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The abbreviation PM in HSS-PM does not refer to the alloying constituents of the high speed steel, but to the method of manufacture. The liquid steel melt is atomized by means of nitrogen. The powder is then hot isostatically pressed (so-called HIP process) and then brought into the respective shape by forging and rolling as in conventional steel production. The advantages of steel result from the more uniform and finer carbide distribution (carbide = hard materials in steel). This makes the material easier to machine. In application, however, it is still wear-resistant and has a high hot hardness.
The oxide layer produced is porous thereby retaining oil which lowers friction in ferrous applications, thus avoiding the problems of pick-up, cold welding on taps and ‘built-up edge’ on cutting edges.
