Standards : X100CrMoV5

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Total Weight: 0.00 kg
Element Content (%)
Carbon (C)1.05 – 1.15
Tungsten (W)1.15 – 1.85
Molybdenum (Mo)9.0 – 10.0
Chromium (Cr)3.50 – 4.50
Vanadium (V)1.10 – 1.30
Cobalt (Co)7.75 – 8.75
Manganese (Mn)0.15 – 0.40
Silicon (Si)0.15 – 0.65
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.03
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.03

Grade Brief

M42 is a premium cobalt-bearing high-speed tool steel characterized by superior hot hardness, wear resistance, and cutting performance. It is especially suitable for machining high-strength steels, hardened alloys, and heat-resistant superalloys. With its high cobalt content, M42 retains hardness at elevated temperatures, making it a preferred grade for heavy-duty, high-speed cutting tools.

Mode of Supply

Kuber Multi Metals is the largest stockiest and supplier of M42 Steel in flat, square and round bar. We provide steel in all sizes as your requirements. M42 die steel is available in flat, square and round shape. Consult our team who will assist you for M42 steel query.

P20-Round
ROUND
SQUARE
P20-Flat
FLAT

Steel Properties

High-carbon, high-speed steel based on molybdenum. Characterized by high wear resistance, red hardness and toughness. As a result of its low vanadium content, this grade exhibits good grindability.

Mechanical Properties
Property Value
Hardness (Annealed)~ 269 HB max
Hardness (After Hardening & Tempering)68 – 70 HRC
Tensile Strength (Typical, tempered)3,000 – 3,400 MPa
Compressive StrengthExcellent
Wear ResistanceVery High
Red Hardness (Hot Hardness)Outstanding (better than M2 & M35)
ToughnessModerate (lower than M2, higher than T15)

Physical Properties

These physical properties are approximate values and can vary depending on the specific composition , heat treatment and manufacturing processes used for M42/DIN 3247/AISI M42 steel.

Physical & Thermal Properties
Property Value
Density 8.14 g/cm³
Machinability 35% - 40% of 1% Carbon steel
Thermal Conductivity 27.187 W/m °C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 11.8 × 10⁻⁶ /°C

Heat Treatment & Processes

  1. Annealing
    • Heat to 850 – 900°C
    • Hold at temperature, then furnace cool slowly at a rate ≤ 10°C per hour
    • Final hardness: ≤ 269 HB
  2. Stress Relieving
    • Heat to 600 – 700°C, hold for 1–2 hours, then air cool
  3. Hardening
    • Preheat in two stages:
      • First preheat: 450 – 500°C
      • Second preheat: 850 – 900°C
    • Austenitize at 1180 – 1230°C (depending on section size)
    • Protect from decarburization
  4. Quenching
    • Oil quench, salt bath, or positive-pressure gas quench
  5. Tempering
    • Temper immediately after quenching
    • Typical tempering temperature: 540 – 560°C
    • Double or triple temper recommended (2 hours minimum each cycle)
Achieves 68 – 70 HRC

Application

Twist drills, taps, reamers, End mills, gear cutters, broaches, Forming and punching tools, Metal saw blades, Cutting tools for aerospace alloys, stainless steels, and hardened materials, High-performance machining in oil & gas and power generation industries

Conclusion

M42 Super High-Speed Steel (HSSE-Co) is a superior grade of cobalt-alloyed, offering superior red hardness, wear resistance, and cutting performance at high temperatures. M42 is ideal for machining high-strength steels, superalloys, and hardened materials, and demands long tool life in tough industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, and power generation. Its high hardness (6870 HRC) and longevity have led to its use as the material of choice for high-end cutting tools: drills, taps, end mills, and saw blades.

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