M42 Plate

M42 high-speed steel (HSS) is a cobalt-alloyed, high-molybdenum HSS, renowned for its extremely high hardness (up to 70 HRC), excellent hot hardness (high hardness at elevated temperatures), and good grindability, making it suitable for machining difficult-to-cut materials like superalloys, titanium alloys, and ultra-high-strength steels, often used for high-precision, complex high-speed cutting tools. Its ~8-10% cobalt content significantly enhances high-temperature performance, making it a high-performance, versatile cobalt HSS, favored in modern manufacturing for handling hard materials and demanding cutting conditions due to its outstanding high-temperature strength and wear resistance. 

1. Physical Properties

• Heat Treatment Hardness: Reaches 67-70 HRC after quenching, with a tempered hardness of ≥64 HRC.

• Red Hardness (Hot Hardness): Maintains a hardness above 63 HRC even at temperatures exceeding 600°C.

• Wear Resistance: Fine and uniformly distributed carbides significantly enhance cutting edge life.

2. Applications

• Cutting Tools: Drill bits, broaches, taps, and precision molds.

• Dies & Molds: Stamping and forming dies, screw headers, and complex punches.

• Industrial Components: Rail milling cutters and precision instrument accessories.