AISI D2 steel is widely used in cutting tools and dies due to its high hardness and wear resistance, critical properties that depend on efficient heat treatment. Traditional hardening methods, such as oil or still air cooling, have significant limitations, including residual stresses and deformations that compromise the accuracy and durability of components. This study investigates centrifugal cooling as an innovative alternative to improve the hardening of AISI D2 steel. Standardized specimens were used and subjected to austenization at 1 050 ℃, followed by centrifugation cooling at 1 000 r/min. Microstructures were analyzed by light microscopy, hardness with Vickers tests and wear resistance with abrasive tests. The results show a significant reduction in residual stresses and a homogeneous distribution of martensite and secondary carbides, resulting in a 15% increase in wear resistance compared to traditional methods. These results also highlight the feasibility of centrifugal cooling to improve mechanical properties and process efficiency, proposing its adoption in industrial applications that demand high-precision tools and long service life.