Use of low carbon/high ductile high-speed steel to make cutting-tools

This research study was intended to illustrate that the combined use of a low carbon/high ductile high-speed steel (HSS) and the plastic deformation forming process could be a feasible solution to make cutting-tools more economically and that the process is practical. The effects of carbon content, carburization and hardening on the microstructure and mechanical properties of three low carbon high ductility HSS specimens were investigated. It was found that the average cutting life of cutting-tools made by such an approach doubled that of cutting-tools made from conventional HSSs. This was because the low carbon/high ductile HSS cutting-tool specimens produced a higher surface hardness (HRC 66–68) after carburization and hardening whilst their core hardness (HRC 35–45) remained moderate, combined with better hot torsion ductility and toughness.