China JT Metal is the supplier of round bar. Diameters can be sawn to your required lengths as one offs or multiple cut pieces. Ground steel bar can be supplied providing a high speed steel precision ground bar to tight tolerances.

Used in conditions where the demand for hot hardness is important. It is also a good quality wear resistant grade for cold work applications. Commonly used for cutting tools including broaches, end mills, bandsaw blades, milling cutters, reamers and cold work tools.

Pre heat steel slowly and uniformly to 450°-500°C and equalise. Then increase more quickly to the forging temperature of 950°-1100°C and equalise prior to forging. Do not allow the forging temperature to drop below 950°C, if this occurs re heating will be necessary. Always cool the steel very slowly after forging.

Annealing 1.3243 is recommended after hot working and before re hardening. Heat the steel to 850°C at a rate of no more than 220°C per hour. Always hold at temperature for one hour per 25mm of thickness (with two hours being minimum). Furnace cool slowly. The annealed hardness achieved should be 260 Brinell or lower.

If tools produced from 1.3243  are heavily machined or ground it is recommended to stress relieve after machining and prior to hardening to minimise the possibility of distortion. To stress relieve heat the component to 600-700°C and soak well (approx 2 hours) Cool slowly in the furnace. The tools can be finish machined before heat treatment.

For best results harden the steel in a vacuum or atmosphere furnace, or in a properly rectified salt bath. Pre heat thoroughly in two steps to 450-500°C, then to 820-870°C, transfer to the high temperature salt bath or furnace. The exact hardening temperature to use for 1.3243 will depend on the type of work being treated, but in general components should be hardened from the range of 1050-1250°C.

Temper 1.3243 between 510-620°C. Triple tempering is recommended with a minimum of two hours at temperature per cycle. The component should be cooled in still air to room temperature between tempering treatments.

Heat treatment temperatures, including rate of heating, cooling and soaking times will vary due to factors such as the shape and size of each steel component. Other considerations during the heat treatment process include the type of furnace, quenching medium and work piece transfer facilities. Please consult your heat treatment provider for full guidance on heat treatment of high speed steels.

Select the correct grade of wheel in consultation with the grinding wheel manufacturer. Ensure the grinding wheel is in good condition by means of a suitable dressing tool. Wet grinding is a preferable option using a copious supply of coolant. If dry grinding is resorted to then use a very soft wheel.

1.3243 high speed steel is supplied in accordance with our ISO 9001 : 2008 registration.