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M2 High Speed Steel

M2 high speed steel suppliers and stockholders. M2 is a tungsten moly high speed steel supplied in round and flat with delivery to the whole of the UK. As a tungsten molybdenum, general purpose high speed steel, it is widely used in the production of machine tool bits, cold forming tools and cutting tools. M2 high speed steel offers high toughness combined with good cutting powers and will withstand increases in temperature without losing its temper.

We welcome export enquiries for high speed steel. Contact our sales office and consult our shipping policy for further details.

Related Specifications

AISI ASTM A681 DIN 17350 BS EN ISO 4957

Alternative tool steel grades we supply

O1 | D2 | D3 | O2 | D6 | A2 | S1 | H13 | P20 | P20S | 420 | 1.2083 | 2767 | M42

Form of Supply

West Yorkshire Steel are stockholders and suppliers of round bar, flat bar and plate. M2 can be sawn to your required lengths as one offs or multiple cut pieces. Rectangular pieces can be sawn from flat bar or plate to your specific sizes. Ground tool steel bar can be supplied, providing a quality precision diameter to tight tolerances.

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  • Flat
  • Diameter

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Applications

Typical applications for M2 high speed steel are twist drills, reamers, broaching tools, taps, milling tools, metal saws. M2 is suitable for cold forming tools such as extrusion rams and dies, also cutting tools, plastic moulds with elevated wear resistance and screws.

Carbon 0.85% Chromium 4.10%
Molybdenum 5.00% Tungsten 6.40%
Vanadium 1.80%

Precision ground flat stock / gauge plate can be produced in M2 tool steel. Subject to size suitability and availability pieces can be produced in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Standard and non-standard sizes are available.

M2 high speed steel tool bits are supplied in flats, squares and rounds. Commonly supplied in standards sizes though non standard sizes can be produced within a few weeks, subject to availability of suitable raw material. More information available on our tool bits web page.

Pre heat slowly and uniformly to 850-900°C. The heat should then be increased more quickly to the forging temperature of 1050-1150°C. If during the forging the temperature of the material drops below 880-900°C, re heating will be necessary. Cool the M2 component very slowly after forging.

Annealing is recommended after hot working and before re hardening. Heat the M2 high speed steel to 850°C at a rate of no more than 220°C per hour. Always hold at temperature for one hour per 25mm of thickness (with two hours being minimum). Furnace cool slowly. The annealed hardness achieved should be 248 Brinell or lower.

If tools produced from M2 high speed steel are heavily machined or ground it is recommended to stress relieve after machining and prior to hardening to minimise the possibility of distortion. To stress relieve heat the component to 675-725°C and soak well (for approximately two hours), then cool in air. The tools can be finish machined before heat treatment.

Pre heat the steel in two steps; 450-500°C then 850-900°C. Then continue heating to the final hardening temperature of 1200-1250°C and ensure that the component is heated through. Care must be taken not to allow the component to remain too long at the hardening temperature. Quench in warm oil or brine. If quenching in brine allow the tools to equalize, then complete the quench in air. If quenching in oil remove the component from the oil at about 500°C and then air cool. M2 high speed steel is also suitable for vacuum hardening.

Temper the component immediately after quenching. Heat uniformly and thoroughly to the selected tempering temperature and hold at for at least two hours (one hour per 25mm of total thickness). Double tempering is essential and for tools cut by wire EDM triple tempering is strongly recommended.

Temperature [°C] 500 550 600 650
Hardness [HRc] 64 65 64 61

Heat treatment temperatures, including rate of heating, cooling and soaking times will vary due to factors such as the shape and size of each M2 steel component. Other considerations during the heat treatment process include the type of furnace, quenching medium and work piece transfer facilities. Please consult your heat treatment provider for full guidance on heat treatment of high speed steels.

Select the correct grade of wheel in consultation with the grinding wheel manufacturer. Ensure the grinding wheel is in good condition by means of a suitable dressing tool. Wet grinding is a preferable option using a copious supply of coolant. If dry grinding is resorted to then use a very soft wheel.

M2 high speed steel is supplied in accordance with our ISO 9001:2015 registration.

UK Delivery UK Delivery only £35.00
ISO 9001:2015 Registration