M2 Steel High Speed Steel (M2) is a tungsten-molybdenum high-speed steel with a well-balanced composition suitable for a wide variety of applications. It has replaced T1 high-speed steel in most applications due to its superior properties and relative economy.
A general-purpose high-speed steel of the molybdenum type, M2 steel has balanced toughness, wear-resistance, and red hardness characteristics. This grade is frequently used in cold work punches, dies, and high-speed, light-cutting applications. Due to its better qualities, such as its bending strength, toughness, and thermo-plasticity, all of which are 50% greater than T1, M2 High Speed steel is by far the most often used high-speed steel in place of T1 in most applications. Group M steels make up over 95% of the high-speed steels produced in the US.
Here are some key details about M2 Steel :
- Composition:
Carbon ©: 0.85%
Manganese (Mn): 0.28%
Silicon (Si): 0.30%
Chromium (Cr): 4.15%
Tungsten (W): 6.15%
Molybdenum (Mo): 5.00%
Vanadium (V): 1.85% - Applications: Twist drills, Taps, Milling cutters, Reamers, Broaches, Saws, Knives
- Relative Properties:
Density: 0.294 lb/in³ (8138 kg/m³)
Specific Gravity: 8.14
Modulus of Elasticity: 30 x 10⁶ psi (207 GPa)
Machinability: 50-60% of a 1% carbon steel - Heat Treating Instructions:
Critical Temperature:
Ac1: 1530°F (832°C)
Ac3: 1610°F (877°C)
Ar1: 1430°F (777°C)
Ar3: 1380°F (749°C)
- Austenitizing (High Heat):
–Furnace: 2200-2250°F (1204-1232°C) Salt: 2175-2225°F (1191-1218°C) - Quenching:Pressurized gas, warm oil, or salt
- Tempering: Typical range: 1025-1050°F (552-566°C)
M2 steel is commonly used in cold work punches, dies, and cutting applications involving high-speed and light cuts . If you have any specific requirements or need further information, feel free to ask!
Mode of Supply:
Virat Special Steels is the largest stockiest and supplier of M2 Steel in flat, square and round bar. We provide steel in all sizes as your requirements. M2 die steel is available in flat, square and round shape. Consult our team who will assist you for M2 steel query.
Virat Special Steels is the largest Supplier & Stockiest of M2 in India.
M2 is a standard high-speed steel grade. Having balanced alloy composition forms the basis of its high toughness and good cutting edge retention, rendering it suitable for a large variety of applications.
This grade is mainly used for all metal-cutting tools for roughing or finishing such as twist drills, diverse milling cutters, thread dies, broaches, reamers, countersinks, thread chasers, circular saw segments, shaping tools and woodworking tools. Also highly suitable for cold-forming tools such as cold extrusion rams and dies, as well as cutting and precision cutting tools, plastic molds with elevated wear resistance and screws.
Learn More:
https://www.viratsteel.in/products/m2-steel/
FAQs
1. What is M2 steel?
M2 steel is a tungsten-molybdenum high-speed tool steel known for its excellent wear resistance, toughness, and ability to retain hardness at high temperatures.
2. What is the hardness of M2 steel?
After heat treatment, M2 steel typically achieves a hardness of 62–66 HRC, making it ideal for cutting and machining tools.
3. What is the equivalent grade of M2 steel?
M2 steel is equivalent to DIN 1.3343, AISI M2, and JIS SKH51 high-speed steel grades.
4. What are the main applications of M2 steel?
M2 steel is widely used for twist drills, taps, milling cutters, reamers, broaches, saw blades, punches, dies, and woodworking tools.
5. Why is M2 steel called high-speed steel?
M2 steel maintains its cutting hardness even at elevated temperatures, allowing tools to operate at high speeds without losing performance.
6. Can M2 steel be used for cold work tooling?
Yes. M2 steel is commonly used for cold work punches, blanking dies, cold extrusion tools, and precision cutting applications.
7. What is the tempering temperature for M2 steel?
M2 steel is generally tempered between 550°C and 570°C to achieve the desired hardness and toughness balance.
8. Is M2 steel suitable for plastic moulds?
Yes. M2 steel can be used for plastic moulds that require higher wear resistance and longer service life.
