Semisolid structure for M2 high speed steel prepared by cooling slope

Effects of cooling slope angle and the temperature of molten metal on the globular structure of M2 high speed steel after holding at the semisolid state have been investigated. The globular structure was achieved by pouring the molten metal at 1595 °C on the ceramic cooling slope with the length of 200 mm and the angle of 25°. The globular structure of M2 high speed steel in the form of rolled–annealed and as cast condition after holding at semisolid state has been achieved. The size of globular grains of cooling slope sample was smaller than that of the rolled–annealed and as cast samples. Solid particles of rolled–annealed sample after holding at semisolid state had better roundness compared with cooling slope sample. Dissolution of carbides in the austenite phase at grain boundaries leads to formation of globular particles in the semisolid state. MC-type and M6C-type eutectic carbides reprecipitate during cooling cycle along grain boundaries.