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HIGH SPEED

As part of the continuing drive to improve upon the performance, reliability and standardisation of its products, ELG Carrs Stainless Steels relies upon highly qualified technical advisors to provide solutions for specialist as well as everyday needs in s

High Speed Steels are part of such solutions. Sometimes abbreviated to HSS they are available in various different grades. They are high alloy, Tungsten — Molybdenum — Vanadium — Cobalt bearing steels which are designed to cut other materials efficiently at high speed, resisting the softening effect of the high temperatures generated during the cutting operation. Impact toughness is produced by both thermal and mechanical shock during cutting and by control of the microstructure. Impact toughness results from control of the microstructure enabling these alloys to resist the thermal and mechanical shock produced during the cutting operation.

Characteristics

• High attainable hardness, the primary hardening element here is Carbon with Tungsten and Molybdenum producing secondary hardening additions
• High hardness at elevated service temperature, provided by control of the Tungsten. Molybdenum and cobalt contents
• High wear resistance, an ability to maintain a sharp cutting edge at service temperatures, provided by a microstructure containing high volumes of wear resisting carbides
• It is too expensive to use for large tools
• Very tough to machine
• Can be subject to breakage with rough treatment in hand held equipment
• Resultant products such as tools are reasonably priced, last a long time in woods and plastics, have a long service life when cutting woods and plastics and have a wider range of sizes and lengths available than other types of material

Uses

• Generally used in the metalworking industry
• Drills
• End mills
• Turning tools
• Other tools designed specifically to cut metal