Taylor Tool uses four high speed steel grades for cutting tools: HSS M2 for standard applications, HSCO M35 for high heat resistance, HSS-E M3 for reaming operations, and M42 HSS-E for difficult-to-machine materials. Systematic selection of alloying elements ensures each tool possesses optimal characteristics for its application. Only high quality materials are used to produce Taylor Tool HSS tools.
Alloying elements in high speed steel
The following alloying elements determine the performance characteristics of high speed steel cutting tools:
Tungsten, Molybdenum: increase tempering- and wear- resistance
Vanadium: increases wear-resistance of finishing tools
Cobalt: enables increased hardening temperatures and improves heat-resistance
High speed steel grades and applications
The table below lists Taylor Tool HSS grades with their U.S. Steel designations, applications, and international equivalents.
| Taylor Tool description | U.S Steel description | Application | German | France | Italy | U.K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSS | M 2 | standard tool material for most common applications | HS 6-5-2 (DMo5) | Z 90 WDCV 06-05-04-02 | HS 6-5-2 | BM 2 |
| HSCO HSS-E | M 35 | high heat-resistance, especially suited for roughing or when coolant insufficient | HS 6-5-2-5 (EMo5Co5) | Z 90 WDKCV 06-05-05-04-02 | HS 6-5-2-5 | BM 35 |
| HSS-E | M 3 | high friction resistance and cutting edge stability, especially important for reaming operations | S 6-5-3 (EMo5V3) | Z 120 WDCV 06-05-04-03 | HS 6-5-3 | , |
| M42 HSS-E | M 42 | increased heat resistance and hardness, suitable for difficult-to-machine materials | HS 2-9-1-8 | Z 110 DKCWV 09-08-04-02-01 | HS 2-9-1-8 | BM 42 |
What is HSS M2 used for?
HSS M2 is the standard tool material for most common applications. It is designated HS 6-5-2 (DMo5) in Germany, Z 90 WDCV 06-05-04-02 in France, HS 6-5-2 in Italy, and BM 2 in the U.K.
What is HSCO M35 used for?
HSCO M35 (also designated HSS-E) provides high heat-resistance and is especially suited for roughing or when coolant is insufficient. It is designated HS 6-5-2-5 (EMo5Co5) in Germany, Z 90 WDKCV 06-05-05-04-02 in France, HS 6-5-2-5 in Italy, and BM 35 in the U.K.
What is HSS-E M3 used for?
HSS-E M3 offers high friction resistance and cutting edge stability, making it especially important for reaming operations. It is designated S 6-5-3 (EMo5V3) in Germany, Z 120 WDCV 06-05-04-03 in France, and HS 6-5-3 in Italy.
What is M42 HSS-E used for?
M42 HSS-E provides increased heat resistance and hardness, making it suitable for difficult-to-machine materials. It is designated HS 2-9-1-8 in Germany, Z 110 DKCWV 09-08-04-02-01 in France, HS 2-9-1-8 in Italy, and BM 42 in the U.K.
Source and updates
Source: taylortool.com engineering data. Reviewed September 2026.