High speed steel

Three general types of HSS are as follows:

1. 18-4-1 High speed steel

    This steel contain 18% tungsten, 4% chromium and 1%vanadium, is considered to be one of the best of all purpose tool steel. In some steels of similar composition the percentage of vanadium is slightly increased to obtain better result in heavy duty work.

2. Molybdenum High speed steel

    This steel containing 6%molybdenum, 4%chromium and 2%vanadium have excellent toughness and cutting ability.

3. Cobalt High speed steel

    This is sometimes called super high speed steel. Cobalt is added from 2 to 15% to increase hot hardness and wear resistance. One general composition is 20% tungsten, 4% chromium, 2% vanadium and 12% cobalt.