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CPM 3V Powder Steel For Knifes And Blades
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While there are many types of tool steels available, CPM 3V steel stands out for its superior toughness and wear resistance. SteelPro Group offers an extensive inventory of CPM 3V steel products, including bars, rods, plates, and custom sizes, ensuring that you can find the right solution for your toughest applications. In the following sections, we will explore the distinctive advantages of CPM 3V steel and why it remains a preferred material among professionals.
What Is CPM 3V Steel?
CPM 3V steel is a high-grade tool steel produced through the advanced Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process by Crucible Industries. This steel is renowned for its exceptional impact resistance and fracture toughness, surpassing traditional steels like A2, D2, and CPM M4. Its fine grain structure and uniform carbide distribution enhance edge retention and resistance to chipping, making it ideal for demanding applications such as industrial knives, heavy-duty tools, and outdoor equipment. Notably, CPM 3V is not stainless and may oxidize if not maintained properly.
- CPM 3V is a registered trademark of Crucible Industries
CPM 3V Steel Products Forms And Supply Range
We supply CPM 3V steel in a variety of forms, including bars, rods, plates, sheets, rounds, and blanks. Below are the typical size ranges we offer, with additional custom size options available to meet your specific needs.
CPM 3V Steel Bars and Rods
- Diameter: 3 mm to 500 mm
- Length: 300 mm to 6000 mm
CPM 3V Steel Plates
- Thickness: 3 mm to 200 mm
- Width: 100 mm to 1500 mm
- Length: 300 mm to 6000 mm
CPM 3V Steel Sheets
- Thickness: 1 mm to 10 mm
- Width: 100 mm to 1200 mm
CPM 3V Steel Rounds
- Diameter: 6 mm to 300 mm
- Length: Custom lengths available
CPM 3V Steel Blanks
- Size: Custom sizes, typically pre-machined for specific parts
CPM 3V Steel Chemical Composition
The following table outlines the key chemical composition of CPM 3V tool steel.
| Element | Percentage (%) |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.80 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 7.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 88.65 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 1.3 |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤ 2.75 |
CPM 3V Steel Physical Properties
The following table presents the physical properties of CPM 3V tool steel.
| Property | Metric (SI) | Imperial |
| Density | 7.80 g/cc | 0.282 lb/in³ |
| Melting Point | 1,400°C | 2,552°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 24.2 W/m·K | 168 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 10.6 µm/m·°C | 5.89 µin/in·°F |
CPM 3V Steel Mechanical Properties
The following table outlines the mechanical properties of CPM 3V tool steel.
| Property | Metric | Imperial | Notes |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 241 | 241 | – |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | 58 – 60 | 58 – 60 | – |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 207 GPa | 30,000 ksi | – |
| Charpy Impact | 53.0 J | 39.1 ft-lb | Austen. Temp. – 1120°C |
| Charpy Impact | 95.0 J | 70.1 ft-lb | Austen. Temp. – 1065°C |
| Charpy Impact at | 113 J | 83.3 ft-lb | Austen. Temp. – 1025°C |
CPM 3V Steel Heat Treatment
At SteelPro Group, our CPM 3V steel production line follows a strict, standardized heat treatment process to ensure consistent quality and performance. Through precise control over each stage, we deliver CPM 3V steel tailored to meet your specific needs.
Annealing
To relieve stresses and soften the steel for easier machining, heat CPM 3V to 900°C (1650°F) and hold for 2 hours. Then, cool slowly at no more than 15°C (25°F) per hour to 595°C (1100°F), and finally, allow it to cool to room temperature in the furnace or in still air. The resulting hardness after annealing is approximately BHN 241.
Stress-Relieving
For parts that have already been annealed, heat to 595-705°C (1100-1300°F) for 2 hours, followed by a furnace or air cooling. For hardened parts, heat to 15-30°C (25-50°F) below the original tempering temperature, hold for 2 hours, and then cool in the furnace or air.
Hardening
Preheating
Begin by heating the steel to 790-845°C (1450-1550°F) to ensure uniform temperature distribution.
Austenitizing
For maximum wear resistance, heat to 1093-1121°C (2000-2050°F) for at least 20 minutes.
For a balanced mix of wear and toughness, heat to 1066°C (1950°F) for 20 minutes.
For maximum toughness, heat to 1024-1038°C (1875-1900°F) for 45 minutes.
Quenching
Use air, pressurized gas (minimum 2 bars), or salt/quenching oil. After quenching, cool the steel to below 50°C (125°F) using air or salt baths at 538-593°C (1000-1100°F).
Tempering
Immediately after quenching, temper the steel at 540-550°C (1000-1050°F) for at least 2 hours to achieve the desired balance of hardness and toughness. Repeat this process up to three times to refine the steel’s properties.
Machinability of CPM 3V Steel
CPM 3V steel is tougher and more wear-resistant than many other tool steels, making it slightly more challenging to machine. Compared to steels like D2 or CPM M4, it is easier to machine.
Machining Tools and Techniques
Use carbide tools for best results, as they can handle CPM 3V’s hardness. Avoid high-speed steel (HSS) tools, as they wear out too quickly. For turning, milling, and drilling, lower cutting speeds are recommended, and adequate coolant or lubricant should be used to manage heat and extend tool life.
Is CPM 3V A Super Steel?
Yes, CPM 3V is often called a “super steel” due to its outstanding toughness, wear resistance, and impact strength. Its advanced powder metallurgy gives it excellent edge retention, making it ideal for heavy-duty tools and industrial applications.
CPM 3V Steel Applications
- Cutting Tools: Saw blades, knives, and shear blades.
- Die and Mold Components: Punch dies, die inserts, and mold parts.
- Forming Tools: Stamping dies, forging dies, and extrusion tools.
- Abrasive Wear Parts: Wear plates, liners, and crusher parts.
Get Premium CPM 3V Steel
At SteelPro Group, we offer high-quality CPM 3V products, including bars, rods, and custom sizes, backed by years of manufacturing experience. We also provide other tool steel products like T1 and D2 plate. Whether you need precision machining or timely delivery, our team is here to meet your needs.
