Carpenter,Four Star High Speed Steel Tube,Pipe Red-Wear® (AISI M4)

Carpenter Four Star High Speed Steel Tube Red-Wear® (AISI M4) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Carpenter Four Star High Speed Steel Tube Red-Wear® (AISI M4) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Carpenter Four Star High Speed Steel Red-Wear® (AISI M4) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Carpenter Four Star® High Speed Steel Red-Wear® (AISI M4)** ## **Premium High-Vanadium High Speed Steel for Superior Wear Resistance and Red-Hardness** --- ### **Product Overview** Carpenter Four Star® High Speed Steel Red-Wear® is a premium tungsten-molybdenum high speed steel corresponding to the AISI M4 classification, specifically engineered to deliver **exceptional wear resistance combined with excellent red-hardness**. This high-vanadium (3.75-4.50%) alloy bridges the performance gap between conventional M2 high speed steel and more expensive cobalt-bearing grades, offering superior abrasion resistance for machining abrasive materials while maintaining good toughness. Characterized by its balanced chemistry and optimized carbide distribution, Four Star Red-Wear is particularly effective in applications where tool edge retention and resistance to flank wear are critical under high-temperature cutting conditions. --- ### **Key Advantages** - **Superior Wear Resistance**: High vanadium content (3.75-4.50%) provides exceptional abrasion resistance - **Excellent Red-Hardness**: Maintains cutting hardness at elevated temperatures up to 600°C (1112°F) - **Good Toughness Balance**: Better impact resistance than higher-cobalt or higher-carbon grades - **Enhanced Edge Retention**: Superior resistance to flank and crater wear - **Good Grindability**: Better than conventional high-vanadium steels - **Cost-Effective Performance**: Provides M42-like wear resistance without cobalt premium - **Versatile Application**: Suitable for a wide range of difficult-to-machine materials - **Predictable Heat Treatment**: Reliable hardening response with proper procedures --- ### **Chemical Composition (%)** | Element | Carbon (C) | Tungsten (W) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Chromium (Cr) | Vanadium (V) | |---------|------------|--------------|-----------------|---------------|--------------| | **Content** | 1.25-1.40 | 5.25-6.00 | 4.25-5.00 | 3.75-4.50 | 3.75-4.50 | *Additional Elements:* - Cobalt (Co): ≤0.50% (typically <0.30%) - Silicon (Si): 0.20-0.45% - Manganese (Mn): 0.15-0.40% - Phosphorus (P): ≤0.030% - Sulfur (S): ≤0.030% - Nickel (Ni): ≤0.30% - Copper (Cu): ≤0.25% *Note: The high vanadium content (3.75-4.50%) promotes formation of hard MC-type vanadium carbides for exceptional wear resistance, while balanced tungsten and molybdenum provide red-hardness and secondary hardening response.* --- ### **Physical & Mechanical Properties** #### **Physical Properties** - **Density**: 8.10 g/cm³ (0.292 lb/in³) - **Melting Point**: 1420-1460°C (2590-2660°F) - **Thermal Conductivity**: 23.5 W/m·K at 20°C - **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion**: 10.8 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20-100°C) - **Modulus of Elasticity**: 215 GPa (31.2 × 10⁶ psi) - **Specific Heat**: 460 J/kg·K at 20°C - **Electrical Resistivity**: 0.35 μΩ·m at 20°C #### **Mechanical Properties** **Annealed Condition (typical):** - Hardness: 220-260 HB - Ultimate Tensile Strength: 760-900 MPa (110-131 ksi) - Yield Strength: 480-620 MPa (70-90 ksi) - Elongation: 10-15% - Reduction of Area: 25-35% - Machinability Rating: 35% (relative to 1% carbon steel, 100%) **Hardened and Tempered Condition:** - **Typical Hardness Range**: **64-66 HRC** (optimal 64-65 HRC for most applications) - Ultimate Tensile Strength: 2300-2600 MPa (334-377 ksi) - Yield Strength: 2000-2300 MPa (290-334 ksi) - Elongation: 2-4% - Reduction of Area: 8-12% - **Impact Toughness (Charpy V-notch)**: 10-15 J (7-11 ft-lb) at 65 HRC - **Compressive Strength**: 3200-3600 MPa (464-522 ksi) - Transverse Rupture Strength: 3800-4200 MPa (551-609 ksi) - **Red-Hardness**: Maintains 60 HRC at 600°C (1112°F) - **Hot Hardness at 600°C**: 850-900 HV - **Abrasion Resistance**: Approximately 30-40% better than M2 HSS at equivalent hardness **Hardenability Characteristics:** - Fully hardenable in oil or air up to 75mm (3 inches) diameter - Surface hardness of 66-67 HRC achievable on proper hardening - Through-hardness typically 1-2 HRC points lower than surface - Dimensional change: typically +0.12% to +0.20% on hardening - Good resistance to decarburization