Located in the industrious heart of Hamilton, New Zealand, Hemi Metals stands as a trusted source for precision-engineered materials. We take pride in supplying high-performance High Speed Steel M2 bars, a cornerstone for local and international workshops demanding reliability. Our commitment extends beyond mere supply; we are your local partner, ensuring you receive tooling steel that consistently meets the challenges of demanding manufacturing environments, backed by knowledgeable support right here in the Waikato.
Our M2 bars are defined by a robust composition, primarily chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium, which creates a remarkable balance of strength and performance. This alloy recipe grants the steel exceptional red-hardness, meaning it retains its cutting edge even at the high temperatures generated during rapid machining. The result is a bar stock offering superior wear resistance and high strength, providing a dependable foundation for tools that must perform under continuous, strenuous use.
| ASTM A600 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | W | |||||||
| M2 regular C | 0.78 | 0.88 | 0.15 | 0.40 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.20 | 0.45 | 3.75 | 4.50 | 1.75 | 2.20 | 4.50 | 5.50 | 5.50 | 6.75 |
| DIN ISO 4957 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | W | |||||||
| 1.3343 | 0.86 | 0.94 | … | … | … | … | … | 0.45 | 3.80 | 4.50 | 1.70 | 2.10 | 4.70 | 5.20 | 5.90 | 6.70 |
| JIS G4403 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | W | |||||||
| SKH51 | 0.80 | 0.88 | … | 0.40 | 0.03 | 0.03 | … | 0.45 | 3.80 | 4.50 | 1.70 | 2.10 | 4.70 | 5.20 | 5.90 | 6.70 |
| Mechanical properties | Metric | Imperial |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (tempered at 1150°F, quenched at 2200°F) | 62 | 62 |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (as hardened, quenched at 2200°F) | 65 | 65 |
| Compressive yield strength (when tempered at 300°F) | 3250 MPa | 471000 psi |
| Izod impact unnotched (when tempered at 300°F) | 67 J | 49.4 ft-lb |
| Abrasion (loss in mm3, as-hardened; ASTM G65) | 25.8 | 25.8 |
| Abrasion (loss in mm3, tempered at 1275°F; ASTM G65) | 77.7 | 77.7 |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| Elastic modulus | 190-210 GPa | 27557-30458 ksi |
| Country | USA | German | Japan |
| Standard | ASTM A600 | DIN EN ISO 4957 | JIS G4403 |
| Grades | M2 | 1.3343 | SKH51 |
| Thermal properties | Metric | Imperial |
| CTE, linear (@20.0 – 100°C/ 68.0 – 212°F) | 10 μm/m°C | 5.56 μin/in°F |
| CTE, linear (@20.0 – 500°C/68.0 – 932°F) | 12.2 μm/m°C | 6.78 μin/in°F |
| CTE, linear (@20.0 – 850°C/68.0 – 1560°F) | 12.6 μm/m°C | 7 μin/in°F |
| DENSITY (G/CM 3) | 8.08 |
| DENSITY (LB/IN 3) | 0.292 |
| MELTING POINT (°C) | 1425 |
| MELTING POINT (°F) | 2600 |
Yes, High-Speed Steel M2 can be welded, but it requires careful heat control. Preheating, welding with proper filler material, and post-weld heat treatment are necessary to avoid cracking and preserve hardness.
High-Speed Steel M2 bars are not ideal for high-temperature applications, as they can lose hardness and wear resistance above 540°C, limiting their performance in extreme heat conditions.
High-Speed Steel M2 bars should be stored in a dry, cool environment to prevent corrosion. They should be kept off the ground, ideally on wooden or metal racks, and away from moisture or chemicals.
The primary strength of M2 steel lies in its ability to withstand intense friction and heat, making it the material of choice for cutting tools. Its most common applications include the manufacturing of drill bits, end mills, taps, and saw blades. Beyond cutting, it is also ideal for forms, punches, and other tooling components that require a long service life under abrasive conditions, offering exceptional value and durability for professionals across the metalworking and woodworking industries.






We provide products that come with both mill test certificates and third-party test certificates, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Hemi Metals is a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of high-quality bars, rods, and forgings, catering to various industries in Hamilton New Zealand
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