M1 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.
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)
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 | M1 | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.78–0.88 | 0.78–0.88 |
| Si | ≤0.50 | ≤0.45 |
| Mn | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 |
| Cr | 3.50–4.00 | 3.80–4.50 |
| Mo | 8.20–9.20 | 4.70–5.20 |
| W | 1.40–2.10 | 5.90–6.70 |
| V | 1.00–1.35 | 1.70–2.10 |
Properties compared
| Property | M1 | M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness (hardened) | 62–65 HRC | 63–66 HRC |
| Density | 7.90 g/cm³ | 8.10 g/cm³ |
| Red hardness | Good | 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: M1 · M2. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.