High-speed steel or high-speed tool steel (HSS) is a special type of tool steel that is primarily used to cut hard materials at impressive speeds. Since it is used significantly in cutting tools, it is required to be incredibly durable and hardened to perform this function. To achieve this, high-speed tool steel uses carbides as well as a plethora of alloying agents, that give them high strength and wear resistance. 

Here are 4 such alloying agents that are a part of high-speed tool steel.

Tungsten

The addition of tungsten in this alloy leads to a significant increase in material hardness. And this property becomes even more noticeable during high temperatures. The reason for this exception hardness lies in tungsten’s ability to produce stable carbides as well as refine the grain size of the material. Thus, this metal is an integral part of HSS. 

Chromium

Just like tungsten, chromium is also a major contributor to strengthening and hardening the material. However, unlike tungsten, it also improves corrosion resistance in a major way. With just a 4 percent concentration of chromium, it is observed that the toughness of HSS improves significantly at higher temperatures.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is one of the most versatile materials used in HSS, and its concentration can vary anywhere from 0.5 to 8 percent according to requirements. The major purpose of using this element is to boost the heat-resistant property of the alloy. Hence, it is often used in tandem with tungsten for the above purpose. However, molybdenum also boosts the tensile strength of the material at higher temperatures along with the hardness.

Vanadium

The grain size of the material is inversely proportional to its strength and toughness. As a result, small grain sizes are preferred for cutting tools, and to achieve this, vanadium is added to the mix, as it limits grain size. Consequently, HSS containing vanadium shows high tensile strength and durability at high temperatures and also displays impressive abrasion resistance. 

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