High-Speed Steel Vs Tungsten Steel

High-Speed Steel vs. Tungsten Steel, what is the difference? If you are seeking an answer to this question, you have reached the correct location. This article examines the differences between high-speed steel and tungsten steel.

High-Speed Steel vs. Tungsten Steel

What is High-Speed Steel?

High-speed steel (HSS) is a tool steel that exhibits high hardness, wear resistance and heat resistance. HSS is a complex alloy steel that contains carbide-forming elements such as Wolfram, Molybdän, Chrom, Vanadium and Kobalt. The total alloy content ranges from 10% to 25%.

HSS is used to manufacture complex thin blades and impact-resistant metal cutting tools. It is also employed for high-temperature bearings and cold forming dies. Examples include turning tools, drills, milling cutters and machine saw blades. HSS retains high hardness during high-speed cutting at approximately 500 °C, a property known as red hardness.

After quenching and tempering at low temperature, carbon tool steel achieves high hardness at room temperature. However, its hardness declines substantially when temperatures exceed 200 °C. At 500 °C, its hardness nearly reverts to the annealed state and its metal cutting capability is entirely lost. Consequently, carbon tool steel is limited in cutting applications. High-speed steel overcomes these issues by maintaining hardness at elevated temperatures.

What is Tungsten Steel?

Tungsten steel (hard alloy) exhibits high hardness, wear resistance, strength, toughness, heat resistance and corrosion resistance. Its hardness and wear resistance remain stable at 500 °C, and notable hardness is retained at 1000 °C.

The main components of tungsten steel are tungsten carbide and cobalt, which constitute 99% of its material composition. The remaining 1% comprises other metals. Tungsten steel is used in the manufacture of turning tools, milling cutters, drills and similar components. The cutting speed achieved with tungsten steel is one hundred times that of carbon steel.

Tungsten steel is a sintered composite material that contains at least one type of metal carbide. Common constituents include tungsten carbide, cobalt carbide, niobium carbide, titanium carbide and tantalum carbide. The grain size of the carbide usually ranges between 0.2 and 10 µm, and the carbide grains are cemented by metallic binders. These binders are typically iron-group metals, with cobalt and nickel being most common. Consequently, tungsten–cobalt alloys, tungsten–nickel alloys and tungsten–titanium–cobalt alloys are produced.

The sintering process involves pressing the powder into a blank. The blank is then heated in a sinter furnace to a specific temperature, held for a designated time and subsequently cooled. This process yields tungsten steel with the required properties.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this article. We trust the information provided clarifies the differences between high-speed steel and tungsten steel. For further details on tungsten and tungsten alloys, please visit Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).

Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) has over 20 years’ experience in manufacturing and supplying tungsten and tungsten alloys. It offers tungsten products that meet both research and development and production requirements. We are confident that SAM will prove to be a reliable supplier and business partner for tungsten products.