Cobalt high-speed steel is a large family of molybdenum and tungsten containing alloy steels with cobalt added for good wear resistance. It is often referred to as HSS for high-speed steel and is used in the manufacture of power saw blades, drills, taps and other cutting tools due to its good wear resistance and ability to retain a sharp edge.
Cobalt high-speed steel is classified as a ultra-high carbon steel, with a carbon content between 1.2 and 3.3%. The addition of cobalt further increases the strength and hardenability of the steel and also offers better wear resistance and improved corrosion resistance compared to other metal alloys. The alloy also has higher heat resistance than other types of steel and can be used in temperatures up to 775°C (1,427°F).
The principal alloying elements in cobalt high-speed steel are: molybdenum, tungsten, and cobalt. Molybdenum improves the steels wear resistance and increases the hardenability and tensile strength of the alloy. Tungsten further increases the hardness and tensile strength of the steel, while cobalt improves the wear resistance. The additional alloying elements are typically present in cobalt high-speed steels in varying proportions. These alloying elements, along with the quantity of cobalt present in the steel, will affect the steels mechanical properties, hardenability and costs.
Cobalt high-speed steels are typically heat treated for good wear resistance and to achieve their final hardness. Depending on the composition and heat treatment, cobalt high-speed steels can have a hardness range of 55-63 HRC. The steels typically have a tensile strength of 2000-3500 MPa and a yield strength of 2000-3000 MPa.
Cobalt high-speed steels are commonly used in applications such as cutting tools, mechanical parts, surgical tools, aerospace components and medical implants. They are ideal for applications where wear resistance and a sharp edge are required. Cobalt high-speed steels are also often used for cold heading applications and for manufacturing dies and punches.
Due to its good wear resistance, cobalt high-speed steel is often used to to make a variety of cutting tools, such as router bits, hacksaw blades, drill bits, end mills and reamers. It is also used in the manufacturing of punches, taps, cold heading dies, machine screws and cold heading tools.
Cobalt high-speed steel has good corrosion resistance, which makes it suitable for use in applications where corrosion resistance is important. It is commonly used in offshore oil and gas drilling equipment, chemical processing equipment, and other equipment and components that may be exposed to corrosive environments.
Cobalt high-speed steel is expensive due to its high cobalt content and its necessary heat treatment for good wear resistance and hardness. It is also difficult to machine due to its high cobalt content which can make it difficult to cut and drill.
Overall, cobalt high-speed steel is a versatile material with good wear and corrosion resistance, allowing it to be used for a variety of applications. Though it is expensive, it offers a variety of advantages and is an excellent choice for applications where wear resistance and a sharp edge are required.