HSS M42 round bar

High-speed steel M42 steel is widely used in metal manufacturing industries and in cutting tools manufacturing because of its superior red-hardness as compared to more conventional high-speed steels, allowing for shorter cycle times in production environments due to higher cutting speeds or from the increase in time between tool changes. HSS M42 tool steel is also less prone to chipping when used for interrupted cuts and costs less when compared to the same tool made of carbide. Tools made from cobalt-bearing high speed steels can often be identified by the letters HSS-Co.

AISI M42 tool steel is a conventionally manufactured cobalt alloyed high-speed steel. The various stages of the manufacturing process are chosen and controlled so that an end product is obtained with a good structure in terms of carbide size and distribution. This is a distinct advantage for the finished tool.

Applications:Twist drills, taps, milling cutters, reamers, broaches, saws, knives, and thread rolling dies.

Quick Detail: M42 ROUND BAR 

COMPOSITION        

RELATIVE PROPERTIES

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

· Density: 0.282 lb/in3 (7806 kg/m3)

· Specific Gravity: 7.81

· Modulus of Elasticity: 30 x 106 psi (207 GPa)

· Machinability: 35-40% of a 1% carbon steel

HEAT TREATING INSTRUCTIONS： HARDENING

Machinability

M42 tool steel can be drilled, turned, threaded, broached, milled and tapped when it is in its annealed condition and rated at 45% of 1% carbon steel.

Forging

M42 molybdenum high speed tool steel is preheated to 871°C (1599°F) in a slow manner and then soaked. This is followed by rapid heating to 1093°C (1999°F) and slow cooling. Temperatures below 982°C (1799°F) are not suitable for the forging process.

Tempering

M42 tool steel is tempered for three times at 538-593°C (1000-1099°F) and then cooled completely between cycles to obtain good results. Tempering is performed in vacuum furnaces or in salt baths.

Annealing

M42 tool steel is heated at 871°C (1599°F) and then cooled slowly in a furnace.

Hardening

M42 tool steel is preheated to 871°C (1599°F), soaked and finally heated to 1204°C (2199°F).

Quenching

A salt media is used for quenching M42 tool steel at 538°C (1000°F) and then the steel is air cooled.