest, most wear-resistant, hardest to grind. | D2 at 1 % V vs SKD11 at 0.3 % V. M2 at 2 % V vs M4 at 4 % V. |
| Cobalt (Co) | Improves hot hardness in HSS; the binder in tungsten carbide. | M35 / M42 at 5–8 % Co vs M2 / M4 at 0 % Co. YG6X at 6 % Co vs YG15 at 15 % Co. |
| Tungsten (W) | Hot hardness in HSS. | T1 at 18 % W vs M2 at 6 % W. |
When you need a mill-certified cross-reference
For a critical blade (aerospace, medical, food-contact), the cross-reference is not enough — you need a mill certificate with the actual ladle chemistry, and a heat-treatment certificate documenting the cycle. KAIPU ships a mill certificate with every industrial blade shipment, and a heat-treatment certificate on request. The certificate shows the actual chemistry and the tempers used.
If your supplier cannot show you a mill certificate, the cross-reference is marketing copy. Demand the cert.
Field guidance by industrial application
| Application | First choice | Second choice | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper slitter | D2 / SKD11 | M2 HSS | D2 wear resistance, regrindable, cost-effective |
| Film slitter (PE, PP, PET) | M2 HSS | M4 HSS | Hot hardness at 300–400 °C |
| Tissue slitter (1,000+ m/min) | M4 HSS | M2 + TiAlN coating | V-rich matrix, hot hardness |
| Stainless plate shear (≤ 4 mm) | YG8 carbide insert | M2 HSS | Work hardening, impact |
| Food slicer | 9Cr18MoV | 440C | Corrosion, toughness, food-safe |
| Granulator bed knife | YG6X | YG8 | Wear-dominated |
| Granulator rotor knife | YG8 / YG10X | YG15 | Impact, occasional metal |
| Crusher blade | DC53 | YG15 | Impact-dominated |
| Corrugated slitter | YG6X (tipped) | M2 HSS | Abrasive liners |
| Aluminium foil slitter | M2 + ta-C coating | SKD11 + DLC | Anti-weld, low friction |
For deeper field guidance, see the individual material-family comparisons linked above and the broader five-factor selection framework.
For a written cross-reference and quotation
For a written cross-reference table for a specific RFQ, or a quotation against your warehouse stock in any of the four major systems, send the part drawing and the requested grade to engineering@kaipu-industrial.com or use the request-a-quote form. Cross-reference, FOB quote and lead time within one business day.
About the author
KAIPU Engineering is the technical team at KAIPU Industrial Blades, in operation since 1998. ISO 9001:2015 certified. The team maintains a single-chemistry-stock for the cross-referenced families and ships parts stamped to the customer’s national nomenclature from a single heat.