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M42 Steel (HSS)

M42 Steel (HSS)

M42 High-Speed Steel - Premium Tool Steel

M42 is a premium cobalt-bearing high-speed steel renowned for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature performance. This advanced tool steel combines superior cutting performance with excellent toughness, making it ideal for demanding machining applications and precision tooling where extreme durability is required.

MetalZenith's Advanced Manufacturing Excellence

MetalZenith employs state-of-the-art powder metallurgy and vacuum melting processes to produce M42 steel with exceptional uniformity and cleanliness. Our advanced heat treatment protocols ensure optimal carbide distribution and microstructural refinement, delivering superior performance in high-stress automotive manufacturing, precision tooling, and heavy-duty industrial applications.

Key Applications

  • Automotive manufacturing - cutting tools and dies
  • Building construction - structural fasteners and hardware
  • Bridge engineering - high-strength bolts and connections
  • Lifting equipment - crane components and rigging hardware
  • Pressure vessel manufacturing - specialized tooling and fixtures

Quality Assurance & Certifications

MetalZenith maintains rigorous quality control throughout M42 production, including comprehensive hardness testing, microstructural analysis, and specialized performance validation. Our M42 steel meets ASTM A600 standards and undergoes extensive testing for formability, weldability, hydrogen embrittlement resistance, and delayed fracture susceptibility, ensuring reliability in critical high-strength applications.

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20 Years Experience | 1000+ Brand Partners | Full Customization

We have 20 years of industry experience, have partnered with over 1,000 brands, and support any customization needs.

Technical Specifications

Product Overview

Metallurgical Characteristics

M42 high-speed steel features a complex microstructure with primary carbides (MC, M6C, M23C6) uniformly distributed in a martensitic matrix. The cobalt addition enhances red hardness and thermal stability, while the balanced tungsten-molybdenum system provides exceptional wear resistance and cutting performance at elevated temperatures.

Heat Treatment Process

MetalZenith employs controlled austenitizing at 1200-1220°C followed by rapid quenching and multiple tempering cycles at 540-580°C. This precise heat treatment protocol optimizes secondary hardening while maintaining dimensional stability and minimizing residual stress for critical automotive and structural applications.

Advanced Manufacturing Process

Our M42 production utilizes vacuum induction melting followed by electroslag remelting (ESR) to ensure exceptional cleanliness and homogeneity. Controlled forging and rolling operations optimize grain flow and eliminate segregation, resulting in superior mechanical properties and consistent performance across all product dimensions.

Specialized Quality Testing

MetalZenith conducts comprehensive testing protocols including formability assessment under high-stress conditions, specialized weldability evaluation for joining applications, hydrogen-induced cracking resistance testing per NACE standards, and delayed fracture analysis using sustained load testing to ensure reliability in critical high-strength applications.

Application-Specific Technical Considerations

For automotive manufacturing, M42 provides exceptional tool life in high-speed machining operations. In building construction and bridge engineering, its high strength-to-weight ratio enables lighter structural designs. For lifting equipment and pressure vessels, the superior fatigue resistance and fracture toughness ensure long-term reliability under cyclic loading conditions.

🧪 Chemical Composition

ElementComposition (%)
Carbon (C)1.05 - 1.15
Chromium (Cr)3.50 - 4.25
Molybdenum (Mo)9.00 - 10.00
Tungsten (W)1.15 - 1.85
Vanadium (V)1.00 - 1.30
Cobalt (Co)7.75 - 8.75
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.45
Manganese (Mn)≤ 0.40

⚙️ Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
Yield Strength (MPa)≥ 2400
Tensile Strength (MPa)2800 - 3200
Elongation (%)8 - 12
Impact Toughness (J)15 - 25
Fatigue Strength (MPa)1200 - 1400
Hardness (HRC)65 - 70

🔬 Physical Properties

PropertyValue
Density (g/cm3)8.25
Melting Point (°C)1420 - 1450
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)24.5
Thermal Expansion (×10??/K)10.8
Elastic Modulus (GPa)230
Poisson's Ratio0.27

📏 Product Specifications

SpecificationDetails
Available FormsBars, Rods, Plates, Tool Blanks, Custom Forgings
Diameter Range6 - 300mm
Thickness Range3 - 150mm
Length Range100 - 6000mm
Standards ComplianceASTM A600, DIN 1.3247, JIS SKH59
Heat Treatment ConditionAnnealed, Hardened & Tempered
Surface FinishGround, Machined, or As-Rolled

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Our Advantages in Processing M42 Steel (HSS)

Manufacturing Advantage 1

Advanced Powder Metallurgy Processing

MetalZenith utilizes cutting-edge powder metallurgy and vacuum induction melting to achieve superior carbide distribution and eliminate segregation in M42 steel. Our controlled atmosphere processing ensures exceptional cleanliness and uniform microstructure, delivering consistent high-strength performance across all product dimensions.

Comprehensive High-Strength Testing Protocol

Our M42 steel undergoes extensive specialized testing including formability assessment under extreme conditions, advanced weldability evaluation, hydrogen-induced cracking resistance testing, and delayed fracture analysis. This comprehensive testing ensures optimal performance in demanding automotive manufacturing and structural applications.

Manufacturing Advantage 2
Manufacturing Advantage 3

Custom Heat Treatment & Technical Support

MetalZenith provides tailored heat treatment solutions optimized for specific high-strength applications, including precision hardening cycles and tempering protocols. Our metallurgical experts offer comprehensive technical support for automotive tooling, bridge construction, and pressure vessel manufacturing requirements.

YOUR TRUSTED STEEL

MANUFACTURING PARTNER

20
Years Experience
Leading Steel Manufacturing & Distribution
1000+
Brand Partners
Trusted by Global Industry Leaders
Full
Customization
Tailored Solutions for Every Project
50M+
Tons Delivered
High-Quality Steel Products Worldwide
95%
Client Retention
Long-term Partnership Success
ISO 9001
Certified Quality
International Standards Compliance
20
Years Experience
Leading Steel Manufacturing & Distribution
1000+
Brand Partners
Trusted by Global Industry Leaders
Full
Customization
Tailored Solutions for Every Project
50M+
Tons Delivered
High-Quality Steel Products Worldwide
95%
Client Retention
Long-term Partnership Success
ISO 9001
Certified Quality
International Standards Compliance
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Industries We Serve

Professional steel solutions across major industries

Construction

High-rise Buildings • Infrastructure • Commercial Real Estate

Oil & Gas

Pipeline Systems • Storage Equipment • Refinery Facilities

Manufacturing

Precision Machinery • Industrial Equipment • Automation Systems

Automotive

Body Structure • Chassis Components • Engine Parts

Shipbuilding

Hull Structure • Marine Engineering • Port Equipment

Energy & Power

Power Generation • Transmission Towers • Renewable Energy

Aerospace

Aircraft Materials • Precision Components • Special Alloys

Railway

Track Systems • Vehicle Manufacturing • Infrastructure

Qualifications & Certifications

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