T1 vs M2
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.
T1
Tool Steel
T1 is the original 18-4-1 tungsten high-speed steel from which the whole HSS family descends. It remains in use for lathe tools and cutters in shops worldwide, and as China’s W18Cr4V and Japan’s SKH2.
Standards: DIN 1.3355 · AISI T1 · JIS SKH2 · GB W18Cr4V
M2
Tool Steel
M2 is the most widely used high-speed steel in the world, balancing red hardness, toughness and cost for cutting tools of every kind.
Standards: DIN 1.3343 · AISI M2 · JIS SKH51 · GB W6Mo5Cr4V2
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | T1 | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.65–0.80 | 0.78–0.88 |
| Si | ≤0.40 | ≤0.45 |
| Mn | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 |
| Cr | 3.75–4.50 | 3.80–4.50 |
| W | 17.25–18.75 | 5.90–6.70 |
| V | 0.90–1.30 | 1.70–2.10 |
| Mo | — | 4.70–5.20 |
Properties compared
| Property | T1 | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 62–65 HRC | 63–66 HRC |
| Density | 8.60 g/cm³ | 8.10 g/cm³ |
| Red hardness | The original 18-4-1 benchmark | To ~600 °C |
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: T1 · M2. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.