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Explore CPM 20CV Steel: Properties, Process, Uses
- John
SteelPro Group has been at the forefront of supplying top-tier materials like CPM 20CV steel for over ten years. Whether it’s plates, bars, or customized solutions, we are here to help you achieve your goals with confidence and reliability.
What Is CPM 20CV Steel?
CPM 20CV steel is a high-performance powder metallurgy stainless tool steel, classified as martensitic with high vanadium content for exceptional wear resistance. It features a fine grain structure, small carbides, and superior cleanliness, ensuring excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and impact toughness. Used in demanding applications like injection molding feed screws and barrel liners, CPM 20CV excels with abrasive fillers.
CPM 20CV steel, developed by Crucible Industries using advanced powder metallurgy, is known for its high vanadium content and exceptional wear resistance. SteelPro Group offers a variety of CPM 20CV products, including plates and bars, ensuring consistent quality and performance for demanding applications.
What Does CPM Stand For in Blade Steel?
CPM stands for Crucible Particle Metallurgy, a powder metallurgy process that ensures fine grain structure, improved consistency, and superior mechanical properties in steels like 20CV.
What Is CPM 20CV Steel Equivalent To?
CPM 20CV is equivalent to M390 steel and CTS-204P steel, offering similar wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. It is commonly considered to have the best ability to maintain its edge among these steels.
CPM 20CV Steel Chemical Composition
CPM 20CV steel is a high-performance tool steel, offering exceptional wear resistance and hardness due to its high chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), and tungsten (W) content. Its chromium content is the highest among high-vanadium steels, enhancing corrosion resistance.
Below is the detailed chemical composition of CPM 20CV steel.
| Element | Percentage (%) |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 1.9 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 20 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 71.9 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.30 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.30 |
| Tungsten (W) | ≤ 0.60 |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤ 4.0 |
CPM 20CV Steel Physical Properties
CPM 20CV steel has a high density and good thermal conductivity. This makes it ideal for applications that need efficient heat dissipation. The steel also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. This helps it maintain its shape at high temperatures.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the physical properties of CPM S35VN steel.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
| Density | 7.61 g/cm³ | 0.275 lb/in³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 25 W/m·K | 17.3 BTU·in/h·ft²·°F |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 5.8 µm/m·°C | 3.22 µin/in·°F |
| Melting Point | 1,300 °C | 2,372 °F |
CPM 20CV Steel Mechanical Properties
CPM 20CV steel combines high tensile and yield strength with excellent hardness. Its impressive toughness and elongation ensure reliable performance even in extreme conditions.
Here is a detailed summary of the mechanical properties of CPM 20CV steel.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | 59-61 HRC | 59-61 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 1,850 MPa | 268 ksi |
| Yield Strength | 1,650 MPa | 240 ksi |
| Elongation | 6-8 % | 6-8 % |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa | 30.5 x 10³ ksi |
| Impact Toughness (Charpy) | 10 J (at -20°C) | 7.4 ft-lb (at -4°F) |
CPM 20CV Steel Characteristic
Hardness
CPM 20CV has a hardness of 58-60 HRC, due to its rich vanadium carbide content. This provides excellent edge retention without compromising the material’s stability, ensuring long-lasting sharpness.
Toughness
CPM 20CV demonstrates toughness with an impact toughness of 10 J at -20°C. This shows its ability to resist fractures and absorb shock while maintaining its integrity under stress.
Wear Resistance
CPM 20CV offers superior wear resistance, outlasting steels like S30V by 50% in standardized tests. Its high vanadium carbide content ensures a sharp edge and prolonged durability under abrasive conditions.
Corrosion Resistance
With 20% chromium, CPM 20CV provides excellent corrosion resistance, preventing oxidation and rust even in harsh environments, thanks to its protective chromium oxide layer.
Is CPM 20CV Good Steel?
Yes, CPM 20CV is a high-performance steel known for exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and edge retention, making it ideal for demanding applications like knives and tools.
CPM 20CV Steel Heat Treatment
At SteelPRO Group, we understand the importance of proper heat treatment to fully unlock the potential of CPM 20CV steel. The heat treatment process is a key factor in achieving optimal hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Annealing
We recommend performing annealing after hot working and before rehardening. The steel is heated at a controlled rate to 1860°F to 1900°F (1016°C to 1038°C), held at temperature for 1 hour per inch of thickness, and then cooled slowly in the furnace.
Hardening
- Preheating
Pre-heating CPM 20CV to 800°F to 1000°F (427°C to 538°C) minimizes thermal shock and prepares the material for the critical heating stages.
- Austenitizing
Next, the steel is heated to its austenitizing temperature of 1950°F to 2150°F (1065°C to 1177°C). The choice of temperature affects the final hardness and toughness; higher temperatures improve hardness but may reduce toughness.
- Quenching
After austenitizing, CPM 20CV steel is quenched to rapidly cool it and achieve its martensitic structure. The steel is typically cooled using pressurized gas or warm oil at a rate of 400°C per minute (222°C per minute) to below 1000°F (538°C), ensuring the steel reaches its full strength without distortion or cracking.
Tempering
Finally, temper the steel at 300°F to 600°F (149°C to 315°C) to relieve internal stresses and improve toughness. The tempering process is carefully controlled to balance hardness and toughness based on the steel’s intended use. Higher tempering temperatures result in greater toughness but slightly lower hardness, providing a tailored performance profile.
CPM 20CV Steel Product Forms
At SteelPRO Group, we offer a variety of CPM 20CV steel products, tailored to meet the diverse needs of industries. We also provide custom dimensions upon request.
| Product Form | Size Range (Metric) | Size Range (Imperial) |
| Sheets | Thickness: 6.35 mm to 25.4 mm | Thickness: 0.25 in to 1 in |
| Plates | Thickness: 12.7 mm to 101.6 mm | Thickness: 0.5 in to 4 in |
| Bars | Diameter: 12.7 mm to 101.6 mm | Diameter: 0.5 in to 4 in |
| Rods | Diameter: 6.35 mm to 50.8 mm | Diameter: 0.25 in to 2 in |
| Length: up to 3,000 mm | Length: up to 10 ft |
CPM 20CV Steel Applications
- Cutting Tools: High-end knives, saw blades, and industrial cutting tools where sharpness and longevity are critical.
- Precision Dies: Molding, forming, and stamping dies requiring superior durability for high-volume production.
- Aerospace Components: Parts like turbine blades and other high-stress components in the aerospace industry.
- Fasteners: High-performance screws and bolts that require wear resistance and reliability in demanding environments.
Is CPM 20CV Better Than S35VN?
Yes, CPM 20CV has better wear resistance and keeps its edge longer because it has more vanadium. This makes it last longer than S35VN.
Is 20CV Better Than S30V?
Yes, CPM 20CV generally outperforms S30V in wear resistance and edge retention, thanks to its higher chromium and vanadium content, providing better durability.
Your Trusted Source for CPM 20CV Steel
At SteelPro Group, we specialize in high-quality CPM 20CV steel products, including plates, bars, rods, and drill rods. We offer both standard and custom sizes to fit your exact needs. Our processing services—such as cutting, grinding, polishing, and heat treatment—ensure your steel performs at its best in any application.
We are here to provide you with the precision and reliability that make CPM 20CV steel stand out. Allow us to be your reliable partner for premium materials and support. Contact us today!
