M-series HSS uses molybdenum as the primary alloying element, while T-series uses tungsten. Both retain hardness at high cutting temperatures, but M-series grades are more common in modern tooling due to lower raw material cost. For customs classification purposes, both fall under the high-speed steel flat-rolled heading when in strip form under 600 mm wide; however, the alloy composition must be documented on mill certificates to confirm the product meets the HSS alloy definition and is not misclassified as ordinary alloy steel strip.

HSS strip is typically produced by specialty steel mills, often in Europe or Asia, and imported in narrow slit coils. Bimetal band saw manufacturers electron-beam weld the HSS strip to a flexible alloy steel backing, then harden and temper the composite before cutting to length and tooth-forming. The HSS strip's edge quality, thickness consistency, and alloy homogeneity are critical to weld integrity and finished saw performance.