M-50 Steel:  Material for Advanced Industrial Applications

Characteristics of M50 Steel

One of the key features of Steel M50 is its exceptional resistance to multi-axial stresses. Steel M50 also shows a strong resistance to oxidation. The ability of Steel M50 to resist oxidation means that it can last longer and maintain its strength even in environments where other materials might corrode or weaken.

Steel M50 has a high compressive strength. Compressive strength is the capacity of a material to withstand loads that tend to reduce size.  Steel M-50 can be polished to a high luster due to its high degree of cleanliness in its composition. This aspect is not just about aesthetics; a smoother and more polished surface on tools and components can lead to better performance and less wear over time.

M50 Steel Composition 

Steel M-50 has a unique composition that contributes to its outstanding properties. The major elements in its makeup include:

• Carbon (1%): Carbon is a key element in steel that increases hardness and strength. However, too much carbon can make the steel brittle, so the 1% content in Steel M-50 is a balanced amount to ensure toughness without sacrificing strength.
• Molybdenum (2%): Molybdenum enhances the strength of Steel M-50, especially at high temperatures.  
• Cobalt (4%): Cobalt is added to improve the heat resistance of the steel.  
• Manganese (0.2%): Manganese improves the hardenability and strength of the steel.  
• Silicon (0.35%): Silicon is used in steel to increase strength and hardness.  
• Chromium (0.7%): Chromium increases the hardness, toughness, and wear resistance of the steel.  
  
  

M50 Steel Mechanical Properties  

• Tensile Strength (1320 MPa): Tensile strength is a measure of the force required to pull something to the point where it breaks. A tensile strength of 1320 MPa means Steel M-50 can withstand substantial pulling forces without breaking, making it ideal for components that are under constant tension.
• Yield Strength (1050 MPa): Yield strength refers to the amount of stress at which a material begins to deform permanently. With a yield strength of 1050 MPa, Steel M-50 can endure significant stress before it starts to permanently deform.
• Elongation at Break (10%): This property indicates how much a material can stretch before it breaks. An elongation at break of 10% means that Steel M-50 exhibits a good level of ductility, allowing it to withstand some degree of stretching or bending without breaking.
• Rockwell C Hardness Rating (67 HRC): The Rockwell C scale measures the hardness of a material. A rating of 67 HRC places Steel M-50 in the higher range of hardness, which implies it has a high resistance to surface indentation and wear.
  
  

Looking for a reliable M50 steel supplier in California? At Friend Metals, your go-to alloy steel supplier, we take pride in offering top-quality alloy steel.  Kindly reach out to us at 714-632-0140 or connect toll-free at 800-854-6777. 

Applications in Industry and Aerospace

Typical Applications

1. Aircraft Engine Bearings: The high strength and heat resistance of Steel M-50 make it ideal for aircraft engine bearings.  
2. Helicopter Rotor Bearings: Similar to aircraft engines, helicopter rotor bearings demand materials that can withstand high stresses and temperatures. The durability and resistance to deformation of Steel M-50 are crucial for the safety and efficiency of helicopter operations.
3. High Performance Racing Engines: The robustness of Steel M-50 is also utilized in high performance racing engines.  
4. Tooling Applications: The hardness and wear resistance of Steel M-50 make it suitable for various tooling applications.  
   
   

Additional Uses

1. Cutting Tools: Steel M-50 is used in the manufacturing of cutting tools such as drills and saws. Its hardness allows these tools to cut through tough materials without losing edge integrity.
2. Drill Bits: The durability and strength of Steel M-50 are essential for drill bits, especially in industrial drilling operations where precision and longevity are critical.
3. Milling Cutters: Milling cutters made from Steel M-50 can withstand the rigors of removing material from workpieces, maintaining sharpness and shape over extended periods.
4. Stamping Dies: In stamping operations, dies must endure repeated high-force impacts.  
5. Die-Casting Applications: Steel M-50 is also used in die-casting, where its properties help in withstanding the high pressures and temperatures involved in molding metals and other materials.

M50 Machining and Welding Considerations 

Machining of M-50 Steel

1. Thermal Sensitivity: One of the key concerns when machining Steel M-50 is its sensitivity to heat.  
2. Precautions During Machining: To avoid overheating, it’s important to use the right machining methods and appropriate cooling techniques. This might involve using coolant fluids that help to dissipate heat or adjusting the speed and feed rate of the machining tools to reduce friction and, consequently, heat buildup.  
   
   

Welding of M-50 Steel

Welding involves joining materials, typically metals, by causing coalescence. This is usually done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong joint. However, welding Steel M-50 requires special attention:

1. Reducing Oxidation: When Steel M-50 is heated during welding, there’s a risk of oxidation, which can weaken the weld joint. To reduce oxidation, welding should be done in a controlled environment, possibly with the use of shielding gases.  
2. Precautions to Avoid Toxic Fumes: Welding Steel M-50 can produce toxic fumes, especially when the material is heated beyond certain temperatures. Experienced welders should perform the welding, using proper safety gear, including masks and gloves.
3. Preferred Welding Techniques: Certain welding techniques might be more suitable for Steel M-50 to ensure a strong weld and to minimize the risk of damaging the material. Techniques that allow for controlled heat input and protection against oxidation, such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, are often preferred. 
   
   

Pricing Considerations

When it comes to the pricing of Steel M-50, specific figures were not directly available from the sources. The price of steel, in general, can vary widely based on a number of factors such as market demand, the cost of raw materials, and manufacturing processes involved. Since Steel M-50 has specialized applications and unique properties, it might be priced differently than more common steel types. For accurate and current pricing details, it’s advisable to conduct additional research or directly contact suppliers and manufacturers of Steel M-50. 

Conclusion

Steel M-50 provides reliability and longevity that few other materials can match. While machining and welding Steel M-50 require careful handling due to its thermal sensitivity and potential for toxic fume production, these challenges are often outweighed by the material’s overall benefits.