H42 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.
H42
Tool Steel
H42 is chemically a molybdenum high-speed steel (close to the M2 family) that ASTM classes with the hot work steels because of its high working hardness and hot strength. It is used for hot punches and extrusion tools needing near-HSS edge retention.
Standards: AISI H42
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 | H42 | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.55–0.70 | 0.78–0.88 |
| Si | ≤0.45 | ≤0.45 |
| Mn | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 |
| Cr | 3.75–4.50 | 3.80–4.50 |
| Mo | 4.50–5.50 | 4.70–5.20 |
| W | 5.75–6.75 | 5.90–6.70 |
| V | 1.75–2.25 | 1.70–2.10 |
Properties compared
| Property | H42 | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Working hardness | 48–58 HRC | — |
| Density | 8.10 g/cm³ | 8.10 g/cm³ |
| Class note | Molybdenum high-speed composition classed as hot work | — |
| Hardness (hardened) | — | 63–66 HRC |
| Red hardness | — | 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: H42 · M2. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.