Description
M4 Tool Steel
M4 tool steel is a high-speed steel (HSS) known for its exceptional toughness, wear resistance, and hardness. It contains high levels of carbon, molybdenum, and vanadium, making it ideal for tools that need to withstand high wear and maintain cutting edges at elevated temperatures. M4 offers a superior balance between hardness and toughness, making it a preferred choice for tools used in demanding environments where wear and impact resistance are critical.
Key Features of M4 Tool Steel:
- Superior Wear Resistance: M4 excels in wear resistance, especially when used in cutting tools that face abrasive conditions.
- High Hardness: After heat treatment, M4 achieves high hardness levels, allowing it to maintain sharp cutting edges for extended periods.
- Good Toughness: Despite its high hardness, M4 maintains good toughness, making it resistant to chipping and breaking.
- Heat Resistance: M4 can retain its hardness and wear resistance even at elevated temperatures, which is crucial for high-speed cutting and machining applications.
Applications of M4 Tool Steel:
- Cutting Tools: M4 is widely used in the manufacturing of drills, milling cutters, and reamers due to its ability to maintain sharpness and resist wear.
- Punches and Dies: The toughness and wear resistance of M4 make it suitable for punches and dies used in forming and shaping operations.
- End Mills: M4 is an excellent choice for end mills, which require high hardness and wear resistance to withstand high-speed machining processes.
- Broaches: Its wear resistance and toughness make M4 ideal for broaches, ensuring long tool life and precision.
- Taps and Threading Tools: M4 is used for taps and threading tools that need to retain their sharp edges and withstand repeated stress.
Chemical Composition of M4 Tool Steel:
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.25 – 1.45 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20 – 0.45 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20 – 0.55 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 3.75 – 4.50 |
| Vanadium (V) | 3.50 – 4.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 4.50 – 5.50 |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.00 – 1.50 |
Grades of M4 Tool Steel:
| Grade | Key Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | High wear resistance, toughness, excellent hardness retention at high temperatures | Cutting tools, punches, dies, end mills, broaches, taps |
| M4 PM (Powder Metallurgy) | Enhanced wear resistance and toughness due to refined microstructure | High-performance cutting tools, premium industrial applications |
Heat Treatment Process:
M4 tool steel undergoes a heat treatment process that includes austenitizing at 1120°C to 1220°C (2050°F to 2230°F), followed by quenching and tempering. It is typically tempered at 540°C to 595°C (1000°F to 1100°F) to achieve the desired hardness range of 62-64 HRC.
Advantages of M4 Tool Steel:
- Outstanding Wear Resistance: M4 is one of the best tool steels for applications that require resistance to abrasive wear.
- High Hardness: The steel can achieve excellent hardness levels after heat treatment, which allows it to maintain sharp cutting edges for long periods.
- Good Toughness: M4 combines hardness with toughness, making it less prone to chipping or breaking under stress.
- Heat Resistance: The steel retains its properties even at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for high-speed machining.
Conclusion:
M4 tool steel stands out as a top-tier high-speed steel known for its unbeatable combination of wear resistance, toughness, and hardness. It is an excellent material choice for cutting tools, punches, dies, and other industrial applications where durability and edge retention are crucial. With its high carbon and vanadium content, M4 maintains its sharpness and withstands extreme conditions, making it ideal for tools in high-speed and high-impact environments.
Supply Cities:
Mumbai Ahmedabad, Amaravathi, Ambattur, Bangalore, Belgaum, Chennai, Chittoor, Coimbatore, Dindigul, Mysore, Nellore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mangalore, Tirupur, Tuticorin, Madurai, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Kerala, Hubli-Dharwad, Karnataka, Ghaziabad Kolkata.
