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CPM S90V Steel: Products, Properties, and Heat Treatment
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We specialize in providing top-tier tool steels, including the renowned CPM S90V. We offer high-performance materials for industries like knife making and aerospace, with custom solutions to meet your specific needs—experience reliability and quality with SteelPro Group.
What Is CPM S90V Steel?
CPM S90V is a martensitic stainless alloy produced by the crucible powder metallurgy. Its high vanadium content forms vanadium carbides for wear resistance, while free chromium enhances corrosion resistance. Compared to 440C and D2, its wear resistance is significantly better. It is mainly used in folding knives and kitchen knives, where edge retention and durability are crucial.
- CPM S90V is a trademarked steel grade produced by Crucible Industries.
CPM S90V Steel Products Forms And Supply Range
We offer a variety of standard sizes for CPM S90V Steel, including bars, rods, sheets, plates, wire, and round stock tailored to industry needs. We know that every project might have distinct needs, which is why we also provide personalized size options.
| Product Form | Size Range (Metric) | Size Range (Imperial) |
| Steel Bars and Rods | Diameter: 6 mm to 100 mm | Diameter: 0.24 inch to 3.94 inch |
| Sheets and Plates | Thickness: 3 mm to 50 mm | Thickness: 0.12 inch to 1.97 inch |
| Width: Up to 1500 mm | Width: Up to 59 inches | |
| Length: Up to 3000 mm | Length: Up to 118 inches | |
| Wire | Diameter: 0.5 mm to 10 mm | Diameter: 0.02 inch to 0.39 inch |
CPM S90V Steel Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 2.3 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14 |
| Iron (Fe) | 73.7 |
| Tungsten (W) | 1 |
| Vanadium (V) | 9 |
CPM S90V Steel Physical Properties
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value |
| Density | 7.94 g/cm³ | 0.287 lb/in³ |
| Melting Point | 1400°C | 2552°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 24 W/m·K | 14 BTU·ft/h·°F·ft² |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 6.2 x 10⁻⁶/°C | 3.4 x 10⁻⁶/°F |
CPM S90V Steel Mechanical Properties
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value |
| Hardness, Brinell | 277 HB | 277 HB |
| Hardness, Rockwell C | 56 – 59 HRC | 56 – 59 HRC |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 215 GPa | 31.2 x 10⁶ psi |
| Charpy Impact | 27.12 J | 20 ft·lbf |
CPM S90V Steel Heat Treatment
Annealing
CPM 10V Steel should be heated to 900°C (1650°F) and held for 2 hours. Afterward, it should be cooled slowly at a rate no faster than 15°C (25°F) per hour until it reaches 540°C (1000°F). Then, it can be cooled either in a furnace or in ambient air until it reaches room temperature. The hardness after annealing is approximately BHN 277.
Stress Relieving
For stress relieving of annealed parts, heat them to 595-705°C (1100-1300°F) and hold for 2 hours. Afterward, cool them either in still air or in a furnace.
For hardened components, raise the temperature to 15-30°C (25-50°F) lower than the initial tempering temperature, maintain for 2 hours, and then allow them to cool in ambient air or within an oven.
Hardening
- Pre-heat: Begin by preheating the steel to approximately 760°C (1400°F) to avoid thermal shock.
- Austenitize: Heat the steel to 1150-1175°C (2100-2150°F) and hold for 10-30 minutes.
- Quench: Quench the steel quickly using salt quenching, interrupted oil quenching, positive pressure gas quenching, or air cooling. The cooling rate should be a minimum of 80°C (150°F) per minute until the temperature drops below 540°C (1000°F). Afterward, continue cooling in still air or with moderate forced air to bring it below 50°C (125°F).
Tempering
For optimal hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, CPM 10V Steel should be double tempered at temperatures ranging from 200-540°C (400-1000°F). This double tempering process helps to relieve internal stresses and adjust the steel’s final hardness.
Straightening
After hardening and tempering, CPM 10V Steel may require straightening, which can be done at temperatures below 260°C (500°F) to avoid any warping and ensure dimensional stability.
CPM S90V Steel Applications
CPM S90V Steel is commonly used in high-end folding knives, fixed-blade knives, kitchen knives, saw blades, and surgical instruments. It is also utilized in high-performance automotive cutting tools and molds.
What Is The Difference Between S30V And S90V Steel?
S30V is a well-balanced stainless steel known for toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, making it great for everyday knives. S90V, with more vanadium, offers superior wear resistance and edge retention, ideal for high-end knives and extreme durability. However, S90V can be harder to sharpen than S30V.
If you need a balance of performance and ease, go for S30V; if maximum durability and edge holding are crucial, choose S90V.
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