Crucible Steel Flange,REX® M4 High Speed Steel Flange

1,We Manufacturing processes are primarily classified into four types: 1:Forging, 2:Casting, 3:Cutting, 4:Rolling. 2,We can manufacture in accordance with these standards. Standards: GB Series (Chinese Standards), JB Series (Machinery Standards), HG Series (Chemical Industry Standards), ASME B16.5 (American Standards), BS4504 (British Standards), DIN (German Standards), and JIS (Japanese Standards). Internationally, there are two primary systems of pipe flange standards: the European system, represented by the German DIN standards (including those of the former Soviet Union), and the American system, represented by the US ANSI pipe flange standards. Other common standards include: the Chinese Ministry of Machinery Industry standards (JB series), the Ministry of Chemical Industry standards (HG series), the Chinese National Standard *GB/T 9112–9124-2010 Steel Pipe Flanges*, as well as US standards (ASME B16.5), British standards (BS4504), German standards (DIN), Japanese standards (JIS), and marine standards (CBM), among others. The nominal pressure ratings for the PN series are designated by "PN" and comprise the following nine levels: PN2.5, PN6, PN10, PN16, PN25, PN40, PN63, PN100, and PN160. The nominal pressure ratings for the Class series are designated by "Class" and comprise the following six levels: Class150, Class300, Class600, Class900, Class1500, and Class2500. Flange Classification 1. **According to Chemical Industry Standards:** Flanges are classified as follows: Plate Flat Welding Flange (PL), Necked Flat Welding Flange (SO), Necked Butt Welding Flange (WN), Integral Flange (IF), Socket Welding Flange (SW), Threaded Flange (Th), Butt Welding Ring Loose Flange (PJ/SE), Blind Flange (BL), Flat Welding Ring Loose Flange (PJ/PJ), and Lined Blind Flange (BL(s)). 2. **According to Petrochemical (SH) Industry Standards:** Flanges are classified as follows: Threaded Flange (PL), Butt Welding Flange (WN), Flat Welding Flange (SO), Socket Welding Flange (SW), Loose Flange (LJ), and Blind Flange (no specific designation). 3. **According to Machinery (JB) Industry Standards:** Flanges are classified as follows: Integral Flange, Butt Welding Flange, Plate Flat Welding Flange, Butt Welding Ring Plate Loose Flange, Flat Welding Ring Plate Loose Flange, Lap Joint Ring Plate Loose Flange, and Blind Flange. 4. **According to Connection Method/Type:** Flanges are classified as follows: Plate Flat Welding Flange, Necked Flat Welding Flange, Necked Butt Welding Flange, Socket Welding Flange, Threaded Flange, Blind Flange, Necked Butt Welding Ring Loose Flange, Flat Welding Ring Loose Flange, Ring-Type Joint (RTJ) Flange and Blind Flange, Large-Diameter Plate Flange, Large-Diameter High-Neck Flange, Figure-8 Blind Plate, Butt Welding Ring Loose Flange, etc. 5. **According to the Component Being Connected:** Flanges can be classified into Vessel Flanges and Pipe Flanges. 6. **According to Structural Type:** Flanges include Integral Flanges, Threaded Flanges, Flat Welding Flanges, Butt Welding Flanges, Lap Joint (Loose/Swivel) Flanges, and Blind Flanges. A flange—also referred to as a flange plate or rim—is a component used to connect shafts to one another, or, more commonly, to join the ends of pipes. Flanges are also utilized at the inlet and outlet ports of equipment to facilitate connections between two devices—for instance, the flange on a speed reducer. A "flange connection" or "flanged joint" refers to a detachable joint assembly comprising three interconnected elements—a flange, a gasket, and bolts—that together form a sealed structural unit. In the context of piping systems, a "pipe flange" specifically denotes a flange used for plumbing within the installation; when applied to equipment, it refers to the inlet or outlet flange of that specific device. Flanges feature a series of holes through which bolts are inserted to securely fasten the two flanges together, while a gasket placed between the flanges ensures a leak-proof seal. Flanges are broadly categorized into three types: threaded (screw-in) flanges, welded flanges, and clamp-type flanges. Flanges are invariably used in pairs; threaded flanges are suitable for low-pressure piping applications, whereas welded flanges are required for systems operating at pressures exceeding 4 kilograms per square centimeter. A sealing gasket is inserted between the two flange plates, which are then firmly secured using bolts. The thickness of a flange—as well as the specifications of the bolts used to fasten it—vary depending on the specific pressure rating required for the application. When connecting equipment such as water pumps or valves to piping systems, the corresponding connection points on these devices are often manufactured in the shape of a matching flange; this method of