Steel, alloy; bars and rods, of high speed steel

HS code 722810 covers the import and export of steel alloy bars and rods made from high-speed steel. This specialized steel product is essential for the manufacturing of cutting tools, machine parts, and other industrial applications that require exceptional hardness, durability, and the ability to maintain a sharp edge. The global trade in high-speed steel bars and rods is a crucial component of the broader metalworking and machinery industries, supporting a wide range of downstream sectors and contributing to economic growth worldwide.

High-speed steel is produced through a complex alloying and heat-treatment process. The key steps involve melting and alloying various metals, such as tungsten, chromium, vanadium, and cobalt, to create a steel with unique properties. The molten steel is then cast into ingots or continuously cast into billets, which are subsequently hot-rolled or forged into the desired bar or rod shapes. Careful control of the temperature, pressure, and other parameters during these manufacturing stages is essential to ensure the desired mechanical and performance characteristics of the final high-speed steel products.

The production of HS code 722810 high-speed steel bars and rods requires several key inputs. Primary raw materials include high-purity iron ore, alloying elements like tungsten, chromium, and vanadium, as well as various fluxing and refining agents. Specialized steelmaking furnaces, rolling mills, and other metalworking equipment are also essential for the manufacturing process. Additionally, skilled labor, technical expertise, and a reliable energy supply are necessary to ensure the consistent production of high-quality high-speed steel products.

The primary output of HS code 722810 is high-speed steel bars and rods, which are then consumed by a range of downstream industries. These products are widely used in the manufacture of cutting tools, such as drill bits, end mills, and lathe tools 820713 Interchangeable tools for hand tools, as well as in the production of various machine parts and components 848340 Gears and gearing. The exceptional hardness and wear resistance of high-speed steel make it an indispensable material for applications that require precise, long-lasting performance in demanding industrial environments.