HS6-5-2-5 vs M2 / HS6-5-2: 72% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
HS6-5-2-5 vs M2 / HS6-5-2
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
HS6-5-2-5
1.3243
Standard cobalt high speed steel with 5% Co — the most widely used cobalt HSS grade. Also known as M35 or HSS-E/HSSE. Better hot hardness and cutting performance than M2, lower cost than M42. HRC 64-66 hardened. The "go-to upgrade" when M2 performance is insufficient. Used for drill bits (HSS-Co branded), taps, end mills, saw blades, and general-purpose cutting tools for stainless steel and medium-hard alloys.
M2 / HS6-5-2
1.3343
The most widely used high-speed steel worldwide. W-Mo-Cr-V composition gives excellent red hardness (cuts at temperatures up to 600°C). Used for twist drills, end mills, taps, reamers, bandsaw blades, and general-purpose cutting tools. The benchmark HSS grade.
| HS6-5-2-5 | M2 / HS6-5-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.3243 | 1.3343 |
| Category | Tool Steel | Tool Steel |
| Standard | EN ISO 4957 | EN ISO 4957 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | HS6-5-2-5 | M2 / HS6-5-2 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.86–0.94% | 0.8–0.88% | Partial |
| Si | 0–0.45% | 0–0.45% | OK |
| Mn | 0–0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Cr | 3.75–4.5% | 3.8–4.5% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | HS6-5-2-5 | M2 / HS6-5-2 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| hardness_hrc | 64–66 | 63–66 | HRC |
| e_modulus | ≥ 210 | ≥ 210 | GPa |
| density | ≥ 8.08 | ≥ 8.16 | g/cm3 |
Compatibility Assessment
HS6-5-2-5 and M2 / HS6-5-2 share some characteristics (72% overlap) but have notable differences. They may be substitutable in some applications but not all. Verify suitability carefully.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HS6-5-2-5 the same as M2 / HS6-5-2?
HS6-5-2-5 and M2 / HS6-5-2 have a 72% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace HS6-5-2-5 with M2 / HS6-5-2?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (72%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between HS6-5-2-5 and M2 / HS6-5-2?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, V. HS6-5-2-5 is a Tool Steel grade, while M2 / HS6-5-2 is a Tool Steel grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.