attachment is also referred to as a "flange connection." Generally, any connecting component that utilizes bolts to join and seal the perimeters of two flat surfaces—such as the joints in ventilation ducts—is termed a "flange"; such components may collectively be classified as "flange-type parts." However, since such a connection often constitutes merely a *portion* of a larger device—for instance, the interface between a flange and a water pump—it would be inappropriate to classify the entire water pump itself as a "flange-type part." Conversely, smaller components—such as valves—that feature such flanged interfaces may indeed be appropriately categorized as "flange-type parts." -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Crucible Steel Flange REX® M4 High Speed Steel Flange Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Crucible Steel Flange REX® M4 High Speed Steel Flange Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Crucible Steel REX® M4 High Speed Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: Crucible REX® M4 High Speed Steel** Crucible REX® M4 is a premium, conventional ingot-cast high-speed steel that conforms to the AISI M4 specification. It represents a high-performance workhorse grade within the M-series, renowned for its **excellent balance of high wear resistance, good hot hardness (red hardness), and better toughness than many other high-vanadium, high-speed steels**. Positioned between the standard M2 and the more alloyed T15 types, REX M4 delivers enhanced capability for demanding machining and cold work applications where tools face both abrasive wear and moderate thermal loads. Manufactured using Crucible's specialized melting and rolling practices, REX M4 provides a quality alternative to standard M2 with a deliberate increase in carbon and vanadium content. This results in a higher volume of hard vanadium carbides, significantly boosting wear resistance. While not produced via the particle metallurgy (PM) process like its "CPM M4" counterpart, REX M4 is a reliable, cost-effective choice for applications that benefit from its upgraded chemistry but do not require the ultimate in isotropic toughness and grindability offered by PM versions. --- ## **1. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** REX M4 adheres to the AISI M4 specification, characterized by higher carbon and vanadium than standard M2. | **Element** | **Carbon (C)** | **Tungsten (W)** | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | **Chromium (Cr)** | **Vanadium (V)** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Content** | **1.30 - 1.40** | 5.25 - 6.00 | 4.25 - 5.00 | 3.75 - 4.50 | **4.00 - 4.50** | | **Role** | Increased carbon (vs. M2) enables the formation of more vanadium and molybdenum carbides, enhancing wear resistance and achievable hardness. | Contributes to hot hardness, abrasion resistance, and secondary hardening. | Primary agent for hardenability and hot hardness; more efficient than tungsten. Provides good toughness. | Ensures deep hardenability and provides some oxidation resistance. | **Key differentiator from M2.** High vanadium content (4.0-4.5%) forms a substantial volume of extremely hard vanadium carbides (VC), providing **superior abrasion resistance**. | *Note: Iron (Fe) constitutes the remainder. Cobalt is not a standard component of M4.* --- ## **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** *Typical properties after proper heat treatment to 62-65 HRC.* * **Density:** ~8.10 g/cm³ (0.292 lb/in³) * **Modulus of Elasticity:** ~215 GPa (31.2 x 10⁶ psi) * **Thermal Conductivity:** Moderate for a high-speed steel. * **Hot Hardness (Red Hardness):** **Very Good.** Maintains hardness well at elevated temperatures (above 500°C / 930°F), though slightly lower than cobalt-bearing grades like M42. Suitable for high-speed machining operations. * **Hardness (Typical Working Range):** **61 - 66 HRC.** Most commonly used at **63-65 HRC**. * **Abrasion Resistance:** **Excellent.** Significantly better than M2 and approaching that of some premium cold work steels, thanks to its high vanadium carbide content. A primary reason for selecting M4 over M2. * **Toughness:** **Good for its wear resistance level.** Offers higher toughness than more highly alloyed high-speed steels (like T15) and many high-carbon, high-chromium cold work steels (like D2). However, its toughness is lower than M2 and is anisotropic (direction-dependent) due to the carbide banding inherent in ingot-cast material. * **Grindability:** **Fair to Difficult.** The high volume of hard vanadium carbides makes grinding more challenging than for M2, requiring appropriate wheels and techniques to avoid burning. --- ## **3. Heat Treatment** Proper heat treatment is crucial to achieve the optimal balance of hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. * **Annealing:** Heat to 870-900°C (1600-1650°F), slow cool. Annealed hardness: 240-280 HB. * **Stress Relieving:** 650-675°C (1200-1250°F), hold, then slow cool. * **Preheating:** **Critical.