Morphology tailoring of metal pool and eutectic carbides in magnetic-controlled electroslag remelted M2 high-speed steel

A transverse static magnetic field (TSMF) was superimposed during electroslag remelting (ESR) process to regulate the shape of metal pool, the eutectic carbides morphology as well as the mechanical properties of electroslag remelted M2 high-speed steel (HSS) in current study. The metal pool became shallower and flatter after applying a 65 mT TSMF. Moreover, refined eutectic carbides and solidification structure (tended to grow axial) of the ESR ingot were obtained, together with uniform/improved mechanical properties (hardness, wear). Modifications of the morphology of metal pool and grain growth angle under the TSMF were attributed to a periodic electromagnetic excitation effect on droplets transition characteristics, which changed the drop path of the droplets (single to multiple drop) and homogenized the temperature distribution in metal pool. In addition, local solidification time (LST) became shorter and the number of inclusions ((Ti, V)N–Al2O3 and (Ti, V)N) which acted as heterogeneous nuclei for eutectic carbides formation increased (the inclusions also became finer) due to TSMF, resulting in the refinement of the eutectic carbides in ESR ingots.