Niobium-Alloyed high speed steel by powder metallurgy

A philosophy for the use of strong carbide formers like niobium in high speed steels is described. It follows the concept of independently optimizing the compositions of the matrix (for maximum secondary hardening potential) and the volume fraction of the blocky carbides (for protection against abrasive wear). Normally, the two are interdependent through the action of the solidification equilibria, but separate control becomes possible when the blocky carbides are formed by a strong carbide former such as niobium. During normal ingot solidification, such strong carbide formers would produce very large primary carbides. This can be avoided by atomization and powder metallurgical processing. In this way, a steel has been produced whose matrix composition is similar to that of AISI M2, and whose primary carbides are all of NbC type. Its composition is 1.3C, 2W, 3Mo, 1.6V, 3.2Nb (wt pct). Because of its high stability, NbC is a much more effective obstacle to grain growth than the normal high speed steel carbides, and this allows substantially higher austenitization temperatures to be used. Despite its leaner composition, the Nb-alloyed steel matches the cutting performance of AISI M2, and its secondary hardening seems to be more persistent at high temperatures.