Tool Steel
M2
The general-purpose high-speed steel: high hardness and hot hardness for cutting tools that stay sharp at speed. Drills, taps, milling cutters, and blades.
Last verified: 2026-07-10
| AISI classTool-steel group (hardening method / application). | M — high-speed (Mo) |
|---|---|
| Carbon(%C)Nominal carbon content. | 0.85 |
| Key alloyingPrincipal alloying elements (nominal). | Mo, W, Cr, V |
| Working hardness(HRC)Typical hardened + tempered working range. | 62–65 |
| Wear resistance | Excellent |
| Toughness | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Drills, taps, end mills, saw and broach blades, form tools |
- Typical uses: twist drills, taps, end mills, saw blades, broaches, form cutters.
- High hardness with 'red hardness' — holds an edge at the temperatures of cutting.
- The most common general-purpose HSS; PM and cobalt (M42) grades push wear and hot hardness further.
Other tool steels
Sources
- AISI tool-steel classification (type letters and nominal compositions)
- ASM International — Tool Steels / Heat Treater's Guide (typical properties and working hardness)