M2パウダー

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:

エレメント	質量 %	目的
タングステン	6.0 – 6.8	硬度、耐摩耗性
モリブデン	4.8 – 5.5	Toughness, strength
クロム	3.8 – 4.5	Hardening, wear resistance
バナジウム	1.9 – 2.2	Hardening, wear resistance
炭素	0.78 – 0.88	Hardening
マンガン	0.15 – 0.45	Hardening
シリコン	0.15 – 0.45	脱酸素剤

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

Properties of M2 Powder

Key properties of M2 powder include:

プロパティ	説明
硬度	64 – 66 HRC when heat treated
耐摩耗性	Excellent abrasion and erosion resistance
タフネス	Higher than tungsten carbide grades
圧縮強さ	Up to 300 ksi
耐熱性	Can be used up to 600¡«C
耐蝕性	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:

パラメータ	代表値	目的
レイヤーの高さ	20-50×m	解像度と製造速度
レーザー出力	250-500 W	蒸発することなく十分に溶ける
スキャン速度	400-1200 mm/s	密度と生産率
ハッチの間隔	80-120 Ã×m	機械的特性
Support structure	最小限	Easy removal
熱間静水圧プレス	1160¡«C, 100 MPa, 3 hrs	空隙をなくす

密度、微細構造、造形速度、後処理要件に合わせて調整されたパラメータ。

Applications of 3D Printed M2 Tooling

AM fabricated M2 components are used for:

産業	Tooling applications
自動車の	Stamping dies, forming tools, fixtures
航空宇宙	Jigs, fixtures, trim tools
Appliances	Punches, blanking dies, bending dies
消費財	Injection molds, stamping dies
医療	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:

パラメータ	仕様
粒度範囲	15-45 Ã×m 標準
パーティクル形状	球状の形態
見掛け比重	> 4 g/cc
打タップ密度	> 6 g/cc
ホール流動率	> 23 sec for 50 g
純粋さ	>99.9%
酸素含量	<300 ppm

Custom size distributions and controlled moisture levels available.

Suppliers of M2 Powder

Reputable M2 powder suppliers include:

サプライヤー	場所
サンドビック オスプレイ	英国
カーペンター アディティブ	アメリカ
エラスチール	スウェーデン
ホガナス	スウェーデン
LPW テクノロジー	英国

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
• Ground equipment to dissipate static charges
• Avoid dust accumulation through extraction systems
• Follow applicable safety precautions

Proper techniques ensure optimal powder condition.

Inspection and Testing of M2 Powder

Quality testing methods include:

方法	テストされたパラメーター
ふるい分け分析	粒度分布
SEMイメージング	粒子形態
イーディーエックス	Chemistry and composition
XRD	現在のフェーズ
ピクノメトリー	密度
ホール流動率	粉体の流動性

Testing per ASTM standards verifies powder quality and batch consistency.

Comparing M2 to Alternative Tool Steel Powders

M2 compares to other tool steel alloys as:

合金	耐摩耗性	タフネス	利用料	Ease of Processing
M2	素晴らしい	調子が良い	ミディアム	公正
H13	調子が良い	素晴らしい	低い	素晴らしい
S7	素晴らしい	公正	ハイ	難しい
420 stainless	貧しい	素晴らしい	低い	素晴らしい

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

Pros and Cons of M2 Powder for Metal AM

長所	欠点
優れた硬度で摩耗に強い	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.