during heat treatment #### **Heat Treatment Parameters** 1. **Annealing:** - Temperature: 870-900°C (1600-1650°F) - Cooling: Slow furnace cool to 540°C (1000°F) at 15°C (25°F)/hour, then air cool - Resulting hardness: 220-260 HB - *For best machinability: Spheroidize anneal at 815-845°C (1500-1550°F)* 2. **Stress Relieving (after rough machining):** - Temperature: 650-675°C (1200-1250°F) for 1-2 hours - Air cool 3. **Preheating (CRITICAL):** - First stage: 550-650°C (1025-1200°F) - Second stage: 800-850°C (1475-1560°F) - Soak time: 30-60 minutes per inch of thickness 4. **Austenitizing:** - Temperature: **1190-1220°C (2175-2230°F)** - Soak time: 2-4 minutes per 25mm (1 inch) of thickness - *Critical: Precise temperature control essential (±5°C recommended)* - Protective atmosphere or salt bath required to prevent decarburization 5. **Quenching:** - Medium: Oil quenching for maximum hardness - Alternative: Salt bath or high-pressure gas quenching for minimal distortion - Cooling rate: Rapid cooling to 540°C (1000°F), then slower to room temperature - Cool to 50-70°C (120-160°F) before tempering 6. **Tempering:** - **Double or triple tempering MANDATORY** - Temperature: **540-580°C (1000-1075°F)** - Duration: 1-2 hours per temper, minimum 2 hours each - Between tempers: Cool to room temperature - Typical tempering response: - First temper: 64-66 HRC - Second temper: 65-67 HRC (secondary hardening peak) - Third temper: 64-66 HRC (stabilization) - *Note: Maximum hardness typically occurs after second temper due to secondary hardening* --- ### **International Standards & Cross-References** | Standard System | Designation | Notes | |----------------|-------------|-------| | **Carpenter** | Four Star® Red-Wear | Proprietary name for premium M4 steel | | **AISI** | M4 | Standard high-vanadium high speed steel | | **UNS** | T11304 | Unified Numbering System | | **ISO** | HS6-5-3-8 | ISO 4957 designation | | **European (EN)** | 1.3344 | High speed steel designation | | **German (DIN)** | 1.3344 | Standard designation | | **British (BS)** | BM4 | British specification | | **Japanese (JIS)** | SKH54 | Equivalent HSS grade | | **French (AFNOR)** | HS6-5-3-8 | French equivalent | | **Swedish (SS)** | 2724 | Swedish standard | | **Common Equivalents** | HS 6-5-3-8, Z85WDKV 06-05-04-04 | Commercial equivalents | --- ### **Typical Applications** #### **1. Metal Cutting Tools for Abrasive Materials** - **End Mills**: For machining hardened steels, stainless steels, and heat-resistant alloys - **Drills**: High-penetration drills for abrasive materials (cast iron, composites) - **Reamers**: Precision hole finishing in hardened materials - **Turning Tools**: Single-point tools for difficult-to-machine materials - **Thread Mills**: For hard materials and exotic alloys - **Broaches**: For internal splines and keyways in tough materials - **Gear Hobs and Shapers**: For cutting hardened gear materials #### **2. Forming and Stamping Tools** - **Cold Work Punches and Dies**: For high-strength, abrasive materials - **Shear Blades**: For cutting composites and reinforced materials - **Slitter Knives**: For abrasive metal coils and composites - **Thread Rolling Dies**: For hard materials #### **3. Plastic and Rubber Processing** - **Injection Mold Components**: For highly abrasive filled plastics (glass, mineral, carbon) - **Extrusion Screws and Barrels**: For filled plastic compounds - **Cutting Blades**: For trimming reinforced plastics and rubber #### **4. Woodworking Tools** - **Router Bits**: For abrasive composite materials (MDF, particleboard) - **Planer Knives**: For exotic hardwoods and engineered wood - **Saw Blades**: For cutting abrasive wood products #### **5. Specialized Industrial Tools** - **Knives and Blades**: For paper, textile, and composite material processing - **Wear Parts**: For moderate temperature abrasive applications - **Machine Components**: Where exceptional wear resistance is required --- ### **Machining & Fabrication Guidelines** #### **In Annealed Condition (220-260 HB)** - **Machinability**: Poor (35% of 1% carbon steel) - **Recommended Cutting Tools**: Carbide tools essential - **Turning Speeds**: 20-35 SFM with carbide, 8-15 SFM with HSS - **Milling Speeds**: 15-30 SFM with carbide - **Drilling Speeds**: 10-20 SFM with carbide drills - **Coolant**: Essential for extended tool life and chip control - **Chip Characteristics**: Produces short, abrasive chips; use positive rake carbide tools #### **Grinding and Finishing** - **Hardened State Grinding**: Requires careful technique due to high