AISI M2 High Speed Steel (Hardened+Tempered 621C) vs AISI M42 High Speed Steel (Hardened+Tempered 538C)
Property comparison of AISI M2 High Speed Steel (Hardened+Tempered 621C) and AISI M42 High Speed Steel (Hardened+Tempered 538C), both tool steel.
| Property | AISI M2 High Speed Steel (Hardened+Tempered 621C) | AISI M42 High Speed Steel (Hardened+Tempered 538C) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elastic modulus | 200,000 MPa | 200,000 MPa | 0% |
| Poisson ratio | 0.285 | 0.285 | 0% |
| Density | 8,160 kg/m³ | 7,810 kg/m³ | -4% |
| Thermal conductivity | 21 W/m·K | 20 W/m·K | -5% |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 0.000012 1/K | 0.00001 1/K | -18% |
Difference is AISI M42 High Speed Steel (Hardened+Tempered 538C) relative to AISI M2 High Speed Steel (Hardened+Tempered 621C). Values are taken from the representative row of each material; both materials may have multiple heat treatments or conditions on their individual pages.
Identification
- grade
- M2
- standard
- ASTM A600
- heat treatment
- Hardened+Tempered 621C
- grade
- M42
- standard
- ASTM A600
- heat treatment
- Hardened+Tempered 538C
About M-series high-speed tool steels
M-series tool steels are molybdenum-based high-speed steels for cutting tools. They retain hardness at the temperatures generated by metal cutting (red hardness). M2 is the most common general-purpose grade; M4 trades toughness for higher wear resistance.
What else is in Engineering Database
AI built for engineering. Searches the engineering database, performs calculations, gives source-backed engineering insights.
Get started for free ↗Reference Data375 engineering tablesMaterial properties, pipe and shape dimensions, code tables, and electrical ratings across mechanical, civil, chemical, electrical, materials, and manufacturing engineering.
Browse dataCalculatorsDeterministic engineering calculatorsSizing, checking, and conversion tools that run against the reference tables. Inputs are code-compliant, outputs are traceable to the source standard.
Browse calculators