High-speed tool steels are engineered to maintain hardness, strength, and cutting efficiency at elevated temperatures. M2 and M42 are two of the most widely used grades for high-performance cutting tools due to their excellent wear resistance, red hardness, and tool life.
M2 High Speed Tool Steel
M2 is the most commonly used high-speed tool steel, offering an excellent balance of toughness, wear resistance, and high-temperature performance. It is widely used for cutting tools operating under heavy machining conditions.
Key Characteristics
• High wear resistance with long edge retention
• Excellent red hardness up to ~550°C
• Good toughness with reduced brittleness
• Versatile machinability for heat treatment and grinding
Refining Properties
• Responds well to annealing, hardening, and tempering
• Improved carbide distribution enhances cutting performance
• Achieves hardness of 64–66 HRC after heat treatment
• Controlled alloying of W, Mo, and V ensures consistency
M42 High Speed Tool Steel
M42 is a premium cobalt-bearing high-speed tool steel containing approximately 8% cobalt. It is designed for extreme cutting conditions requiring maximum hardness, red hardness, and wear resistance.
Key Characteristics
• Ultra-high hardness up to 67–70 HRC
• Exceptional red hardness above 600°C
• Superior wear resistance for abrasive materials
• High hot strength under heavy cutting loads
Refining Properties
• Cobalt improves thermal stability and edge retention
• Heat treatment enhances carbide precipitation
• Excellent grindability after proper heat treatment
• Suitable for extreme heat and pressure applications
Typical Applications
✔ Drill bits, taps, reamers, end mills
✔ Broaches and gear cutters
✔ Saw blades and milling cutters
✔ Machining of hardened steels and superalloys
✔ Aerospace, automotive, and heavy engineering tools
Why Choose M2 & M42 Tool Steel
M2 and M42 high-speed tool steels deliver outstanding performance where high cutting speed, heat resistance, and tool life are critical. While M2 provides an excellent all-round solution for general cutting tools, M42 is preferred for extreme machining conditions demanding maximum hardness and red hardness.