Structure and properties of low-alloy tungsten-free high-speed steels

Abstract

1. The additional microalloying of EK41 steel does not lead to a significant change in its properties and the quantity of nonmetallic inclusions increases. 2. As the result of the increased chromium content in it (6% instead of 4%) EK41 steel is more prone to grain growth. This eliminates the possibility of obtaining the necessary combination of properties in it by heat treatment. 3. In EI277 steel the fine grain size is preserved after hardening from 1230°C, which is necessary for obtaining high red hardness. 4. EK41 and EI277 steels are inferior in properties (strength) to R6M5 and ROM2F3-MP steels.