Tool steel M50 is a high-speed steel that contains a combination of molybdenum and cobalt. It is known for its superior wear resistance and hardness. This makes it the ideal choice for machining, cutting, drilling, grinding, and other operations that require hardened tooling. This article will discuss the composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, uses, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and heat treatment options, as well as the machining and welding of tool steel M50.
M50 Tool Steel Composition
High speed tool steel M50 is composed of 1% carbon (C), 2% molybdenum (Mo), 4% cobalt (Co), 0.2% manganese (Mn), 0.35% silicon (Si) and 0.7% chromium (Cr). These elements provide excellent wear resistance and hardness, which makes it the ideal choice for many applications.
| Element | min | max |
| Carbon (C) | 0.78 | 0.88 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.15 | 0.45 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20 | 0.60 |
| Phosphorus (P) | — | 0.030 |
| Sulfur (S) | — | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 3.75 | 4.50 |
| Nickel (Ni) | — | 0.30 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 3.90 | 4.75 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.80 | 1.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | — | *Balance |
M50 Tool Steel Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of M50 steel include a tensile strength of 1320 MPa (189 ksi), yield strength of 1050 MPa (152 ksi) and an ultimate elongation at break of 10%. The Rockwell C scale hardness rating for tool steel M50 is 67 HRC.
M50 Tool Steel Physical Properties
The physical properties of Grade M50 include a density of 7.85 g/cm3 at room temperature with a melting point range between 1454°C – 1538°C. It also has a thermal conductivity range between 11-13 W/(m*K).
M50 Tool Steel Thermal Properties
| Temperature Range | Value (Imperial) | Value (Metric) |
| 70-200°F (21-93°C) | 6.23 micro in/in- °F | 11.21 micro m/m- °K |
| 70-400°F (21-204°C) | 6.58 micro in/in- °F | 11.84 micro m/m- °K |
| 70-600°F (21-316°C) | 6.83 micro in/in- °F | 12.29 micro m/m- °K |
| 70-800°F (21-427°C) | 7.05 micro in/in- °F | 12.69 micro m/m- °K |
| 70-1000° F (21-538°C) | 7.38 micro in/in- °F | 13.28 micro m/m- °K |
M50 Tool Steel Uses
Tool steel M50 is commonly used in applications such as cutting tools, drill bits, and milling cutters, as well as in stamping dies due to its superior wear resistance and hardness compared to other steels available on the market today. It can also be used in die-casting applications where high wear resistance or hot working temperatures must be reached quickly without sacrificing strength or ductility.
Corrosion Resistance
Tool Steel M50 has excellent corrosion-resistant properties making it ideal for use in wet environments or areas where corrosive chemicals are present such as saltwater or chemical processing plants.
Heat Resistance
Its excellent heat-resistant properties make it suitable for high-temperature applications such as furnace components or hot forging processes where temperatures can reach up to 1000°C without sacrificing strength or ductility.
Heat Treatment
Heat-treating tool steel M60 can be done via hardening or tempering depending on the desired outcome from the process. Hardening will result in increased wear resistance, while tempering will result in improved toughness and reduced brittleness, which may be desirable depending on the application used with the material.
Machining
Machining tool steel M60 can be done via conventional methods such as drilling, turning and milling. Still, care must be taken not to overheat the material during these operations due to its sensitivity to thermal shock, which can cause cracking or warping if not monitored carefully during machining operations.
Welding
Welding should only be attempted by experienced welders using proper safety precautions since tool steel has been known to produce toxic fumes when heated beyond certain temperatures during welding processes, so proper ventilation must always be utilized when welding this type of material together with shielding gas techniques being preferred over open arc welding techniques whenever possible due to their ability to reduce oxidation during welding operations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tool steel M60 is an ideal choice for many applications due to its superior wear resistance and hardness combined with good corrosion-resistant properties making it suitable for use even in wet or chemically corrosive environments making it one of the most popular choices among engineers looking for strong yet versatile materials that can withstand harsh conditions while still providing superior performance results across many different industries including automotive manufacturing, aerospace components, medical devices, electronic components, oil & gas production equipment, industrial tools, etc.
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
