Comparative study of high speed steels obtained through explosive compaction and hot isostatic pressing

Two grades of high speed steel (HSS) powders, T42 and M3II, were explosive compaced. The feasibility of shock compaction by explosives of HSSs using a cylindrical configuration and the microstructures of consolidated or compacted powders are analyzed. A comparison between their characteristics and some commercial hot isostatically pressed tool steels was also carried out. Since mechanical properties of HSSs depend strongly on their heat treatment, all the materials studied (hot isostatically pressed and explosive compacted) were austenized, quenched and tempered in conditions close to those used in the processing of conventional tool steels. The study of their properties and microstructure has shown that explosive compaction of HSS powders is a potential manufacturing process for them.