** Use a double preheat: First at 540-650°C (1000-1200°F), then at 815-870°C (1500-1600°F). * **Austenitizing:** **1175-1220°C (2150-2230°F).** A common range is **1190-1205°C (2175-2200°F)**. Higher temperatures increase wear resistance and hot hardness but reduce toughness. * **Quenching:** Air quench, salt bath quench, or controlled gas quench. Oil quenching can be used for complex shapes but increases distortion risk. * **Tempering:** **Mandatory Multiple Tempers.** Temper immediately after quenching. **Minimum of two tempers** (three are often recommended), each for 2 hours. **Typical tempering range: 540-595°C (1000-1100°F).** Exhibits a strong secondary hardening response. * **Sub-Zero Treatment:** Commonly recommended between quenching and tempering to transform retained austenite, improving dimensional stability and maximizing hardness. --- ## **4. Key Applications** REX M4 is selected for demanding applications requiring better wear resistance than M2 can provide. * **High-Performance Cutting Tools:** Gear hobs, broaches, milling cutters (end mills), form tools, and reamers for machining abrasive materials like stainless steels, high-temperature alloys, and cast irons. * **Punches and Dies for Cold Work:** Tooling for cold forming, stamping, and fine blanking of abrasive or high-strength materials. * **Woodworking Tools:** Premium planer knives and router bits for hard or processed woods. * **Roll Forming & Thread Rolling:** Rolls for forming hard wires and rods. * **Wear Parts:** Components requiring a combination of hardness and moderate toughness under sliding wear conditions. --- ## **5. International Standards & Cross-References** Crucible REX M4 conforms to the AISI M4 specification. * **AISI/SAE:** **M4** * **UNS:** T11304 * **European (EN):** HS 2-9-2-5 / **1.3344** * **Japanese (JIS):** **SKH54** * **ISO:** HS2-9-2 * **Common Trade Names:** M4 HSS, High Speed Steel M4. *(Note: "REX M4" is Crucible's brand name for its conventional M4 product. "CPM M4" is their particle metallurgy version, which offers improved properties.)* --- ## **6. Advantages & Limitations** **Advantages:** * **Enhanced Wear Resistance over M2:** The primary benefit, offering longer tool life in abrasive conditions. * **Good Hot Hardness:** Maintains cutting edge integrity at high speeds. * **Better Toughness than Higher-Alloy Alternatives:** More resistant to chipping than T15 or some cold work steels. * **Cost-Effective Performance Upgrade:** Provides a significant step up from M2 without the cost of cobalt grades or PM processing. **Limitations (vs. CPM M4 and other PM grades):** * **Lower and Direction-Dependent Toughness:** Transverse toughness is significantly lower than longitudinal due to carbide banding, increasing risk of chipping in certain orientations. * **Poorer Grindability:** More difficult to grind than PM M4, with higher risk of grinding burns. * **Less Consistent Microstructure:** Potential for variation in carbide size and distribution compared to homogeneous PM steels. * **Limited to Ingot-Cast Capabilities:** Cannot match the isotropic properties, supreme toughness, and ease of grinding of CPM M4. --- ## **7. Summary** **Crucible REX® M4 is a high-performance, ingot-cast high-speed steel that delivers a proven upgrade over the ubiquitous M2 for applications demanding greater wear resistance.** It occupies a vital niche, offering a tangible increase in tool life for machining and forming abrasive materials, backed by the reliability of a well-understood AISI grade. While powder metallurgy versions like CPM M4 offer superior consistency and toughness, REX M4 remains a highly capable and cost-effective solution for a wide range of demanding industrial tooling applications where its enhanced wear resistance can be fully leveraged. It is the toolmaker's choice when standard M2 wears out too quickly, but the application or budget does not justify a premium PM steel. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Crucible Steel REX® M4 High Speed Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6975 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. -: Crucible Steel REX® M4 High Speed Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Crucible Steel Flange REX® M4 High Speed Steel Flange -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Crucible Steel Flange REX® M4 High Speed Steel Flange -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Crucible Steel Flange REX® M4 High Speed Steel Flange -:- 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 Flange 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 3446 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