M2 High-Speed Steel

M2 High-Speed Steel Stockholders And Suppliers, Delivering To The Whole Of The UK and Worldwide.

What is M2 1.3343 High-Speed Steel?

M2 high-speed steel is the most commonly used, conventionally manufactured, medium-alloy high-speed steel and is universally applicable for tools of all kinds. Otherwise known as 1.3343 steel, M2 can be characterised by a ≤260HB delivery condition hardness and an achievable hardness after treatment of ≤65Hrc.

 

We stock a range of tool steels; however, our coverage focuses on the most common grades for high-speed steel. We encourage you to call our team on 0114 233 5291 or contact us for a more detailed chat about different tool steels’ comparisons based on the alloy components and manufacturing methods. Our high-speed steel range is relatively small, as mentioned above, we only stock the standard grades of M2 1.3343 and M42 1.3247 in the dimensions that we can manufacture on a high-forming machine (GFM forging mill).

 

M2 Applications

M2 is applicable for a range of applications and is commonly used for cutting tools where demand for hardness is moderate. For example, tools such as twist drills, milling tools, taps and saws. M2 can also be produced in ground flat stock and gauge plate. Feel free to contact our team to learn more about the non-standard and standard sizes we supply.

 

M2 heat treatment

This page’s information is guidance and can change depending on the size of the M2 component and other external factors.

 

Forging M2

To forge M2, you should slowly pre-heat to a temperature of 850 – 900°C. After, it would help if you increased the temperature faster until 1050 – 1150°C is reached. It’s important to note, if the temperature falls below 880 – 900°C you must begin to reheat. Finally, cool M2 very slowly.

 

Annealing M2

When annealing, M2 should be heated to 850°C – 900°C at a speed of no more than 220°C per hour. The M2 component should always hold at the temperature for one hour per 25mm of thickness. At the end of annealing, the component’s maximum hardness should be 248 Brinell.

 

Stress Relieving M2

For M2 high-speed steel tools that are heavily machined or ground, stress relief is recommended. Heat the component to 600°C – 700°C and soak well for around two hours, after, cool in air.

 

Hardening M2

M2 should be hardened in two steps; first, pre-heat the component to 450 – 500°C then 850 – 900°C. It would be best to continue heating until the final hardening temperature of 1200 – 1250°C. We must point out that your M2 component should not remain at the hardening temperature for too long. To finish, quench in warm oil or brine and air cool back to room temperature.