Grade M2/ 1.3343
Grade M2/ 1.3343, is a premium high-speed steel (HSS) widely used in cutting, drilling, milling, and other high-speed machining applications. It offers a perfect combination of hardness, wear resistance, red-hardness, and toughness, allowing tools made from M2 to operate at high cutting speeds without losing sharpness or dimensional stability.
M2 HSS is widely preferred for metalworking, manufacturing, and tool-making industries due to its versatility, durability, and ability to maintain hardness even at elevated temperatures.
Key Properties of M2/ 1.3343 HSS
1. High Hardness & Red-Hardness
a. Retains hardness up to 600°C, enabling high-speed cutting without softening.
b. Typical hardness: 62–64 HRC after proper heat treatment.
2. Excellent Wear Resistance
Carbide-forming elements (W, Mo, V) provide superior resistance to abrasion, ensuring long tool life.3. Good Toughness
M2 has enough toughness to resist chipping and breaking during heavy machining operations.4. Heat Treatable
a. Hardened at 1220–1240°C and tempered 3–4 times.
b. Provides an optimal balance between hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
5. Machinability
a. Pre-hardened or annealed condition: reasonably easy to machine.
b. After hardening: used as cutting tools or inserts.
Typical Applications of M2/ 1.3343 HSS
1. Twist drills, reamers, and milling cutters
2. End mills and broaches
3. Taps and dies
4. Gear cutting tools
5. High-speed cutting tools for ferrous and non-ferrous metals
6. Precision machining of steel and alloy components
7. Industrial cutting, shaping, and metal forming tools
