Hot workability of spray-formed AISI M3:2 high-speed steel

Axisymmetric hot compression tests (900–1100 °C) on spray-formed AISI M3:2 high-speed steel were performed in order to establish suitable parameters for hot forging of this material. Special attention was paid to establish the deformation conditions that lead to the breakdown of the carbide network, present after spray forming, and to avoid fracture of the material as a result of deformation. By a combination of microstructural analysis and finite element modelling, values for fracture stresses in this temperature range and critical strains for the breakdown of the carbide network are given. The activation energy for hot deformation was also determined.