Performance comparison between W18 and M2 high-speed steel

W18Cr4V, commonly known as W18, is a tungsten high speed steel known for its excellent hardness, hot hardness and high temperature hardness. The steel contains high levels of tungsten and chromium, as well as vanadium, which together provide excellent wear resistance and red-hardness, and remain sharp even at elevated temperatures.W18Cr4V has a hardness range of 62-65 HRC, a flexural strength of 3.0-3.4 GPa, and a hardness at 600°C of 48.5 HRC.

M2 high-speed steel is a tungsten-molybdenum high-speed steel, favoured for its good machinability. Its hardness ranges from 63-66 HRC, flexural strength is 3.5-4.0 GPa, and hardness at 600°C is 47-48 HRC. Because it contains a high proportion of molybdenum and tungsten, it maintains a high level of hardness while possessing good thermoplasticity and toughness, and it is suitable for the manufacture of hot-forming tools and impact-resistant, structurally weak tools.

Welcome to My Blog!

Before we dive into the content, I’d love for you to join me on my social media platforms where I share more insights, engage with the community, and post updates. Here’s how you can connect with me:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087990137347

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/89825762/admin/dashboard/

YouTube:www.youtube.com/@carbonsteelsupply-kj9lw

TikTok:www.tiktok.com/@carbonsteelsupply

Now, let’s get started on our journey together. I hope you find the content here insightful, engaging, and valuable.

Введение

W18Cr4V, commonly known as W18, is a tungsten high speed steel known for its excellent hardness, hot hardness and high temperature hardness. The steel contains high levels of tungsten and chromium, as well as vanadium, which together provide excellent wear resistance and red-hardness, and remain sharp even at elevated temperatures.W18Cr4V has a hardness range of 62-65 HRC, a flexural strength of 3.0-3.4 GPa, and a hardness at 600°C of 48.5 HRC.

M2 high-speed steel is a tungsten-molybdenum high-speed steel, favoured for its good machinability. Its hardness ranges from 63-66 HRC, flexural strength is 3.5-4.0 GPa, and hardness at 600°C is 47-48 HRC. Because it contains a high proportion of molybdenum and tungsten, it maintains a high level of hardness while possessing good thermoplasticity and toughness, and it is suitable for the manufacture of hot-forming tools and impact-resistant, structurally weak tools.

Chemical Composition

W18 and M2

-W18Cr4V(W18):

C: 0.7%-0.8%

W: 17.5%-19%

Cr: 3.80%-4.4%

V : 1.0%-1.4%

Si : < 0.4%

Mn: < 0.4%

Mo: < 0.3%

-M2:

C: 0.80%~0.90%

Si: 0.20%~0.45%

Mn: 0.15%~0.40%

S: ≤0.030%

P: ≤0.030%

Cr: 3.80%~4.40%

V: 1.75%~2.20%

Mo: 4.50%~5.50%

W: 5.50%~6.75% 

Contrast on W18Cr4V and M2 steel

-Common Point:

The both steel grades are belong to high speed steel, and have high hardness, high wear resistance and good hot hardness, commonly used in manufacturing kinds of cutting machine and mould equipment.

Difference:

-W18Cr4V (W18) is a tungsten high-speed steel, while M2 is a tungsten-molybdenum high-speed steel.

-M2 has better thermoplasticity and toughness than W18Cr4V, making it more suitable for bearing impact and making large tools.

W18Cr4V has slightly higher heat resistance and hardness than M2, making it suitable for high-temperature cutting. 

W18Cr4V and M2 application scenarios:

-W18Cr4V (W18): Suitable for manufacturing high-speed cutting tools such as turning tools, drills, milling cutters, reamers, and dies, taps, reamer, wire drawing dies, saw blades, etc.

-M2 high-speed steel: Suitable for manufacturing twist drills, reamers, milling cutters, broaches, taps and dies, saws, cold working dies, etc. 

How to choose between W18Cr4V and M2?

When choosing between W18 or M2 high-speed steel, the following factors should be considered: 

-Hardness and toughness of the material being processed: M2 may be a better choice for materials with higher hardness or that need to withstand greater impact loads.

Heat treatment requirements: If better thermoplasticity is required, M2 is more suitable.

-Cost-effectiveness: W18Cr4V may cost more, but its performance advantages may make up for the cost difference in some applications.

-Tool design and size: W18Cr4V may be more suitable for small or complex-shaped tools; while M2 may be better for large tools or tools that withstand greater impact forces.

Conclusion:W18 and M2

-When selecting W18Cr4V (W18) and M2 high-speed steel, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the specific application scenarios of the tool, the characteristics of the processing material, and cost-effectiveness. W18Cr4V, with its excellent hardness and heat resistance, is suitable for high-speed cutting and high-temperature operating environments, while M2, with its good thermoplasticity and toughness, is suitable for withstanding large impact loads and making large tools. The right choice can significantly improve production efficiency and tool life, and reduce costs.

ЧАСТО ЗАДАВАЕМЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ

  1. What is the main difference between W18 and M2 high speed steel?    

-W18Cr4V (W18) is a tungsten high-speed steel with higher hardness and heat resistance for high-temperature cutting, while M2 is a tungsten-molybdenum high-speed steel with better thermoplasticity and toughness for bearing impact loads.

2. What should be the priority when selecting HSS?

The hardness and toughness of the material to be machined, heat treatment requirements, cost-effectiveness, and tool design and size should be considered.

3. What is the difference between the heat treatment properties of W18 and M2 HSS?

-W18Cr4V has a heat treatable hardness of 62-65 HRC, while M2 has a hardness of 63-66 HRC. M2 has better thermoplasticity and toughness because it contains molybdenum.

4. Which HSS is more suitable for making impact resistant tools?

-M2 HSS has good toughness and thermoplasticity and is more suitable for making impact resistant tools.

5. Is there a big cost difference between W18 and M2 HSS?

-Yes, there is a cost difference, but the exact difference depends on factors such as market supply and demand, material purity and processing difficulty. In general, W18Cr4V can be slightly more expensive, but in some applications the performance advantages may make up for the cost difference.

Поделитесь с друзьями

Адрес.

Яньчжоу, экономическая зона, Цзинин, Китай

Электронная почта.

Тел.