CPM 3V Powder Metal Tool Steel

CPM 3V is a powder metal tool steel with a unique chemical composition that results in tooling with an outstanding combination of properties including high impact toughness and good wear resistance. The impact toughness is enhanced by the fine grain size, small carbides, and superior cleanliness of the powder metallurgy (PM) microstructure.

APPLICATIONS: CPM 3V should be considered for service in blanking & sizing dies, shear blades, cold and hot forging punches, powder compaction tooling and many other applications where a combination of strength, wear resistance and toughness is required.

Composition

Relative Properties

Physical Properties

• Density: 0.279 lb/in³ (7750 kg/m³)
• Specific Gravity: 7.75
• Specific Heat: 0.11 Btu/lb/ ° F
• Modulus of Elasticity: 30 x 10⁶ psi (207GPa)
• Machinability: 50-60% of a 1% carbon steel

Heat Treating Instructions

Hardening

Preheating: 1500-1550°F (816-845°C), equalize.

Austenitizing (High Heat): Heat rapidly from the preheat.

For Maximum Wear Resistance: Furnace or Salt Bath: 2000-2050°F (1093-1121°C)
Soak for 20 minutes minimum at temperature.

For Balanced Wear & Toughness:
Furnace or Salt Bath: 1950°F (1066°C)
Soak for 20 minutes minimum at temperature

For Maximum Toughness:
Furnace or Salt Bath: 1875-1900°F (1024-1038°C)
Soak for 45 minutes minimum at temperature

Quenching: Air, pressurized gas, warm oil, or salt. For pressurized gas, the furnace should have a minimum quench pressure of 4 bars. For oil, quench until black, about 900°F (482°C), then cool in still air to 150-125°F (66-51°C), then cool in still air to 150-125°F (66-51°C). For salt maintained at 1000-1100°F (538-593°C), equalize in the salt, then cool in still air to 150-125°F (66-51°C).

Tempering: Temper immediately after quenching. Typical temperature range is 1000-1100°F (524-593°C). Do not temper below 950°F (510°C). Hold at temperature for 1 hour per inch of thickness, 2 hours minimum, then air cool to ambient temperature. Double tempering is required. Triple tempering is recommended when austenitized at 2000°F (1093°C) or above and when tooling will be wire EDM'd from a solid block after heat treatment.

Annealing

Annealing must be performed after hot working and before rehardening.

Heat at a rate not exceeding 400°F per hour (222°C per hour) to 1600-1650°F (871-899°C), and hold at temperature for 1 hour per inch of maximum thickness; 2 hours minimum. Then cool slowly with the furnace at a rate not exceeding 50°F per hour (28°C per hour) to 1000°F (538°C). Continue cooling to ambient temperature in the furnace or in air. The resultant hardness should be approximately 241 HBW.

*CPM, 1V, 3V, 9V, 10V, 15V, S30V, S90V, Rex M4, Rex T15, and Rex 76 are trademarks of Crucible Industries LLC