Structure and properties of high-speed steels in relation to the cooling rate in the temperature range of primary crystallization

1. An increase of the cooling rate of high-speed steel at the primary crystallization temperature is accompanied by refining of grains and carbides. 2. At the maximum cooling rate, achieved by atomization of the liquid steel, part of the carbon and alloying elements is not transferred to the eutectic, which leads during subsequent sintering to precipitation of the finest carbides from the solid solution. 3. Sintered high-speed steel has higher strength and toughness and the same secondary hardness and heat resistance as the standard steel.