High Speed Specialties

Square Tool Bits

Standard square tool bits are available in M2, M42, and T15. Our square tool bits are heat treated to provide cutting ability as well as the long service life necessary to machine the full spectrum of materials used by the metalworking industry. Ground tool bits are precision ground on all four sides, after heat treatment, for accuracy of size, shape, and surface finish. Square tool bits have a tolerance on the width and thickness of +/- .002 with 10 degree beveled ends and are etched for easy grade identification and coated with a rust preventative.

Flat Tool Bits

Flat tool bits are available in M2, M42, and T15. Flat tool bits are heat treated to provide cutting ability as well as the long service life necessary to machine the full spectrum of materials used by the metalworking industry. Ground tool bits are precision ground on all four sides, after heat treatment, for accuracy of size, shape, and surface finish. Flat tool bits have a tolerance on the width and thickness of +/- .002 with square ends and are etched for easy grade identification and coated with rust preventative.

Available High Speed Specialty Grades

M2

M2 is used for general-purpose applications. Bits are manufactured from this grade for routine roughing and/or finishing operations in which conventional feeds and speeds are used. Because it is the most shock resistant of the popular high-speed steels, M2 can withstand interrupted cuts. It is one of the easiest of the high-speed steels to grind. M2 is supplied in a hardness range of 64.5 – 66 HRC. These characteristics, plus relatively good heat and abrasion resistance, make M2 a good choice for all-around shop use on ferrous or nonferrous alloys.

M42 is used for high-performance applications. This grade features the greatest heat resistance (red hardness) of the molybdenum type high speed grades. The cutting edges will not soften at the elevated temperatures generated by high surface speeds and light feeds. M42 can be heat treated to the highest hardness available in high-speed steel. M42 is supplied in a hardness range of 67 – 69 HRC. This grade can be ground nearly as easily as M2 and is the best choice for machining stainless steels, super alloys, or other high strength heat-treated materials.

T15 is designed for difficult applications. This grade offers the best wear resistance of all high speed steels and still has adequate toughness for a wide range of applications as long as rigid setup is used. T15 PM (Powder Metal), available in square tool bits only, offers an improved microstructure and even better wear resistance and toughness properties. T15 has excellent red hardness and is supplied in a hardness range of 66 – 67 HRC, but is difficult to grind. All types of metals and alloys can be machined using this grade. Common applications include those in which long runs or light cuts at high surface speeds are required.