Research on Commercial Production of High Speed Steel Strip by Twin-Roll Caster

The casting experiments of M2 high speed steel were carried out on the industry twin-roll caster. The industry cast-strips (380mmx2 similar to 4mm) were obtained successfully. The microstructures of cast-strip were studied. These cast-strips were rolled to thin strips and the cutting performances of the saw blades made by these thin strips were test. The results show that the technology of producing high speed steel by twin roll caster is feasible. The solidification rate of cast-strip is higher than that of ingot, the segregation of alloying element and C is inhibited at the rapid solidification, the austenite crystal and eutectic carbides are refined, the distribution of eutectic carbide is improved. The finished product ratio during the hot roll of cast-strip is higher and the microstructure of the rolled cast-strip is better. The cutting speed and service life of the saw blades made from cast-strips are greater than those of the traditional saw blades. The carbides in the saw blades made from cast-strips are finer than that of the traditional saw blades, and distributes more homogeneous, the quenching hardness, grade of austenite and temper hardness are higher than that of the traditional saw blades.