AISI M–2 High Speed Tool Steel The high speed steels listed under the letter symbol "M" generally are considered to have molybdenum as the principle alloying element with equal or slightly greater amounts of tungsten.  Its high molybdenium content significantly increases the products' hardness. While our M -2 tool steel product is extremely hard it also resists softening. Cutting edges made with our M -2 product will remain sharp even at elevated temperatures. If your application requires high speed cutting operations, M -2 is an ideal choice. Typical applications include: -  Broaches     -  Hobs    -  Reamers -  Chasers    -  Lathe tools   -  Routers -  Drills     -  Milling cutters   -  Saws -  End mills    -  Planter tools   -  Taps -  Punches   -  Woodworking tools The chemical composition of our grade M - 2 ground flat stock falls within ranges that are rigidly monitored. These chemical ranges are shown below * Element Weight % C  0.78-1.05  Mn  0.15-0.40  Si  0.20-0.45  Cr  3.75-4.50  Ni  0.3  Mo  4.50-5.50  W  5.50-6.75  V  1.75-2.20  Cu  0.25  P  0.03  S  0.03  Precision Ground Tolerances  Thickness: +/-.001"  Width - Up to 8": -.000/+.005" Width - 9" and Over: -.000/+.015" Square:  +/-.001" Length - 18": Length - 24": Length - 36": Squareness (All Edges): +1/4" +1/2" +5/8" .003" per Inch Hardening Rate of Heating: Rapidly from Preheat   Preheat Temperature: 1,350  - 1,550 F   (732 - 843) C Hardening Temperature: 2,175 – 2,250 F  (1,191 – 1,232) C Time at Temperature:  Minutes 2-5 Quenching Medium:  Air, Oil, or Salt Bath Tempering Tempering Temperature: 1,000 – 1,100 F  (538 - 593)C Approximate Tempered Hardness: HRC     60 - 65 Attributes WEAR RESISTANCE VERY HIGH TOUGHNESS  LOW RESISTANCE TO SOFTENING VERY HIGH DEPTH OF HARDENING DEEP MACHINABILITY MEDIUM GRINDABILITY LOW DISTORTION IN HEAT-TREATING AIR OR SALT BATH - LOW OIL MED. RESISTANCE TO CRACKING MEDIUM RESISTANCE TO DECARBURIZATION MEDUIM     Close Window *Source: Steel Products Manual – "TOOL STEELS" a publication of the Iron and Steel Society  - June 2000