Latrobe Starkâ„¢ ASTM M4 High Speed Steel

STARK (M4) is a super high speed steel with very high carbon and vanadium contents for exceptional abrasion resistance. It is well suited for premium cutting tools of all types, particularly those used for machining abrasive alloys, castings, and heat-treated materials. The high carbon content enables Stark to be hardened in excess of 65 HRC. However, the high hardness and high vanadium carbide content make Stark more difficult to grind after heat treatment compared to Double Six (M2) and other high speed steels. Typical applications for Stark high speed steel include form tools, spade drills, end mills, taps and dies, punches and broach inserts.Information Provided by Timken Latrobe Steel.Timken sold Latrobe in December 2006. They are now Latrobe Specialty Steels Co.