T1

Twist Drills – Commonly used for drilling mild and low-alloy steels. Taps and Dies – Ideal for threading tools due to good edge retention. Reamers and Broaches – Maintains precision cutting edges. Lathe and Turning Tools – Suitable for moderate-speed machining operations. Saw Blades – Used in cutting non-hardened metals and plastics. End Mills and Slot Drills – General milling tasks on softer materials. Cold Work Punches and Dies – For low-impact forming applications. General Cutting Tools – Widely used in shaping, shaving, and profiling tools.

T1 High Speed Steel is widely available through reputable global and regional suppliers. International manufacturers such as Bohler Uddeholm, Hitachi Metals, and Daido Steel offer high-quality T1 HSS products, known for consistent performance and material integrity. In Europe, Kind & Co. Edelstahlwerk in Germany is a notable producer specializing in high-speed steels, including T1. In India, several prominent dealers like Tirupati Steels, Jayant Impex, and Virat Special Steels supply T1 in various forms such as round bars, flats, and tool blanks. For customers in North America, Hudson Tool Steel is a trusted distributor offering T1 and other tool steels with mill certifications and fast delivery. These dealers cater to industries including cutting tools, die making, metalworking, and manufacturing, providing materials that meet international standards such as AISI, DIN, and ASTM.

Annealed Condition: Approximately 225–280 HB (Brinell Hardness) Suitable for machining and forming before heat treatment Hardened and Tempered Condition: Typically 63–65 HRC (Rockwell Hardness C) Achieved after austenitizing at 1250–1290 °C and oil or salt bath quenching Tempered in the range of 550–570 °C for optimum red hardness and wear resistance Red Hardness: Good red hardness due to high tungsten content Retains cutting ability at elevated temperatures (~550–600 °C)

1. Annealing: Purpose: Soften the steel for machining and relieve internal stresses. Temperature: 820 – 870 °C Cooling: Furnace cool at a controlled rate (~10–20 °C per hour) down to 600 °C, then air cool. Resulting Hardness: ~225–280 HB 2. Hardening: Austenitizing Temperature: 1,250 – 1,290 °C Holding Time: 1–5 minutes depending on section size Quenching: Oil or salt bath Resulting Structure: Fully hardened martensite As-quenched Hardness: Up to 66 HRC (before tempering) 3. Tempering: Temperature: 540 – 570 °C Cycles: Usually 2 or 3 tempering cycles recommended Holding Time: 1 hour per 25 mm thickness (minimum 1 hour per cycle) Final Hardness: 63 – 65 HRC

Preheating: Heat in two stages: First stage: 450–500 °C Second stage: 850–900 °C This reduces thermal shock and distortion. Austenitizing Temperature: Heat uniformly to 1,250 – 1,290 °C Hold at temperature for sufficient soak time (typically 1–5 minutes depending on size) to fully dissolve carbides. Quenching: Quench in oil or salt bath (500–550 °C) This prevents cracking and controls the cooling rate to form hard martensite. As-Quenched Hardness: Typically 65–66 HRC, before tempering.

Preheat Temperature: 300–500 °C Interpass Temperature: Maintain throughout the process Welding Method: TIG or MMA (stick) with high-speed steel-compatible filler rod Post-Weld Heat Treatment: Anneal or re-harden and temper the entire part to restore properties Cooling: Slow furnace or blanket cooling to minimize cracking

Annealed Condition: Machinability rating: ~50% (based on W1 tool steel = 100%) Easier to machine in this state before hardening Hardened Condition: Very difficult to machine Requires carbide tools, slow speeds, and coolant Grinding: Commonly used instead of cutting for shaping after hardening Must use proper wheels to avoid overheating or surface damage