M2 high speed steel is the most widely used and versatile grade in the HSS family, earning its reputation as the "industry workhorse." Its balanced combination of wear resistance, toughness, and good red hardness makes it the go-to material for a vast range of standard cutting tools and general engineering applications.

M2 is a tungsten-molybdenum high speed tool steel characterized by small, evenly distributed carbides, which contribute to its high wear resistance . After heat treatment, its hardness is comparable to T-1 steel, but its bending strength can reach 4700 Mpa, and its toughness and thermoplasticity are significantly higher . This balance of properties makes it an all-round steel, suitable for cutting conditions where demands for hot hardness are moderate .

The chemical composition of M2 typically includes carbon (0.78-1.05%), chromium (3.75-4.50%), molybdenum (4.50-5.50%), vanadium (1.75-2.20%), and tungsten (5.50-6.75%) . It is used to manufacture a wide variety of tools, including drill bits, taps, reamers, milling cutters, broaches, and saws . When properly annealed, M2 steel has a machinability rating of 65 percent compared to a 1% carbon steel .

M2's versatility is reflected in its global designations, including AISI M2, DIN 1.3343, JIS SKH51, and UNS T11302 . Its comparatively low carbon content gives it an excellent combination of toughness properties and abrasion resistance when properly hardened and tempered . This well-balanced combination of toughness and hardness has brought M2 into very wide use for all cutting tools .

For more information on key HSS grades, visit High Speed Steel Market Report.

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