M4 Molybdenum (UNS T11304) High-Speed Tool Steel

Topics Covered

Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Other Designations
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
     Machinability
     Heat Treatment
     Hot Work
     Cold Work
     Annealing
     Tempering
Applications

Introduction

High-speed tool steels are broadly classified into molybdenum high-speed steels and tungsten high-speed steels. The molybdenum high-speed steels are also referred to as Group M steels. In the United States, Group M forms 95% or more of all manufactured high-speed steels. Both the high-speed tool steel types have equal performance but the molybdenum high-speed steels have relatively lower initial cost. To improve performance and tool life, tools made of high-speed tool steel can be coated with titanium carbide, titanium nitride, and other coatings using the physical vapor deposition process.

There are many types of molybdenum high-speed steels. Except M6, M1 to M10 contain some tungsten, but none of them have cobalt. The M4 steel has a 1.3% level of carbon content, which is relatively higher than the rest. It has better hardness and superior wear resistance, but low toughness.

Chemical Composition

The following table shows the chemical composition of M4 steels.

Element Content (%)
Fe Balance
C 1.25-1.40
Mn 0.15-0.40
Si 0.20-0.45
Cr 3.75-4.75
Ni 0.3
Mo 4.25-5.50
W 5.25-6.50
V 3.75-4.50
Cu 0.25
P 0.03
S 0.03

Physical Properties

The physical properties of M4 steels are outlined in the following table.

Physical properties Metric Imperial
Density 7.97 g/cm3 0.288 lb/in3
Melting point 1427 °C 2600°F

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of M4 steels are tabulated below.

Mechanical properties Metric Imperial
Hardness, Rockwell C (tempered at 1200°F) 59.0 - 61.0 59.0 - 61.0
Hardness, Rockwell C (as hardened) 64.0 - 65.0 64.0 - 65.0
Izod impact unnotched (when tempered at 900°F) 47.0 J 34.7 ft-lb
Abrasion (loss in mm3 , tested at 1000°F; ASTM G65) 20.2 20.2
Abrasion (loss in mm3, tested at 1175°F; ASTM G65) 28.4 28.4
Poisson's ratio 0.27-0.30 -
Elastic modulus 190-210 GPa 27557-30458 ksi

Thermal Properties

The following table shows the thermal properties of M4 steels.

Thermal properties Conditions
T (°C) Treatment
Thermal expansion 9.5 x 10-6/ºC 20-260 -

Other Designations

Analyze Your Metals | Request a Quote

Other designations that are equivalent to AISI M4 molybdenum high-speed tool steels include:

  • ASTM A600
  • FED QQ-T-590
  • SAE J437
  • SAE J438
  • UNS T11304

Fabrication and Heat Treatment

Machinability

The machinability of M4 steels is comparatively low rating about 40% than that of water hardening tool steels which are much easier to machine.

Heat Treatment

M4 steels can be preheated at 788°C (1450°F) and then rapidly heated to 1218°C (2224°F) for 3-5 minutes followed by oil, salt bath or air quenching process.

Hot Work

It is better if the M4 steel is not hot forged.

Cold Work

Conventional methods can be applied for the cold working process with the alloy in the annealed condition.

Annealing

M4 steels should be annealed at 885°C (1625°F) followed by a slow furnace cool at -13.77°C (7.2°F) per hour or less.

Tempering

The tempering process can be carried out at 566°C (1051°F) to realize a Rockwell C hardness of 62 to 66.

Applications

M4 molybdenum high-speed tool steels are suitable for all types of cutting tools used in machining operations.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this article?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.