HS6-5-2 vs M2 / HS6-5-2: 98% composition overlap. Very similar materials, likely interchangeable for most applications.
HS6-5-2 vs M2 / HS6-5-2
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
HS6-5-2
1.3343
The most widely used high-speed steel worldwide, known as AISI M2. Contains 6% W, 5% Mo and 2% V providing excellent red hardness (retains cutting ability at 600°C+), high wear resistance and good toughness. Hardened to 62–65 HRC. Standard material for twist drills, milling cutters, taps, reamers, broaches, saw blades, cold forming tools and punches. PM (powder metallurgy) variants available for improved toughness and grindability.
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 | M2 / HS6-5-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.3343 | 1.3343 |
| Category | Tool Steel | Tool Steel |
| Standard | EN ISO 4957 | EN ISO 4957 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | HS6-5-2 | M2 / HS6-5-2 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.8–0.88% | 0.8–0.88% | OK |
| Si | ≤ 0.45% | 0–0.45% | OK |
| Mn | ≤ 0.4% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| P | ≤ 0.03% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | HS6-5-2 | M2 / HS6-5-2 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness HB | ≤ 255 | — | HB |
| Hardness HRC | 62–65 | — | HRC |
| Density | 8.16 | — | g/cm³ |
Compatibility Assessment
HS6-5-2 and M2 / HS6-5-2 have very similar compositions (98% overlap) and are likely interchangeable for most applications. Verify mechanical properties for your specific use case.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HS6-5-2 the same as M2 / HS6-5-2?
HS6-5-2 and M2 / HS6-5-2 have a 98% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace HS6-5-2 with M2 / HS6-5-2?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (98%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between HS6-5-2 and M2 / HS6-5-2?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. HS6-5-2 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.