When it comes to the making of cutting tools such as drill bits and gear cutters, high-alloy steel, containing persistent hardness and high proficiency in maintaining the cutting edge, can make a significant difference. Now, if it’s choosing between high-speed steel and carbon steel, it is certain that opting for high-speed steel would provide exceptional benefits in terms of strength and high hardness. In fact, most manufacturers have stopped using high-carbon steel for cutting edges; instead, they prefer high-speed steel with an exceptional chemical composition, which is effective for maintaining the sharpness of cutting tools.
In this blog post, you’ll be introduced to a specific explanation of high-speed steel and high-carbon steel, along with the different points indicating which one would be the better choice!
First, understand high-speed steel!
- These are manufactured with the inclusion of carbon along with tungsten, chromium and cobalt for withstanding high-temperature environments.
- Due to their effective hardness, including 62-67 HRC, these are considered best for the making of cutting tools for different industrial uses.
- Different workshop equipment, such as power saw blades and machining tools such as gear cutters, are included in the applications of high-speed steel.
Now, let’s get brief about high carbon steel.
- Carbon and manganese combination results in hardening the surface of the cutting tools.
- It includes chromium content, due to which it cannot be rust-protected if left unused.
- Knives, drill bits and industrial equipment such as punches and dies are manufactured with this type of steel; however, the speed is quite low compared to high-speed steel.
Here’s the point reflecting the comparison between high-speed steel and high-carbon steel!
As mentioned above, high-speed steel is a better option than high-carbon steel in terms of maintaining hardness even at high temperatures, resulting in an accurate cutting process. In order to get more detailed information about the comparison factors between the two, go through the following points:-
- Heat resistance
High carbon steel:-
These steels can’t maintain their hardness and strength at much lower temperatures, such as 250 to 350 degrees Celsius, making them incapable of processing at high temperatures. Using such steels beyond the lower temperature can result in premature failure.
High speed steel:-
This type of steel maintains its hardness and resistance at high temperatures of 600-650 degrees Celsius, making it an appropriate choice for processing under high temperatures. Manufacturing cutting tools with high sharpness can be precisely done with this type of steel.
- Specific cutting speed
High carbon steel
This type of steel does not include compositions that help speed up the cutting process, which can take a long time.
High speed steel
The cutting speed of this type of steel is three to four times faster than high carbon steel, making it the most preferred steel for manufacturing different industrial cutting tools and equipment.
- Different composition
High carbon steel
This type of steel only includes a high percentage of carbon along with iron, but no alloying elements, which are crucial for maintaining the tensile strength along with ductility.
High speed steel
This includes different alloying elements such as tungsten, cobalt, chromium and many more, along with carbon, indicating its high tensile strength, hardenability and toughness.
- Hardness and toughness
High carbon steel
Due to the inclusion of no alloying elements, this steel does not maintain its hardness beyond a specific temperature and can turn into a soft texture. Due to high pressure in industrial processes, this steel type can become soft and brittle.
High speed steel
The inclusion of high alloying elements makes it a preferred choice for working under high temperatures without losing its hardness and sharp edges. There is no brittleness even if this type of steel is used at high temperatures, reflecting its hardness and toughness.
Why is choosing high-speed steel a better choice?
Choosing high-speed steel over high-carbon steel can ultimately be the best choice, as this alloy steel includes exceptional properties, along with the inclusion of different alloying elements.
- Chromium, vanadium and tungsten are the leading factors making this steel type an optimal choice, adding up to the exceptional high-speed steel properties.
- It also includes cobalt, which is helpful in strengthening the steel’s resistance, making it durable for cutting tools.
- Molybdenum is also included in its composition, significantly beneficial for giving hardness and toughness to high-speed steel.
The Final Comments!
Summing up the above-mentioned points, you might have understood the key difference between high-speed steel and high-carbon steel when it comes to manufacturing cutting tools with sharp edges and hardness. Through the points mentioned above, it has been apparent that choosing high-speed steel (HSS) would be the suitable choice in order to let the cutting tools operate while maintaining their hardness.
If you have been looking for the exceptional quality of high-speed steel for cutting processes, then here we are! The experts at BK Steel Company, the best steel distributors in Ludhiana, are committed to serving high-quality steel for industrial use. Our professionals have high technical knowledge to provide you with on-site support after distributing steel, including high-speed steel uses as well.
FAQs
- Is the cost of high-speed steel higher?
Yes, high-speed steel cost is quite higher than traditional carbon steel as it includes exceptional properties and composition, which is crucial for maintaining hardness. In general, HSS cost is about Rs. 600 to Rs. 1200 per kg in India and that can vary accordingly.
- Is high-speed steel corrosion resistant or not?
HSS are not rust-proof; however, they provide corrosion resistance, which is quite good due to the inclusion of chromium and molybdenum.
- Are there any types of HSS?
Yes, there are different types of HSS, which are entirely based on the presence of specific alloying elements along with specific performance levels.
- Does high-speed steel also include stainless steel?
No, high-speed steel does not include stainless steel, as it’s completely different from it and is associated with alloy steel.
