1.3247 high speed steel can be used in conditions where the demand for hot hardness is important. It is suitable for cutting tools including twist drills, taps, broaches tools, milling cutters, reamers, end mills, bandsaws and cold work tools.

Pre heat the steel slowly and uniformly to 650-760°C and equalise. Then increase more quickly to the forging temperature of 1010-1150°C and equalise prior to forging. Do not allow the forging temperature to drop below 980°C, if this occurs re heating will be necessary. Always cool the high speed steel very slowly after forging.

Annealing is recommended after hot working and before re hardening. Heat the steel to 850°C at a rate of no more than 220°C per hour. Always hold at temperature for one hour per 25mm of thickness (with two hours being minimum). Furnace cool slowly. The annealed hardness achieved should be 269 Brinell or lower.

If tools produced from 1.3247 high speed steel are heavily machined or ground it is recommended to stress relieve after machining and prior to hardening to minimise the possibility of distortion. To stress relieve heat the component to 600-650°C and soak well (approximately two hours) Cool slowly in the furnace. The 1.3247 tools can be finish machined before heat treatment.

For best results harden the 1.3247 in a vacuum or atmosphere furnace, or in a properly rectified salt bath. Pre heat thoroughly to 820-870°C, transfer to the high temperature salt bath or furnace. The exact hardening temperature to use will depend on the type of work being treated, but in general components should be hardened from the range of 1160-1180°C in salt, or 1180-1190°C in atmosphere or vacuum furnaces. After a short hold at the hardening temperature, quench the component without further soaking into salt at 540-595°C or warm oil. If salt quenched allow the component to equalise at the bath temperature and then complete the quench in still air.