Description
The machining properties of a high-precision, high-carbon, free-cutting wire steel are discussed and related to the metallurgical microstructure. The machinability has been evaluated in turning, drilling, threading, and grooving. Machining properties such as tool-wear and stability of the machining process are considered together with properties of the machined pieces such as diameter and eccentricity tolerances and surface roughness. Machinability can be significantly improved by adjusting the metallurgical structure without essentially changing the chemical composition.