M7 Steel Chemical composition
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | V | W |
| 1.3348 | 0.95- 1.05 | 0.70 max | 0.40 max | 0.030max | 0.030max | 3.50- 4.50 | 8.20-9.20 | 1.70-2.20 | 1.50- 2.10 |
M7 Steel Physical properties (average values) at ambient temperature
Modulus of elasticity [103 x N/mm2 ]: 217
Density [g/cm3 ]: 8.30
Thermal conductivity [W/m.K]: 19.0
Electric resistivity [Ohm mm2 /m]: 0.65
Specific heat capacity[J/g.K]: 0.46
Soft Annealing
Heat to 820-880℃, cool slowly in furnace. This will produce a maximum Brinell hardness of 230-280.
Hardening
Heat up to 450-600℃, preheat to 850℃ and then to 1050℃. Harden from a temperature of 1180-1220℃ followed by oil, air quenching or warm bath at 550℃. Hardness after quenching is 64-66 HRC.
Tempering
Tempering temperature: 3 x 1 hour at 540-560℃. Hardness after tempering is min 64 HRC.
Forging
Hot forming temperature: 1100-900℃.
Cold Working
In the annealed condition M7 may be cold worked by conventional methods.
Machinability
Machinability is medium, rating about 60% that of the W group water hardening low alloy tool steels at 100% for comparison.
Corrosion Resistance
Although this alloy contains chromium and molybdenum it is still a steel and thus will corrode. It should be protected from rusting.






