Abstract：The solidification microstructure of M2 high speed steel produced by different technologies and the evolution of carbide in industrial cast strip processed by different heat treatment and hot deformation were investigated. The solidification rate and the average thickness of eutectic carbide net were measured. The transmission electron microscopy was adopted to study the influence of subsequent heat treatment and hot deformation on the carbide phase. The effect of different technologies and post processing on the microstructure was analyzed by quantitative metallographic analysis. The results show that application of the twinroll strip casting technology can refine the dendrite of solidification microstructure, reduce the thickness of eutectic carbide net and improve the carbide distribution in M2 high speed steel. The carbide morphology could be optimized by subsequent heat treatment and hot deformation. It is suggested that both heat treatment and hot deformation should be adopted to improve the M2 cast strip microstructure.
2006, Vol. 41 
