# M2 high-speed steel equivalents

M2 high-speed steel is nearest to EN 1.3343 (HS6-5-2), JIS SKH51 and China GB W6Mo5Cr4V2. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | M2 |
| EN steel name | HS6-5-2 |
| EN steel number | 1.3343 |
| JIS | SKH51 |
| China GB | W6Mo5Cr4V2 |

Family: Molybdenum high-speed steel

## What it is

A molybdenum-tungsten high-speed steel. It keeps its hardness at the high temperatures reached at a cutting edge, which is why it is the standard material for HSS cutting tools.

## Typical uses

Twist drills, taps, end mills, reamers, broaches, lathe tool bits and punches.

## Machining notes

Machine annealed; it is hardened and tempered by the tool maker. Hardened M2 is ground.

## Related grades

- D2 tool steel (1.2379): Cold-work die steel

Equivalents are nearest matches, not identical grades. The governing standard or mill certificate decides.

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of M2 high-speed steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.3343, steel name HS6-5-2.

**What is the JIS equivalent of M2 high-speed steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is SKH51.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of M2 high-speed steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is W6Mo5Cr4V2.

**Is 1.3343 the same as M2?**
1.3343 (HS6-5-2) is the nearest European equivalent of M2, not an identical grade. Composition limits and required properties differ in detail, so check the governing standard or the mill certificate when it matters.

**What is M2 used for?**
Twist drills, taps, end mills, reamers, broaches, lathe tool bits and punches.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/m2-high-speed-steel/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)