Polvere M2

M2 is a high-speed steel powder characterized by its high hardness and wear resistance along with good toughness and compressive strength. It is widely used in metal additive manufacturing to produce durable tooling for cutting, forming and stamping applications.

Composition of M2 Powder

The composition of M2 high-speed steel powder is:

Elemento	% Peso	Scopo
Tungsteno	6.0 – 6.8	Durezza, resistenza all'usura
Molibdeno	4.8 – 5.5	Toughness, strength
Chromium	3.8 – 4.5	Hardening, wear resistance
Vanadio	1.9 – 2.2	Hardening, wear resistance
Carbonio	0.78 – 0.88	Hardening
Manganese	0.15 – 0.45	Hardening
Silicio	0.15 – 0.45	Disossidante

The high tungsten, molybdenum and chromium content impart excellent hardness and wear resistance.

Properties of M2 Powder

Key properties of M2 powder include:

Proprietà	Descrizione
Durezza	64 – 66 HRC when heat treated
Resistenza all'usura	Excellent abrasion and erosion resistance
Resistenza	Higher than tungsten carbide grades
Resistenza alla compressione	Up to 300 ksi
Resistenza al calore	Can be used up to 600¡«C
Resistenza alla corrosione	Better than plain carbon steels

The properties make M2 suitable for durable cutting, stamping and forming tooling.

AM Process Parameters for M2 Powder

Typical parameters for printing M2 powder include:

Parametro	Valore tipico	Scopo
Altezza dello strato	20-50 µm	Risoluzione rispetto alla velocità di costruzione
Potenza laser	250-500 W	Sufficiente fusione senza evaporazione
Velocità di scansione	400-1200 mm/s	Densità in funzione della velocità di produzione
Distanza tra i boccaporti	80-120 Ã×m	Proprietà meccaniche
Support structure	Minimo	Easy removal
Pressatura isostatica a caldo	1160¡«C, 100 MPa, 3 hrs	Eliminare la porosità

Parametri personalizzati per densità, microstruttura, velocità di produzione e requisiti di post-lavorazione.

Applications of 3D Printed M2 Tooling

AM fabricated M2 components are used for:

Industria	Tooling applications
Automotive	Stamping dies, forming tools, fixtures
Aerospaziale	Jigs, fixtures, trim tools
Appliances	Punches, blanking dies, bending dies
Beni di consumo	Injection molds, stamping dies
Medico	Cutting tools, rasps, drill guides

Benefits over traditionally processed M2 tooling include complexity, lead time and cost reduction.

Specifications of M2 Powder for AM

M2 powder must meet strict specifications:

Parametro	Specificazione
Intervallo dimensionale delle particelle	15-45 Ã×m tipico
Forma delle particelle	Morfologia sferica
Densità apparente	> 4 g/cc
Densità del materiale compattato	> 6 g/cc
Portata del corridoio	> 23 sec per 50 g
Purezza	>99,9%
Contenuto di ossigeno	<300 ppm

Sono disponibili distribuzioni dimensionali personalizzate e livelli di umidità controllati.

Suppliers of M2 Powder

Reputable M2 powder suppliers include:

Fornitore	Ubicazione
Sandvik Osprey	GB
Additive Carpenter	USA
Erasteel	Svezia
Hoganas	Svezia
Tecnologia LPW	GB

Prices range from $50/kg to $120/kg based on quality and order volume.

Handling and Storage of M2 Powder

As a reactive material, careful M2 powder handling is essential:

• Store sealed containers away from moisture, sparks, ignition sources
• Use inert gas padding during transfer and storage
• Mettere a terra le apparecchiature per dissipare le cariche statiche
• Avoid dust accumulation through extraction systems
• Follow applicable safety precautions

Le tecniche corrette garantiscono una condizione ottimale della polvere.

Inspection and Testing of M2 Powder

I metodi di controllo della qualità includono:

Metodo	Parametri testati
Analisi granulometrica	Distribuzione granulometrica
Immagini SEM	Morfologia delle particelle
EDX	Chimica e composizione
XRD	Fasi presenti
Picnometria	Densità
Portata del corridoio	Scorrimento della polvere

I test secondo gli standard ASTM verificano la qualità della polvere e la consistenza dei lotti.

Comparing M2 to Alternative Tool Steel Powders

M2 compares to other tool steel alloys as:

Lega	Resistenza all'usura	Resistenza	Costi	Ease of Processing
M2	Eccellente	Bene	Intermedio	Fiera
H13	Bene	Eccellente	Scarso	Eccellente
S7	Eccellente	Fiera	Elevato	Difficile
420 stainless	Scarso	Eccellente	Scarso	Eccellente

With its balanced properties, M2 supersedes alternatives for many wear-resistant tooling applications.

Pros and Cons of M2 Powder for Metal AM

* Alta densità: maggiore capacità di archiviazione in un fattore di forma più piccolo * Bassa latenza: tempi di accesso più rapidi rispetto ai dischi rigidi tradizionali * Elevata larghezza di banda: velocità di trasferimento dati più elevate * Maggiore affidabilità: meno parti mobili rispetto ai dischi rigidi tradizionali, riducendo il rischio di guasti * Maggiore efficienza energetica: consumo energetico inferiore rispetto ai dischi rigidi tradizionali * Silenzioso: nessun rumore di ricerca o rotazione	Contro
Eccellente durezza e resistenza all'usura	Lower toughness than cold work tool steels
Good heat resistance and thermal stability	Required post-processing like HIP and heat treatment
Established credentials for metal AM	Controlled atmosphere storage required
Cost advantage over exotic tool steels	Difficult to machine after printing
Properties match conventional M2	Limited corrosion resistance

M2 enables high wear resistance additive tooling, though not suitable for highly corrosive environments.

Frequently Asked Questions about M2 Powder

Q: What particle size range works best for printing M2 powder?

A: A typical range is 15-45 microns. It provides optimal powder flowability combined with high resolution and dense parts.

Q: What post-processing methods are used for M2 AM parts?

A: Hot isostatic pressing, heat treatment, surface grinding/EDM, and shot peening are typically used to eliminate voids, harden, and finish parts.

Q: Which metal 3D printing process is ideal for M2 alloy?

A: M2 can be effectively printed using selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and electron beam melting (EBM) processes.

Q: What accuracy and surface finish can be expected for M2 printed parts?

A: Post-processed M2 components can achieve dimensional tolerances and surface finish comparable to CNC machined M2 tooling.

Q: What industries use additively manufactured M2 tooling components?

A: Automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer goods, appliances, and industrial sectors benefit from 3D printed M2 tooling.

Q: What is the key difference between M2 and M4 grades of high speed steel?

A: M4 has slightly lower vanadium and molybdenum content leading to a better combination of wear resistance and toughness compared to M2.

Q: Does M2 require support structures when 3D printing?

A: Minimal supports are recommended on overhangs and bridges to prevent deformation and allow easy removal after printing.

Q: What density can be expected with optimized M2 3D printed parts?

A: Density above 99% is achievable for M2 using ideal parameters tailored specifically for this alloy.

Q: What defects can occur when printing M2 powder?

A: Potential defects are cracking, distortion, porosity, incomplete fusion, and surface roughness. Most can be prevented through optimized parameters.

Q: Is HIP required for all M2 AM tooling components?

A: While highly recommended, HIP may not be absolutely necessary for non-critical tooling applications. Heat treatment alone may suffice.