What is high speed steel ? It’s this bunch of tool steel alloys that got their name because they can slice through materials way faster than the old-school high-carbon steels that were used in cutting tools before.
The very common steel high speed grades are
M2 (1.3343), M35 (1.3243), M42 (1.3247), T1 (1.3355), M50 etc.
M2 (1.3343)
It’s this cool molybdenum-based high-speed steel, part of the whole tungsten-molybdenum family. This M2 is a medium alloyed high-speed steel.
M35 (1.3243)
It’s this medium-alloyed high-speed tool steel. People also call it HSSE or HSS-E, kinda like M2’s cousin, but with a 5% cobalt kick. That little cobalt twist? It jazzes up the hot hardness and wear resistance.
M42 (1.3247)
It’s like the superstar in the molybdenum-series of high-speed steel, but with an extra splash of 8% cobalt. This M42 is all about tackling those tough, hardening alloys and other stubborn materials. It’s got this cool water resistance and longer tool life going on. So, it not only steps up the game in performance but also keeps that cutting edge sharp and ready for more.
