M2 High-Speed Steel

M2 is a molybdenum-based high-speed tool steel known for its high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and good red hardness. It retains good hardness and cutting performance at the elevated temperatures generated during high-speed machining, making it one of the most widely used high-speed steels for cutting tools and wear-resistant precision tooling.

Appearance & Properties

Color: Silver-gray to dark gray

Density: Approx. 8.1 g/cm³

Hardness: Typically approx. 62–65 HRC after heat treatment

Corrosion Resistance: Poor

Machinability: Moderate when annealed; difficult after hardening

Wear Resistance: Excellent

Red Hardness: Excellent

Toughness: Good

Magnetism: Magnetic

Heat Treatment: Annealing, hardening, tempering, etc.

Surface Treatments: Nitriding, PVD coating, TiN coating, grinding, polishing, etc.

Typical Applications

M2 High-Speed Steel is widely used in machining, automotive, aerospace, die manufacturing, metal cutting, and precision tooling.

Typical parts include drills, milling cutters, taps, broaches, gear-cutting tools, punches, shear tools, precision cutting tools, and high-wear tooling components.

Advantages

• High hardness after heat treatment

• Excellent wear resistance

• Good hardness retention at elevated temperatures

• Good cutting performance and tool life

• Particularly suitable for high-speed cutting tools

Limitations

• Poor corrosion resistance

• Higher material and heat-treatment cost than conventional tool steels

• Very difficult to CNC machine after hardening

• Less cost-effective for general low-load mechanical components