High-Speed Steel Materials
High-speed steel is a very versatile material due to its wide range of properties. It is characterized by its ability to keep its hardness and strength even at high temperatures. This characteristic makes it especially suited for applications where high cutting speeds, heavy loads and elevated temperatures are encountered. High-speed steels are generally composed of a combination of iron, carbon, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, nickel and vanadium.
High-speed steel can be used for many cutting and machining applications including milling, reaming, drilling, tapping, broaching, sawing and forming. It is especially useful for applications when a high cutting speed and/or a heavy load is required. It retains its strength at temperatures up to 600° C which allows it to be used in applications where high temperatures are encountered such as hot-water and steam cutting.
High-speed steels have a high wear resistance due to their high hardness and wear resistance. The wear resistance of high-speed steels is a result of their high chromium and tungsten content. The higher content of these alloying elements improves the durability and wear resistance of the steel and increases its resistance to heat and deformation. The high temperatures encountered in high-speed machining can cause the formation of built-up edges which can become a source of vibration. The wear resistance of high-speed steels reduces this problem.
The toughness of high-speed steels is also high due to the addition of tungsten, molybdenum, and cobalt to the alloy. This improves the impact and shock resistance of the material. The higher the content of these alloying elements, the greater the toughness of the steel.
High-speed steels can provide good wear resistance, shock resistance, and good strength and toughness properties. These properties make it an ideal material for applications where abrasive wear, heavy loads, and/or heat are encountered. Its wide range of properties gives it the versatility to be used in many different applications.