Tool Steel M2

Aging Procedure

Not applicable to this alloy.

Annealing Procedure

Anneal at 1625 F and slow furnace cool at 40 F per hour, or less.

Applications

Primarily used for cutting tools.

Cold Workability

Cold working may be accomplished with the alloy in the annealed condition.

Forgeability

Forge at 2050 F down to 1700 F. Do Not forge below 1700 F.

Formability

Formed by machining or forging and then machining.

Hardening Procedure

Hardens by heat treatment and quenching. See "Heat Treatment" and "Tempering".

Heat Treatability

Preheat at 1450 F before heating for hardening. Then heat rapidly from 1450 F to 2200 F and hold for 3 to 5 minutes followed by quenching in oil, air or salt bath.

Hot Workability

See "Forging" and consult the supplier for information on working at lower temperatures.

Machinability

M2 is classified as a "medium" machinability tool steel in the annealed condition. It may be shaped by grinding but is relatively poor in regard to capability of being ground. Its machinability rating is 50% as compared to the W group water hardening tool steels which are relatively easily machined.

Principle Design Features

M2 is a higher carbon version of the M1 tool steel (Molybdenum High Speed Tool Steel). The M2 alloy has somewhat better wear resistance than M1.

Tempering Procedure

Temper at 1050 F for a hardness of Rockwell C 60 to 65.

Weldability

Consult the alloy supplier for information on the advisability of welding.