Q: 
I have been using YXR33 ( Hitachi) for an outer race forming punch, and YXR3 for a forming sleeve. When the YXR steels are not available, I have tried MDS1(Nachi), and MDS3, without much luck. The failure seems to start with very small cracks that grow. Will DRM 1 and DRM 2 help extend tool life?

A. 
Yes. The DRM series of matrix high speed steels are double melted. The ESR second melt results in a cleaner steel with a better grain structure. This results in improved toughness and fatigue strength when compared to single melted steels such as YXR 33, YXR 3, YXR 7, MDS 1, MDS 3, and MDS 7.

Q: 
I frequently see MH 85 and MH 88 on prints for warm forging and hot forging tooling out of Japan. I have been told they are Matrix High Speed Steels manufactured by Daido Steel Co. of Japan. I have also been told Daido no longer makes these grades. Is that true?

A: 
MH 85 and MH 88 were first generation Matrix High Speed Steels produced by Daido. They were similar to other first generation Matrix High Speed Steels such as YXR3, YXR33, and YXR7 produced by Hitachi, and MDS1,MDS3,and MDS7, produced by Nachi. Daido has replaced MH85 and MH88 with the second generation DRM series. DRM1, DRM2 and DRM3 . The DRM series is double melted (ESR). All first generation Matrix High Speeds are only single melted. The advantage of the second generation DRM series is improved toughness and fatigue strength.