hardness and abrasiveness - **Wheel Selection**: Use CBN or aluminum oxide wheels (32A-46H-V) - **Grinding Parameters**: Light passes (0.005-0.015mm / 0.0002-0.0006in) with ample coolant - **Surface Finish**: Capable of achieving excellent finishes with proper technique - **Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)**: Suitable; requires post-EDM stress relief and tempering --- ### **Surface Treatment Compatibility** #### **Recommended Coatings** - **PVD Coatings**: TiN, TiCN, TiAlN, AlCrN for enhanced performance - **CVD Coatings**: TiC, TiCN for specific applications (with proper process control) - **Nitriding**: For improved surface hardness and wear resistance - **Oxide Coatings**: For improved lubrication in certain applications #### **Benefits of Coatings** - **Extended Tool Life**: 100-400% improvement with PVD coatings on abrasive materials - **Increased Cutting Speeds**: 20-50% higher speeds possible with proper coatings - **Improved Surface Finish**: Better chip flow and reduced built-up edge - **Reduced Friction**: Lower cutting forces and temperatures - **Enhanced Thermal Barrier**: Protection against heat penetration to substrate --- ### **Comparison with Other High Speed Steels** | Property | Four Star (M4) | M2 | M3:2 | M35 (5% Co) | M42 (8% Co) | |----------|---------------|----|------|-------------|-------------| | **Wear Resistance** | Excellent | Good | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent | | **Red-Hardness** | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | | **Toughness** | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | | **Maximum Hardness (HRC)** | 66-67 | 65-67 | 65-67 | 65-67 | 67-70 | | **Grindability** | Fair | Good | Fair | Fair | Poor | | **Cost Factor** | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium-High | High | | **Primary Application** | Abrasive materials | General HSS | General with better wear | General with better red-hard | Premium HSS | --- ### **Design and Manufacturing Considerations** #### **Optimal Design Practices** - **Generous Radii**: Minimum 0.8mm (0.030") on cutting edges - **Proper Clearances**: Adequate relief angles for chip clearance in abrasive materials - **Balanced Designs**: For rotating tools to minimize vibration and chatter - **Adequate Core Strength**: For tools subject to high cutting forces - **Coolant Channels**: Proper design for effective cooling in high-heat applications #### **Heat Treatment Best Practices** 1. **Proper Preheating**: Essential to prevent thermal shock and cracking 2. **Precise Austenitizing**: Critical temperature control for optimal carbide solution 3. **Adequate Quenching**: Proper medium and agitation for full hardness 4. **Multiple Tempers**: Essential for maximum hardness and stability 5. **Atmosphere Control**: Protection against decarburization and oxidation 6. **Consider Sub-Zero Treatment**: For applications requiring maximum dimensional stability #### **Common Pitfalls to Avoid** - Insufficient preheating (high risk of cracking) - Overheating during austenitizing (excessive grain growth and retained austenite) - Inadequate tempering (insufficient transformation of retained austenite) - Grinding burns (causes thermal cracking and reduced tool life) - Improper storage leading to corrosion --- ### **Economic Justification** #### **Cost-Benefit Analysis** - **Extended Tool Life**: Superior wear resistance reduces tool change frequency in abrasive applications - **Higher Productivity**: Ability to maintain higher feed rates in difficult materials - **Reduced Downtime**: Fewer tool changes and regrinding operations - **Improved Part Quality**: Better surface finishes and dimensional accuracy in abrasive machining - **Versatile Application**: One tool material for multiple difficult-to-machine materials **Typical ROI**: 3-8 months in abrasive machining operations #### **Total Cost Factors** 1. **Material Cost**: Higher than M2 but lower than cobalt-bearing grades 2. **Manufacturing Cost**: Higher due to difficult machining 3. **Heat Treatment Cost**: Complex and energy-intensive 4. **Tool Performance**: Excellent for abrasive and difficult materials 5. **Maintenance**: Requires proper grinding equipment and techniques --- ### **Industry-Specific Applications** #### **Aerospace Manufacturing** - **Component Machining**: For heat-resistant alloys (Inconel, Waspaloy) - **Composite Material Tools**: For carbon fiber and glass fiber composites - **Titanium Machining**: Drills and end mills for titanium alloys #### **Automotive Industry** - **Hard Component Machining**: