Huaxia Steel — Professional High-Speed Tool Steel Supplier
15+ years of experience | ISO 9001 & SGS Certified | Factory-direct pricing | Custom sizes available | Worldwide shipping
What is M2 TOOL STEEL?
AISI M2 is a molybdenum-tungsten high-speed tool steel and the most popular HSS grade in the world. Its carefully balanced composition of tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and vanadium provides an optimal combination of high hardness (62-65 HRC), excellent wear resistance, and outstanding red hardness—the ability to maintain hardness at elevated temperatures up to 540°C (1000°F). M2 has largely replaced the older T1 grade due to its better toughness at equivalent hardness and more economical alloy content.
Huaxia Steel is a trusted supplier of M2 high-speed tool steel, providing material conforming to ASTM A600, DIN EN ISO 4957 (1.3343), and JIS G4403 (SKH51). We offer M2 in round bars, flat bars, and plates with full mill certification.
Need M2 TOOL STEEL for Your Project?
We offer custom sizes, competitive pricing, and fast global delivery.
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| Element | Min (%) | Max (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.78 | 0.88 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20 | 0.45 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.15 | 0.40 |
| Phosphorus (P) | — | 0.030 |
| Sulfur (S) | — | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 3.75 | 4.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 4.50 | 5.50 |
| Tungsten (W) | 5.50 | 6.75 |
| Vanadium (V) | 1.75 | 2.20 |
Data per ASTM A681 / equivalent standards (2025/2026 Reference).
Mechanical & Physical Properties
- Hardness (Annealed): ≤241 HB
- Hardness (Oil Quenched, 2200°F): 64-65 HRC
- Hardness (Tempered, 1000-1050°F): 62-65 HRC
- Compressive Yield Strength (300°F temper): 3,250 MPa (471 ksi)
- Impact Toughness (Charpy C-notch, 300°F temper): 67 J (49.4 ft-lb)
- Density: 8.14 g/cm³ (0.294 lb/in³)
- Elastic Modulus: 190-210 GPa (27,557-30,458 ksi)
- Thermal Conductivity: 41.5 W/m·K (24 Btu/ft/hr/°F)
Heat Treatment Guide
| Process | Temperature | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Annealing | 870-900°C (1600-1650°F) | Furnace cool at ≤25°F/hr to 900°F, then air cool; hardness ≤241 HB |
| Stress Relieving | 650-675°C (1200-1250°F) | 2 hrs per inch of thickness; slow furnace cool |
| Preheating | 845°C (1550°F) | Essential step; equalize thoroughly |
| Austenitizing | 1175-1220°C (2150-2225°F) | Lower range for toughness, upper range for max hardness and wear resistance |
| Quenching | Oil, air, or salt bath | Cool to 65-90°C (150-200°F) |
| Tempering | 540-565°C (1000-1050°F) | MUST double temper (2+2 hrs); triple temper for critical tooling. Peak hardness (65.5 HRC) at 540°C |
Need Custom Heat Treatment Advice?
Our engineers can recommend optimal heat treatment parameters for your specific application.
Common Applications
- Twist drills & reamers
- Milling cutters (end mills, slab mills, face mills)
- Broaching tools & gear cutters
- Taps & threading tools
- Metal saw blades (circular & band saws)
- Cold-forming punches & dies
- Woodworking cutters & planer blades
- High-wear plastic mold inserts
- Screws & barrels (extrusion)
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard / Country | Grade Designation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| USA (AISI/SAE) | M2 | ASTM A600; UNS T11302 |
| Germany (DIN) | 1.3343 | HS-6-5-2C; DIN EN ISO 4957 |
| EU (EN ISO) | HS-6-5-2C | EN ISO 4957 |
| Japan (JIS) | SKH51 | JIS G4403 |
| China (GB) | W6Mo5Cr4V2 | GB/T 9943 |
| UK (BS) | BM2 | BS 4659 |
Available Forms & Dimensions
Round bars (dia 2-200mm), Flat bars (thickness 2-20mm x width 10-100mm), Plates (thickness 2-200mm x width up to 610mm), Surface: black, rough-turned, peeled, or ground
Custom sizes: Available upon request. Contact us with your specifications for a tailored quotation.
Why Choose Huaxia Steel as Your M2 TOOL STEEL Supplier?
Factory-Direct Pricing
Eliminate middlemen. Our direct mill partnerships ensure competitive pricing on every order, from small prototype quantities to container loads.
Certified Quality
Every shipment includes full mill test certificates (MTC/EN 10204 3.1). ISO 9001 certified. Third-party SGS inspection available on request.
Custom Processing
Cut-to-size, precision sawing, surface grinding, and heat treatment services. We deliver material ready for your production line.
Fast Global Logistics
Efficient shipping to North America, Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Standard lead time 7-15 days for stock items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum hardness achievable with M2 tool steel?
The maximum hardness depends on the specific grade. After proper heat treatment, typical maximum hardness ranges from 58-67 HRC. Refer to the heat treatment table above for specific tempering curves.
Q: Can M2 tool steel be welded?
Most tool steels can be welded for repair purposes, but it requires proper preheating, low-hydrogen electrodes, and post-weld heat treatment. For high-chromium grades like D2, welding is generally not recommended for structural applications. Always consult the manufacturer’s welding guidelines.
Q: What is the difference between M2 and other tool steel grades?
Each tool steel grade is optimized for specific applications. The key differentiators are wear resistance, toughness, hot hardness, and heat treatment method (air/oil/water). Compare grades based on your specific requirements: wear resistance (D2 > A2 > O1), toughness (S7 > H13 > A2), and hot hardness (M2 > H13 > D2).
Q: How do I order M2 tool steel from Huaxia Steel?
Simply contact us via the form on this page, email, or phone. Provide the grade, dimensions (thickness x width x length or diameter x length), quantity, and any special requirements such as surface finish or heat treatment condition. Our team will respond with a tailored quotation within 12 hours.
Q: What certifications do your tool steel products carry?
All Huaxia Steel tool steel products are supplied with full Mill Test Certificates (MTC/EN 10204 3.1) showing chemical composition and mechanical properties. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified, and third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV) is available upon request at no extra charge for orders above 5 tons.
Ready to Order M2 TOOL STEEL?
Factory-direct pricing. ISO & SGS certified quality. Fast global logistics. Get your quote in 12 hours.




