M42 High Speed Steel


M42 is a molybdenum series high-speed steel alloy with an additional 8 or 10 percent cobalt. It is widely used in metal manufacturing industries because of its superior red hardness as compared to more conventional high-speed steels. This allows for shorter cycle times in production environments due to its higher cutting speeds and from the increase in time between tool changes. M42 is also less prone to chipping when used for interrupted cuts and costs less when compared to those same tools made of carbide.

Other Known Names: 1.3247, HS 2-10-1-8, S500, E M42, REX M42®, Dynamax.

Griggs Steel Color Code:Red

Common Usage

End Mills, Blades, Taps, Reamers, Broaches, Form Tools, Thread Roll Dies, Punches, Header Tooling, and Milling Cutters.

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

High Speed Steel Properties Comparison

graph

M42 High Speed Steel Chemical Composition

MaximumTypical
CarbonChromiumTungstenMolybdenumVanadiumCobaltAnnealedTempered
CCrWMoVCoHbHrC
1.13.91.69.51.28.2527767

M42 High Speed Steel Heat Treating

AnnealingPreheatAustenitizingQuenchTempering
TempTempTempMediumTemp
°F°F°F°F
1575/16501500/15502125/2175Salt/Oil/Atm1025/1050

M42 High Speed Steel Thermal Treatments

Heat at a rate not exceeding 400°F per hour (222°C per hour) to 1500-1600°F (816-871°C, and equalize.

Heat rapidly from the preheat.

  • Furnace: 2150-2175°F (1177-1191°C)
  • Salt: 2125-2150°F (1163-1177°C)

To maximize toughness, use the lowest temperature. To maximize hot hardness, use the highest temperature.

Pressurized gas, warm oil, or salt. For pressurized gas, a rapid quench rate to below 1000°F (538°C) is critical to obtain the desired properties. For oil, quench until black, about 900°F (482°C), then cool in still air to 150-125°F (66-51°C). For salt maintained at 1000-1100°F (538-593°C), equalize, then cool in still air to 150-125°F (66-51°C).
Temper immediately after quenching. Typical tempering range is 1025-1050°F (551-565°C). Hold at temperature for 2 hours, then air cool to ambient temperature. Triple tempering is required.

Annealing must be performed after hot working and before re-hardening

Heat at a rate not exceeding 400°F per hour (222°C per hour) to 1575-1650°F (857-899°C), and hold at temperature for 1 hour per inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, 2 hours minimum. Then cool slowly with the furnace at a rate not exceeding 50°F per hour (28°C per hour) to 1000°F (538°C). Continue cooling to ambient temperature in the furnace or in air.

NOBODY STOCKS MORE HIGH SPEED STEEL THAN GRIGGS