Tool Steel M3/2

Annealing Procedure

Enclose the work in tool steel wrap. Heat completely through 1550 F for 1 hour per inch of thickness and furnace cool.

Applications

A variety of cutting tools including broaches, taps, reamers, milling cutters and end mills have been produced from this alloy.

Forgeability

Proper practice includes preheating to 1500 F. Once fully soaked at temperature, raise slowly to 2000 F and begin forging. Do not work below 1750 F.

Formability

Not applicable.

Hardening Procedure

Preheat to 1600 F, soak thoroughly and furnace cool through 1100 F, then air cool.

Heat Treatability

Stress relieve at 1200 F and air cool.

Machinability

M3 type 2 is classified as a "medium" machinability tool steel in the annealed condition. It may be shaped by grinding but is relatively poor in regard to capability of being ground. Its machinability rating is 50% as compared to the W group water hardening tool steels which are relatively easily machined.

Principle Design Features

M3 Type 2 is a tungsten moly high speed tool steel designed to provide the great wear resistance required for severe cutting operations.

Tempering Procedure

Temper immediately follow quenching. A variety of hardness values can be obtained through specified tempering temperatures, however the alloy is most commonly tempered at 1050 F. Triple tempering is strongly recommended.

Weldability

Consult the alloy supplier for information on the advisability of welding.