Phehlukwayo Metal, located in Cape Town, South Africa, has earned a solid reputation as a reliable manufacturer and supplier of top-notch metals, with a special focus on High Speed Steel (HSS) M2 Bars. Known for their dedication to precision, dependability, and outstanding customer service, this company meets a wide range of industrial needs by providing materials that adhere to strict standards. Their HSS M2 Bars are produced using cutting-edge metallurgical techniques, ensuring they deliver superior performance, durability, and consistency. Catering to industries from automotive to tooling, Phehlukwayo Metal is committed to supplying products that boost productivity, endure extreme operating conditions, and maintain excellence in engineering applications throughout South Africa and beyond.
High Speed Steel M2 Bars are made with about 0.85% carbon, 4% chromium, 5% molybdenum, 6% tungsten, and 2% vanadium, creating a well-balanced mix of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance. These bars are known for their impressive red hardness, which helps them keep cutting efficiency even at high temperatures. On the mechanical side, M2 steel boasts high tensile strength, remarkable abrasion resistance, and the ability to maintain a sharp edge during heavy machining tasks. Its consistent microstructure and superior hardness make it a go-to choice for demanding industrial applications where precision and durability are essential.
| ASTM A600 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | W | |||||||
| M2 regular C | 0.78 | 0.88 | 0.15 | 0.40 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.20 | 0.45 | 3.75 | 4.50 | 1.75 | 2.20 | 4.50 | 5.50 | 5.50 | 6.75 |
| DIN ISO 4957 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | W | |||||||
| 1.3343 | 0.86 | 0.94 | … | … | … | … | … | 0.45 | 3.80 | 4.50 | 1.70 | 2.10 | 4.70 | 5.20 | 5.90 | 6.70 |
| JIS G4403 | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | V | Mo | W | |||||||
| SKH51 | 0.80 | 0.88 | … | 0.40 | 0.03 | 0.03 | … | 0.45 | 3.80 | 4.50 | 1.70 | 2.10 | 4.70 | 5.20 | 5.90 | 6.70 |
| Mechanical properties | Metric | Imperial |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (tempered at 1150°F, quenched at 2200°F) | 62 | 62 |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (as hardened, quenched at 2200°F) | 65 | 65 |
| Compressive yield strength (when tempered at 300°F) | 3250 MPa | 471000 psi |
| Izod impact unnotched (when tempered at 300°F) | 67 J | 49.4 ft-lb |
| Abrasion (loss in mm3, as-hardened; ASTM G65) | 25.8 | 25.8 |
| Abrasion (loss in mm3, tempered at 1275°F; ASTM G65) | 77.7 | 77.7 |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| Elastic modulus | 190-210 GPa | 27557-30458 ksi |
| Country | USA | German | Japan |
| Standard | ASTM A600 | DIN EN ISO 4957 | JIS G4403 |
| Grades | M2 | 1.3343 | SKH51 |
| Thermal properties | Metric | Imperial |
| CTE, linear (@20.0 – 100°C/ 68.0 – 212°F) | 10 μm/m°C | 5.56 μin/in°F |
| CTE, linear (@20.0 – 500°C/68.0 – 932°F) | 12.2 μm/m°C | 6.78 μin/in°F |
| CTE, linear (@20.0 – 850°C/68.0 – 1560°F) | 12.6 μm/m°C | 7 μin/in°F |
| DENSITY (G/CM 3) | 8.08 |
| DENSITY (LB/IN 3) | 0.292 |
| MELTING POINT (°C) | 1425 |
| MELTING POINT (°F) | 2600 |
Yes, High-Speed Steel M2 can be welded, but it requires careful heat control. Preheating, welding with proper filler material, and post-weld heat treatment are necessary to avoid cracking and preserve hardness.
High-Speed Steel M2 bars are not ideal for high-temperature applications, as they can lose hardness and wear resistance above 540°C, limiting their performance in extreme heat conditions.
High-Speed Steel M2 bars should be stored in a dry, cool environment to prevent corrosion. They should be kept off the ground, ideally on wooden or metal racks, and away from moisture or chemicals.
M2 Bars are commonly used in the production of cutting tools like drills, taps, milling cutters, and lathe tools, thanks to their exceptional hardness and heat resistance. They excel in machining both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, allowing for high-speed operations without compromising tool integrity. Beyond tooling, M2 bars find their place in industries that require durable components facing heavy wear, such as die-making, automotive, and aerospace sectors. Their reliability under high stress and elevated temperatures makes them crucial in precision engineering, ensuring consistent performance and a long service life across various demanding applications.






We provide products that come with both mill test certificates and third-party test certificates, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Phehlukwayo Metals is a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of high-quality bars, rods, and forgings, catering to various industries in Cape Town, South Africa
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