High Speed Tool Steel has very high carbon and vanadium contents for for exceptional abrasion resistance. It is well suited for premium cutting tools of all types, particularly those used for machining abrasive alloys, castings, and heat-treated materials. The high carbon content of this grade allows it to be hardened in excess of 65HRC. However, the high hardness and high vanadium carbide content make it more difficult to grind after heat treatment Tungsten high-speed tool steels are primarily used for cutting tools such as broaches, chasers, cutters, drills, hobs, reamers, and taps.
All high-speed tool steels depend on the solution of various complex alloy carbides during austenitizing to develop both their heat-resisting qualities and cutting ability. These carbides do not dissolve to any appreciable extent unless the steel is heated to temperatures approaching the melting point of the steel.