Our M2 steel is a general-purpose molybdenum-type high-speed steel exhibiting well-balanced toughness, wear resistance, and red hardness properties. This grade is commonly used in cold work punches and dies and cutting applications involving high-speed, light-cutting applications. M2 high-speed steel is by far the most popular high-speed steel, replacing T1 in most applications because of its superior properties such as its bending strength, toughness, and thermoplasticity—all of which are higher than T1 by 50%.
Other Known Names: HS 6-5-2, 1.3343, S600 Steel, E M2, REX M2®, SKH 51, P6M5, 6-6, M2 Tool Steel
Griggs Steel Color Code: Black
Broaches, Knives, Drills, Pins, Reamers, Taps, Thread Roll Dies, Rolls, Mandrels, End Mills, Rolling Racks, Milling Cutters
Density0.294 lb/in3 (8138 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity
8.14
Modulus Of Elasticity30 x 106 psi (207 GPa)
Machinability
50-60% of a 1% carbon steel
| Carbon | Chromium | Tungsten | Molybdenum | Vanadium | Silicon | Manganese |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Cr | W | Mo | V | Co | Mn |
| 0.85 | 4.15 | 6.15 | 5.1 | 1.95 | 0.20-0.45 | 0.15-0.40 |
| ANNEALING | PREHEAT | AUSTENITIZING | QUENCH | TEMPERING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Temp | Temp | Medium | Temp |
| °F | °F | °F | °F | |
| 1550/1600 | 1500/1550 | 2175/2225 | Salt/Oil/Atm | 1025/1050 |
For Cutting Tools:
For punches, dies, and tools that require maximum toughness without hot hardness:
Heat at a rate not exceeding 400°F per hour (222°C per hour) to 1525-1550°F (829-843°C), and hold at temperature for 1 hour per inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, 2 hours minimum. Then cool slowly with the furnace at a rate not exceeding 50°F per hour (28°C per hour) to 1000°F (538°C). Continue cooling to ambient temperature in the furnace or in air.