High Speed Steels
High Speed steels are highly alloyed steels designed to cut other materials efficiently at high speeds while withstanding the extreme heat generated at the tools cutting edge.
- These steels are heat treated and used at high hardnesses typically 62 HRc and above.
- They maintain high hardness at elevated temperatures while having enough impact toughness to handle interrupted cut tooling applications.
High Speed Steels are highly alloyed and contain the following elements:
- Tungsten (W)
- Molybdenum (Mo)
- Vanadium (V)
- Chromium (Cr)
- Cobalt (Co)
The most important properties for High Speed Steels are:
- Toughness
- Red Hardness
- Wear Resistance
Methods for production:
- Conventional
- Powder Metallurgy (PM)
- Spray Formed
High Speed Steels Stock Sizes
The High Speed Steel grades below are generally available from stock. The technical data sheets for each grade are available for download.
M2
M2 is the most popular grade of high speed steel worldwide and commonly used in a wide variety of cutting tools and metal forming applications.
Available in the following sizes:
- Rounds: 0.134" dia. through 10" dia.
- Flats: 0.03" through 3" thick
- Saw cut widths up to 36"
M2 ESR
M2 ESR is a premium Electro Slag Remelted version of M2.
Available in the following sizes:
- Rounds: 0.250" dia through 10.125" dia.
M42
M42 is premium high speed steel containing cobalt with an attainable hardness of 68 HRC.
Available in the following sizes:
- Rounds: 0.250" dia. through 3.500" dia.
- Flats: 0.780" through 1.875" thick.
M4
M4 high speed steel has a combination of high carbon and vanadium which offers excellent abrasive wear resistance.
Available in the following sizes:
- Rounds: 0.500" dia. through 6.000" dia.
M50
M50 is a general purpose high speed steel with a good balance of toughness, wear resistance, and red hardness.
M50 is used for metal cutting, wood and plastics cutting and cold work tooling.
Inquire for available sizes.
PM32CO
PM32CO is a Particle Metallurgy Super High Speed steel with excellent hot hardness along with good wear resistance and toughness.
Available in the following sizes:
- Rounds: 0.765" dia. through 7.75" dia.
PSB38
PSB38 is a premium Spray Form High Speed Steel with a similar chemical composition to M2. It is ideal for many high speed applications providing improved toughness and higher wear resistance than conventional M2.
The spray form process imparts a more homogeneous structure with improved carbide distribution and a preferred spherical carbide shape.
Inquire for available sizes.
M1 ESR
M1 ESR is made using the ESR melting practice.
It is a molybdenum-tungsten high speed steel and is a tough general purpose high speed steel with high cutting efficiency and excellent finishing properties.
Inquire for available sizes.
M7 ESR
M7 ESR is made using the ESR melting practice.
It is a molybdenum type high speed steel designed with higher carbon and vanadium to provide higher hardness after heat treatment and improved wear resistance compared to M1 high speed steel.
Inquire for available sizes.