Steel M36
AISI/SAE M36 · UNS T11336 · EN S6-5-2-5 · JIS SKH55 · GB W8Mo5Cr4V2Co5
M36 covers two different products in this catalog: AISI M36 tungsten–molybdenum–cobalt high-speed steel (SKH55, S6-5-2-5, W8Mo5Cr4V2Co5, T11336) and M36 non-oriented electrical sheet to ASTM A677/A683 (50W800), a lower-cost grade with higher permitted core loss for fractional-horsepower motors and low-cost transformers.
Values for the Annealed condition
M36 tempers and conditions
M36 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AnnealedDefault soft-annealed bar/flat as supplied for machining | Standard mill-supplied condition: machine and rough-grind the tool blank before hardening. | 550 | 880 | 14 | 248 HB | — |
Hardened & Tempered then surface-nitrided / steam-tempered | Choose for taps, hobs and gear cutters needing extra surface hardness and anti-galling on top of the hardened core. | 1,950 | 2,050 | 0.5 | 66 HRC | 2.6 % IACS |
Hardened & Tempered to maximum hardness | Pick only for light-feed finishing or form tools cutting very abrasive material, where edge wear dominates over chipping. | 2,000 | 2,100 | 0.5 | 68 HRC | 2.6 % IACS |
1200–1230 °C austenitize, oil/salt quench, triple temper 540–560 °C to 65–67 HRC | Normal working condition for cutting tools: maximum practical hot hardness and wear resistance. | 2,100 | 2,500 | 0.5 | 66 HRC | — |
What is M36?
M36 covers two different products in this catalog: AISI M36 tungsten–molybdenum–cobalt high-speed steel (SKH55, S6-5-2-5, W8Mo5Cr4V2Co5, T11336) and M36 non-oriented electrical sheet to ASTM A677/A683 (50W800), a lower-cost grade with higher permitted core loss for fractional-horsepower motors and low-cost transformers. The mechanical data on file — 248 HB annealed, 550 MPa yield, 880 MPa tensile, 14 % elongation, 500 °C service limit and hardening to 67–68 HRC — apply to the high-speed steel. Cobalt raises red hardness above M2 for heavy cutting but lowers toughness, and machinability is rated 26. State which M36 is required when ordering. M36 has a density of 8.19 g/cm³ (0.296 lb/in³), heavier than 98% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). M36 has a yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) — stronger than 71% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 217 GPa (31.5 Msi).
What is M36 used for?
- Motor laminations
- Distribution transformer cores
- Milling cutters and end mills
- Gear hobs and shaper cutters
- Twist drills and taps for tough alloys
- Form tools and broaches
- Cold-work punches and blanking inserts
Advantages
- High service temperature — 500°C (932 °F), better than 90% of steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 78% of steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 4.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Poor heat conductor — 22 W/m·K (12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 26/100, worse than 92% of steel grades
- Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 92% of steel grades
- Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 91% of steel grades
M36 properties
Typical room-temperature values for M36-Annealed; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
M36 has a density of 8.19 g/cm³ (0.296 lb/in³), heavier than 98% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical14
M36 has a yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) — stronger than 71% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 217 GPa (31.5 Msi).
Thermal6
M36 is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 22 W/m·K (12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11 µm/m·K (6.11 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
M36 has an electrical resistivity of 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is poor (18/100), better than 83% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of M36 takes about 70 MJ of energy and emits 4.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 97% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
M36's machinability is poor (26/100, worse than 92% of steel grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. M36 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with M36
Is M36 easy to machine?
Machine only in the annealed state with rigid setups, low speeds and carbide or coated tooling; hard-state work must be done by grinding (soft grade, friable Al2O3 or CBN wheels, plenty of coolant to avoid burn/cracks).
Can M36 be welded?
Essentially non-weldable for structure; edge repair only by preheated (500–550 °C) TIG or laser with matching HSS filler followed by immediate re-tempering.
Can M36 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot work at 1050–1150 °C with slow, controlled cooling and full anneal at 850–900 °C; no cold forming — hardening is 1200–1230 °C in vacuum/salt, quench, then triple temper 540–560 °C with a −70 °C or subzero step optional.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to M36. Every M36 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
Sheet metal
| Formability | Better12 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Poor15 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
M36 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.8 – 0.9 | 0.85 |
| Mn | 0.15 – 0.4 | 0.28 |
| Si | 0.2 – 0.45 | 0.3 |
| Cr | 3.75 – 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Mo | 4.5 – 5.5 | 5 |
| W | 5.5 – 6.5 | 6 |
| V | 1.75 – 2.25 | 2 |
| Cocobalt addition gives the red-hardness advantage over M2/M35 | 7.75 – 8.75 | 8.25 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on M36?
No native corrosion protection: use black oxide, steam temper, phosphate or PVD TiN/TiCN/TiAlN over a hardened, fine-ground surface; keep oiled in storage.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel M36 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- T11336
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- S6-5-2-5
- GB (China)
- W8Mo5Cr4V2Co5
- JIS
- SKH55
- Similar grades
- 50W800
How much does M36 cost?
M36 is a standard-cost steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
M36 — frequently asked
What is M36 used for?
M36 is typically used for motor laminations, distribution transformer cores, milling cutters and end mills, gear hobs and shaper cutters, twist drills and taps for tough alloys and form tools and broaches. In short: non-oriented electrical coil.
What is the yield strength of M36?
M36 has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 880 MPa (128 ksi) — stronger than 71% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is M36 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (26/100, worse than 92% of steel grades). Machine only in the annealed state with rigid setups, low speeds and carbide or coated tooling; hard-state work must be done by grinding (soft grade, friable Al2O3 or CBN wheels, plenty of coolant to avoid burn/cracks).
Can M36 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Essentially non-weldable for structure; edge repair only by preheated (500–550 °C) TIG or laser with matching HSS filler followed by immediate re-tempering.
What surface finishes work on M36?
No native corrosion protection: use black oxide, steam temper, phosphate or PVD TiN/TiCN/TiAlN over a hardened, fine-ground surface; keep oiled in storage.
Can M36 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot work at 1050–1150 °C with slow, controlled cooling and full anneal at 850–900 °C; no cold forming — hardening is 1200–1230 °C in vacuum/salt, quench, then triple temper 540–560 °C with a −70 °C or subzero step optional.
What is the maximum service temperature of M36?
M36 is rated for continuous use to about 500°C (932 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does M36 cost?
M36 is a standard-cost steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in M36?
Yes — M36 is available for sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A600 — Standard Specification for Tool Steel High Speed — ASTM International (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys (tool steels) — ASM International (1990)
- Tool Steels, 5th ed. (Roberts, Krauss, Kennedy) — ASM International (1998)
- Cobalt high-speed steel bar datasheets (Erasteel / Böhler HSS grades) — Erasteel, voestalpine Böhler (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.