What is the difference between M1 and M2 tool steel? If you are new to the world of tool steel, you wil have such a question. This article will explore the differences between M1 and M2 tool steel in detail so that readers can better understand and choose between these two materials.
What is the difference between M1 and M2 tool steel?
1. Chemical composition and alloying elements
M1 and M2 tool steels differ in chemical composition and alloying elements. M1 tool steel mainly contains 0.90%~1.00% carbon (C), 3.80%~4.50% tungsten (W), 3.80%~4.50% chromium (Cr), 3.80%~4.50% molybdenum (Mo) and 9.50 %~10.50% cobalt (Co). The combination of these alloying elements gives M1 tool steel excellent wear resistance and toughness, making it especially suitable for manufacturing cutting tools and stamping dies that require wear resistance and toughness.
M2 tool steel contains higher tungsten and molybdenum content, as well as moderate amounts of elements such as chromium, vanadium and cobalt. The ratio of these alloy elements makes M2 tool steel have high hardness and wear resistance, and is suitable for manufacturing high-precision molds and cutting tools.
2. Physical properties and heat treatment
There are also differences in physical properties and heat treatments between M1 and M2 tool steels. M1 tool steel has a uniform structure and fine grains, which eliminates the inevitable segregation of melting and casting high-speed steel. This allows M1 tool steel to maintain high toughness while also having excellent wear resistance. During the heat treatment process, M1 tool steel needs to go through steps such as annealing, quenching and tempering to obtain ideal mechanical properties and processing properties.
M2 tool steel has higher hardness and thermal stability. In high temperature environments, M2 tool steel can still maintain good hardness and wear resistance. This makes M2 tool steel suitable for processes such as high-temperature cutting and stamping. In terms of heat treatment, M2 tool steel also needs to undergo appropriate annealing, quenching and tempering steps to obtain optimal performance.
3. Application scenarios and advantages
M1 and M2 tool steel have their own advantages in application scenarios. M1 tool steel is widely used in manufacturing various cutting tools and stamping dies due to its excellent wear resistance and toughness. Especially in working conditions that need to withstand high loads and impacts, M1 tool steel shows good performance. In addition, M1 tool steel is also suitable for manufacturing products that require high polishability, such as plastic injection molds.
M2 tool steel is particularly suitable for manufacturing high-precision molds and cutting tools because of its high hardness and good wear resistance. In high-temperature environments, M2 tool steel can maintain stable performance and meet the needs of high-temperature cutting and stamping processes. In addition, M2 tool steel also has good processing performance and corrosion resistance, making it easy to maintain and maintain during manufacturing and use.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are obvious differences between M1 and M2 tool steel in terms of chemical composition, physical properties, heat treatment and application scenarios. M1 tool steel is characterized by wear resistance and toughness and is suitable for manufacturing cutting tools and stamping dies. M2 tool steel has the advantages of high hardness and thermal stability and is especially suitable for manufacturing high-precision molds and cutting tools.
Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of the difference between M1 and M2 tool steel. If you are looking for M1 and M2 tool steel suppliers and manufacturers online now, we would advise you to visit Sino Special Metal.
As a leading supplier of tool steel from Shanghai China, Sino Special Metal offers customers high-quality M1 and M2 tool steel at a very competitive price.
