Tool steels that contain molybdenum are considered group M steels as per the AISI classification standards. Most of the high speed steel are from group M steel. Group M steel offers the same performance as tungsten high speed steel, but the cost is lower compared to tungsten high speed steel initially. Coatings of titanium carbide, titanium nitride are used for manufacturing tools to improve the lifetime and quality of the tools. A physical vapor deposition process is used for this purpose.
How to select the best tool steel for your applications?
Several aspects should be taken into consideration before selecting the right tool steel for your applications. These aspects include whether sharp cutting is required. Is abrasion resistance required? If heat treatment is required, then what type of heat treatment would it be? Should a tool withstand impact loading from a hammer or other objects? Based on the answers to the above questions, which tool steel should be used is determined. If you are not sure which steel is ideal for your organization, any m2 steel supplier can guide you in this regard.
M2 is a popular high speed steel. M2 tool steel contains carbon and is used for cutting and non-cutting applications. M2 steel is an improved version of M1 steel in terms of higher carbon content. Due to its evenly distributed carbon content, it is used in applications that need high wear resistance. Carbides are evenly distributed in this steel. M2 Steel contains molybdenum, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten. The Rockwell C hardness of m2 steel ranges from 60 to 65 and to achieve this, it is hardened at 565.5°C. The M2 steel achieves the same hardness as the T1 steel after giving the heat treatment, but the strength of bending can reach 4700 MPa. Thermo-plasticity and toughness are 50% more than in T1 steel after the heat treatment. The disadvantage of m2 tool steel is that it is not good at corrosion resistance. M2 steel has an equivalent in Germany under the DIN EN ISO 4957 standard known as 1.3343 and in Japan under the JIS G4403 standard known as SKH51, with some chemical composition variations.
M2 steel is ideal for applications that need cutting, cold work punches, and dies. It is popular for applications that need high-speed and small cuts. Nowadays, most applications use M2 tool steel instead of T1 because it is a cost-effective solution and offers better properties. Cutting tools like taps, twist drills, saws, broaching tools, milling cutters, and knives use M2 tool steel. M2 steel is known for its red hardness property.
How to select M2 tool steel for your application?
Depending on the requirements of the organization, M2 tool steel is selected. M2 tool steel is available in different sizes and shapes. Different shapes of m2 steel include round bars and flat shapes. Round bars are available in different diameter sizes, and flat shape steel is available in different thicknesses. M2 steel is available in different surface finish which include rough machined, black, or as per the requirements. M2 steel can be shaped using grinding methods. Compared to the Water hardening group tool steel, machinability of M2 steel is 50% only. Required level of the hardness and dimensional tolerance are important factors in selecting M2 steel.