M35 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.
M35
Tool Steel
M35 is M2 with about 5% cobalt added, the most popular cobalt high-speed steel worldwide. The cobalt raises red hardness so tools keep cutting at the higher speeds and feeds used on stainless and alloy steels.
Standards: DIN 1.3243 · AISI M35 · JIS SKH55 · GB W6Mo5Cr4V2Co5
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 | M35 | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.87–0.95 | 0.78–0.88 |
| Si | ≤0.45 | ≤0.45 |
| Mn | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 |
| Cr | 3.75–4.50 | 3.80–4.50 |
| Mo | 4.70–5.20 | 4.70–5.20 |
| W | 5.90–6.70 | 5.90–6.70 |
| V | 1.70–2.10 | 1.70–2.10 |
| Co | 4.50–5.00 | — |
Properties compared
| Property | M35 | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 63–66 HRC | 63–66 HRC |
| Density | 8.10 g/cm³ | 8.10 g/cm³ |
| Red hardness | Higher than M2 (5% cobalt) | 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: M35 · M2. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.