Structure of the gradient carbide steels of HS 6-5-2 high-speed steel matrix

Purpose: The goal of this work is to obtain gradient carbide steels based on a high-speed steel reinforced with tungsten carbide. Design/methodology/approach: The materials were fabricated using the conventional powder metallurgy method. The gradient carbide steels was fabricated by mixing high-speed steel with WC powders. The uniaxial pressing before sintering was used for manufacturing the materials, consisting in compacting the powder in a closed die, and subsequent sintering. The sintered test pieces observations were also made using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), equipped with the back-scatter electrons detector (BSE) and the dispersive energy analyser (EDAX D4). Findings: It was observed that the as-sintered properties of gradient carbide steels are strongly affected by the tungsten carbide content. Practical implications: Developed material is tested for cutting tools. Originality/value: The material presented in this paper has layers, at one side consisting of the high-speed steel, characterized by a high ductility and at the other side the carbide steel characterized by a higher hardness. A forming methods were developed for high-speed and WC powders, making it possible to obtain materials with seven layers in their structure.