HSS

Drill Bits – Commonly used in metal, wood, and plastic drilling due to excellent hardness and heat resistance. Taps and Dies – Ideal for threading operations where precision and wear resistance are critical. End Mills and Milling Cutters – Widely used in CNC and manual milling machines for machining metals. Lathe Tools – Suitable for turning operations on steel, aluminum, and other materials. Hacksaw and Bandsaw Blades – Used in cutting operations for both manual and powered saws. Reamers and Broaches – Applied in finishing operations to achieve tight tolerances and smooth finishes. Punches and Forming Tools – Employed in shaping and forming metals in press tools. Woodworking Tools – Used in router bits, chisels, and planer blades where durability is needed. Cold Work Applications – Suitable for tools used at room temperature for forming, cutting, or trimming. High-Precision Tooling – Used in aerospace, automotive, and mold industries for precise cutting and shaping.

We are a trusted dealer, stockist, and supplier of High-Speed Steel (HSS), offering a wide range of grades such as M2, M35, M42, T1, and others in various forms like round bars, flat bars, blocks, and sheets.

Annealed Condition: – ~220–280 HB (Brinell Hardness) – Supplied soft for easier machining or tool shaping Hardened & Tempered Condition: – 62–70 HRC (Rockwell Hardness C) depending on the grade – For example: M2 HSS: ~64–66 HRC M35 (Cobalt HSS): ~65–67 HRC M42 (High Cobalt HSS): ~66–70 HRC

Annealing (Softening for Machining): Heat to 850–900 °C Hold for 1–2 hours, then cool slowly in the furnace Results in a soft structure (~220–280 HB) for easier machining 2. Hardening (Austenitizing & Quenching): Preheat in 2 stages: 1st Stage: 450–500 °C 2nd Stage: 800–850 °C Austenitize at 1180–1250 °C (depending on the specific grade) Quench in salt bath, oil, or gas (in vacuum furnaces) Salt bath quenching is preferred for uniform results and less distortion 3. Tempering (Stress Relief & Toughness Improvement): Temper immediately after quenching Perform 3 tempering cycles at 540–580 °C, holding for 1–2 hours each Target final hardness: 62–70 HRC depending on grade

Preheating (Two-Stage Process): – First heat the steel to 450–500 °C – Then raise to 800–850 °C 🔹 Purpose: Prevents thermal shock and reduces risk of cracking Austenitizing: – Heat to 1180–1250 °C, depending on the HSS grade (e.g., M2, M35, M42) – Hold the temperature long enough to allow full transformation of the structure Quenching: – Quench in salt bath, oil, or vacuum/gas quenching – Salt bath offers even cooling with minimal distortion Tempering (Crucial Step): – Temper immediately after quenching – Perform 3 tempering cycles at 540–580 °C, 1–2 hours each – Final hardness after tempering: 62–70 HRC, depending on the grade

Preheating: – Preheat the material to 300–400 °C before welding – Prevents thermal shock and reduces risk of cracking Filler Material: – Use matching HSS filler rods/wires (e.g., M2 filler for M2 base) – Alternatively, use cobalt-based or tool steel fillers when suitable Welding Process: – TIG (GTAW) or MMA (stick welding) is preferred for precision and control – Maintain a controlled interpass temperature (350–450 °C) Post-Weld Heat Treatment: – Perform stress-relieving at around 600–650 °C after welding – For critical tools, re-harden and temper the entire piece to restore properties Avoid Cold Welding: – Do not weld HSS in hardened condition unless absolutely necessary – Risk of cracking is very high without proper precautions

Annealed Condition: – In the soft (annealed) state, HSS has a hardness of ~220–280 HB – Easier to machine using carbide or high-quality HSS tools – Ideal for initial shaping before heat treatment Hardened Condition (62–70 HRC): – Machining is difficult and abrasive on tools – Requires carbide, ceramic, or CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) tooling – Slower cutting speeds, low feed rates, and coolant/lubrication are essential – Tool wear is rapid if improper tools are used Surface Finish: – HSS can be polished to a fine finish, making it suitable for precision tools