M1 vs M7
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
M1
Tool Steel
M1 is a molybdenum high-speed steel with the tungsten mostly replaced by about 8.7% molybdenum, making it tougher than T1 at equal hardness. It was developed for drills and taps where T-series steels chipped.
Standards: DIN — (HS9-2-1 family) · AISI M1 · JIS SKH55 (near) · GB W2Mo9Cr4V (near)
M7
Tool Steel
M7 is the high-carbon, higher-vanadium development of M1, tuned for deep-hole drills and tools that need maximum edge hardness from a molybdenum high-speed steel.
Standards: DIN — (HS2-9-2 family) · AISI M7 · GB W2Mo9Cr4V2 (near)
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | M1 | M7 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.78–0.88 | 0.97–1.05 |
| Si | ≤0.50 | ≤0.55 |
| Mn | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 |
| Cr | 3.50–4.00 | 3.50–4.00 |
| Mo | 8.20–9.20 | 8.20–9.20 |
| W | 1.40–2.10 | 1.40–2.10 |
| V | 1.00–1.35 | 1.75–2.25 |
Properties compared
| Property | M1 | M7 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 62–65 HRC | 63–66 HRC |
| Density | 7.90 g/cm³ | 7.90 g/cm³ |
| Red hardness | Good | — |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: M1 · M7. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.