For hardened gears, shafts, and bearing races - **Composite Material Processing**: For carbon fiber reinforced components - **High-Volume Production**: Tools for abrasive cast iron components #### **Mold and Die Industry** - **Hard Mold Machining**: For hardened steel molds (45-55 HRC) - **Abrasive Plastic Molds**: For glass-filled and mineral-filled plastics - **Die Maintenance Tools**: For repairing and maintaining production dies #### **Energy Sector** - **Oil and Gas Tools**: For drilling and completion equipment components - **Power Generation**: Turbine component machining and maintenance - **Renewable Energy**: Wind turbine component manufacturing --- ### **Technical Specifications & Quality Assurance** #### **Quality Standards** - **Micro-Cleanliness**: Meets or exceeds ASTM E45 requirements - **Carbide Distribution**: Uniform, fine carbide structure - **Decarburization**: Controlled to minimum levels - **Hardness Uniformity**: Consistent through specified sections - **Dimensional Tolerances**: Available to precision standards #### **Available Forms** - **Round Bars**: 3mm to 150mm diameter - **Flat Bars**: Various thicknesses and widths - **Tool Blanks**: Pre-cut for specific tool types - **Sheets and Plates**: For larger tool components - **Wire**: For special applications - **Forgings**: Custom shapes and sizes #### **Certification** - Mill test certificates with full chemical analysis - Hardness and microstructure reports - Microcleanliness ratings (ASTM E45) - Traceability to heat and melt numbers - Compliance with international standards --- ### **Safety and Environmental Considerations** #### **Material Safety** - Contains tungsten, vanadium, and other alloying elements - Grinding dust requires proper ventilation and collection - Material safety data sheets available - Standard metalworking precautions apply #### **Regulatory Compliance** - ROHS compliant - REACH registered - Conforms to international environmental standards --- ### **Conclusion** Carpenter Four Star® High Speed Steel Red-Wear® (AISI M4) represents a specialized solution in the high speed steel family, offering exceptional wear resistance for machining abrasive and difficult-to-cut materials. Its high vanadium content provides superior abrasion resistance while maintaining the red-hardness characteristics essential for high-speed metal cutting operations. **Key Advantages Summary:** 1. **Exceptional Wear Resistance**: Superior abrasion resistance for abrasive materials 2. **Excellent Red-Hardness**: Maintains cutting ability at high temperatures 3. **Good Toughness Balance**: Better impact resistance than cobalt-bearing grades 4. **Cost-Effective Performance**: Premium wear resistance without cobalt premium 5. **Proven Reliability**: Established performance in demanding applications For manufacturers and toolmakers facing challenges with premature tool wear in abrasive machining operations, Four Star Red-Wear provides a reliable solution that bridges the performance gap between conventional M2 and premium cobalt-bearing HSS grades. While requiring careful heat treatment and application, its performance advantages in wear-critical applications consistently justify its specification. When the application demands a high speed steel that offers superior wear resistance for machining abrasive materials while maintaining good toughness and red-hardness, Carpenter Four Star Red-Wear stands as the engineered solution backed by Carpenter's metallurgical expertise and quality assurance. --- *For specific application recommendations, heat treatment guidelines, or technical assistance, consult with Carpenter Technology's technical services team. Always refer to the latest technical data sheets for current specifications and processing recommendations.* -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Carpenter Four Star High Speed Steel Red-Wear® (AISI M4) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6943 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Carpenter Four Star High Speed Steel Red-Wear® (AISI M4) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Carpenter Four Star High Speed Steel Tube Red-Wear® (AISI M4) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Carpenter Four Star High Speed Steel Tube Red-Wear® (AISI M4) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Carpenter Four Star High Speed Steel Tube Red-Wear® (AISI M4) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Tube drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 3414 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition