Tool Steel M3 Type 1

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

Commonly employed in broaches and form tools.

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

All hardening should take place in a controlled atmosphere furnace or in a properly rectified salt bath. Preheat work to 1500 F. If salt bath hardened, austenitize at 2200 F; if furnace hardened, a temperature of 2250 F is recommended. Soak slightly at hardening temperature to obtain maximum hardness.

Machinability

M3 type 1 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 1 is a tungsten-vanadium high speed tool steel designed to present a good balance of wear resistance and grindability.

Tempering Procedure

Temper at 1020-1050 F for maximum hardness and tooling performance.

Weldability

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