Chemical Composition of Several Foreign Low Carbon High Speed Steels

Low Carbon High Speed Steel

Low carbon high speed steel is a type of alloy, consisting of iron and carbon as its main components, with other alloying elements like cobalt, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten added in varying amounts to improve certain properties. Low carbon high speed steel is typically used for cutting tools and dies and is favored for its combination of strength and abrasion resistance. It is also known as a high-alloy tool steel.

Low carbon high speed steel is often used as a substitute for traditional tool steels such as H13, M2, and W1. Low carbon high speed steel is harder, tougher, and more wear resistant than standard low-alloy tool steels, which makes it better suited for applications that require high speeds and heavy loads.

It is available in a range of grades and compositions depending on the desired properties and applications. Generally, low carbon high speed steels are made from a combination of iron, carbon, cobalt, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten.

To improve the toughness of low carbon high speed steel, cobalt is usually the primary alloying element. Cobalt helps to reduce the brittleness of the alloy and improves its ability to resist wear.

Molybdenum increases the hardness of the alloy and helps to improve its resistance to wear, fatigue and impact. Vanadium, in low quantities, helps to prevent a decrease in the hardness of the alloy at high temperatures.

Tungsten is normally present in all grades of high speed steel and helps to improve the hot hardness of the alloy and improves its performance under high temperatures.

Below are the chemical compositions of two examples of low carbon high speed steel.

M2

C: 0.95 - 1.1%

Cr: 4.00 - 4.75%

Mo: 4.00 - 4.75%

V: 0.25 - 0.50%

W: 4.00 - 4.75%

Co: 4.00 - 5.00%

D2

C: 1.55%

Cr: 11.00 - 13.00%

Mo: 0.70 - 0.90%

V: 0.90 - 1.20%

W: 0.70 - 0.90%

Co: 5.00 - 7.00%

Low carbon high speed steels are used in a wide range of applications, from making small blades to large complex shaped dies and machine tools. With its combination of high wear resistance and toughness, it is an ideal choice for difficult machining and cutting applications.

The unique combination of properties makes low carbon high speed steel the preferred choice for a multitude of applications, such as high-quality knives, saw blades, punches, woodworking tools, taps and dies, end mills and reamers, slitting saws, broaches, and gear-cutting tools.

Low carbon high speed steel has been used in many industries including automotive, aerospace, tool and die manufacturing, construction, and medical and food processing. Because of its strength and durability, it is also well-suited for heavy-duty applications such as mining and energy production.

In the modern world, low carbon high speed steels are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost effectiveness and their performance increases compared to standard tool steels. Low carbon high speed steel is a relatively economical and cost-effective choice for applications requiring a high wear resistance, toughness and strength at high temperatures. The increased popularity of low carbon high speed steel is a result of advances in metallurgy and its ability to produce high wear-resistance alloy with low fabrication costs.

Low carbon, high-speed steels are used extensively in many industries, such as the automotive and aviation industries, to manufacture a variety of precision components. They are particularly useful for cutting tools and other wear parts that require high performance but also need to be capable of enduring long periods of exposure to extreme temperatures and pressures. These types of steels are classified according to the amount of carbon present in the alloy.

M50 High Speed Steel is a typical representative of low carbon, high-speed steels. It contains only 0.51-0.59% carbon and is a highly wear-resistant steel. This alloy is extensively used in the manufacturing of many components, including turbine blades, aircraft parts, and surgical tools. Furthermore, it possesses good machinability and high toughness.

L6 High Speed Steel is also well-known as a low-carbon, high-speed steel. It contains only 0.58-0.64 % carbon and offers outstanding wear resistance and good fabrication qualities. As a result, this alloy is commonly used to manufacture machine tools and components that are prone to high wear. Furthermore, it is also often used for tools that must be able to withstand high temperatures without deforming or becoming brittle.

E6 High Speed Steel features a slightly higher carbon content than other low-carbon, high-speed steels, containing 0.63-0.70 % carbon. This alloy is known for its excellent shock resistance, making it an ideal material for the production of automotive components, such as valves and piston pins. Additionally, it is also commonly used to manufacture surgical instruments, aircraft parts, and hand tools.

In conclusion, low-carbon, high-speed steels offer excellent properties, including good wear resistance, high strength, and good machinability. They are extensively used to manufacture a variety of precision components, such as surgical tools, machine parts, and aviation components. Additionally, the amount of carbon content in the alloy determines its performance and defines the types of applications it can be used for.