Steel M2 As Printed vs M2-HIP
Steel · M2 temper comparison
M2 As Printed and M2-HIP are two conditions of the same steel grade, M2: As Printed (as built (as printed)) versus HIP (hot isostatic pressed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. M2-HIP is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for M2 As Printed, about 3.3 times as much; tensile strength follows at 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 1,300 MPa (189 ksi). M2-HIP is the more ductile: elongation 1% versus 0.4% for M2 As Printed, and M2-HIP is harder (250 HB vs 235 HB). M2-HIP is stiffer (225 GPa vs 200 GPa) and M2-HIP runs hotter in service (560°C vs 450°C continuous). On the shop floor, M2-HIP machines more easily (fair vs not recommended).
M2-HIPChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
M2 As Printed vs M2-HIP: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 84 GPa12.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Reduction in Area 25% · Hardness, Rockwell B 99 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,480°C2,696 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.1 µm/m·K5.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 250 J/g107 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.55 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 48 MJ/kg20,636 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 70 L/kg8.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
M2 As Printed vs M2-HIP — frequently asked
Is M2-HIP stronger than M2 As Printed?
Yes. M2-HIP has a typical yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) for M2 As Printed — about 3.3 times as much. Tensile strength is 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 1,300 MPa (189 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, As Printed or HIP?
Annealed is the default M2 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither As Printed nor HIP). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, M2 As Printed or M2-HIP?
M2-HIP. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against not recommended (6/100) for M2 As Printed.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in M2 As Printed and M2-HIP side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.