High levels of molybdenum, what does this element do for steel? ATS34, 154CM, etc.

G

GrizzlyBear

Joined
Dec 5, 2009
Messages
1,528
Just curious what high levels of this element does for the steel. Most steels have <1.0 with a few going 4.0 and higher. What characteristics does Molybdenum add at higher levels vs the 1.0 and lower levels?
 
Mo behaves very similarly to W, many high speed steels have replaced W with Mo because it is much cheaper. The most significant quality W and Mo impart to steel is hot hardness, allowing the steel to retain its hardness up to about 1000 F. W and Mo also form carbides which contribute to wear resistance.
 
The CM in 154CM is Climax Molybdenum Co who developed the steel !! For knives Mo is an important carbide former ,hard, wear resistant .
 
I have family who worked for Climax in Leadville Co. My understanding is that theyre up and running in leadville again pulling Mo out of the mo untains!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top