Steel CPM 3V
CPM 3V is a powder-metallurgy high-vanadium cold-work tool steel, nominally 0.80C-7.5Cr-2.75V-1.3Mo, in which fine, evenly distributed vanadium carbides give toughness approaching A2 and S7 with wear resistance far above D2.
Values for the Annealed condition
CPM 3V tempers and conditions
CPM 3V is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AnnealedDefault soft annealed (as-supplied bar/plate) | Standard stock condition for machining and grinding before hardening. | 600 | 900 | 12 | 25 HRC | 2.9 % IACS |
High-toughness temper | Pick for heavy impact tooling (cold heading, hot shear knives) where chipping resistance beats wear life. | 1,550 | 1,800 | 4 | 55 HRC | 24 W/m·K |
austenitize ~1065 °C, quench, temper 525–550 °C (58–60 HRC) | Standard working hardness for punches, shear blades and knife edges — best toughness/wear balance. | 1,750 | 2,000 | 2 | 59 HRC | — |
High-hardness temper | Maximum wear resistance and edge retention for knives and slitting blades; toughness somewhat reduced. | 2,050 | 2,400 | 1.5 | 61 HRC | 22 W/m·K |
What is CPM 3V?
CPM 3V is a powder-metallurgy high-vanadium cold-work tool steel, nominally 0.80C-7.5Cr-2.75V-1.3Mo, in which fine, evenly distributed vanadium carbides give toughness approaching A2 and S7 with wear resistance far above D2. It is used for blanking and shear tooling, paper knives and high-end blades where edge chipping is the failure mode, and is normally heat treated to 58–60 HRC; annealed bar runs about 255 HB with 600 MPa yield and 900 MPa tensile. The limits are high cost, poor machinability and grindability, and the fact that 7.5 % Cr is not stainless, so parts need oil, plating or coating. D2 is the cheaper choice where wear dominates and toughness does not. CPM 3V has a density of 7.46 g/cm³ (0.27 lb/in³), lighter than 98% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). CPM 3V has a yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
What is CPM 3V used for?
- Cold work tooling
- Punches
- Shears
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 97% of steel grades
- High strength — 600 MPa (87 ksi), better than 77% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 2.9 % IACS, worse than 93% of steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 3.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 93% of steel grades
- Poor heat conductor — 23 W/m·K (13.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 92% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades
- Limited formability — 15/100, worse than 87% of steel grades
CPM 3V properties
Typical room-temperature values for CPM 3V-Annealed; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical2
CPM 3V has a density of 7.46 g/cm³ (0.27 lb/in³), lighter than 98% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical15
CPM 3V has a yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal5
CPM 3V is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 23 W/m·K (13.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 92% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.8 µm/m·K (6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CPM 3V conducts electricity at 2.9 % IACS, worse than 93% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is poor (20/100), better than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of CPM 3V takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 3.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 93% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability7
CPM 3V's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (15/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. CPM 3V is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with CPM 3V
Is CPM 3V easy to machine?
Machine only in the annealed state with rigid setups, carbide or coated carbide tooling, low SFM and heavy positive rake; grinding of hardened parts needs SG/CBN wheels because of the 2.75% V carbides.
Can CPM 3V be welded?
Not intended for structural welding; repair-weld with matching or tool-steel filler at 400–500 °C preheat followed by an immediate temper to avoid HAZ cracking.
Can CPM 3V be formed, bent or molded?
Hot work at 1040–1120 °C with slow controlled cooling and full anneal; cold forming is impractical.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to CPM 3V. Every CPM 3V part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Poor30 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | P.2 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 180 / 210 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 5× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
CPM 3V chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.75 – 0.85 | 0.8 |
| Cr | 7 – 8 | 7.5 |
| Vforms fine MC vanadium carbides | 2.5 – 3 | 2.75 |
| Mo | 1.2 – 1.4 | 1.3 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Si | 0.7 – 1 | 0.9 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on CPM 3V?
Polishes to a fine finish thanks to the uniform PM carbide structure; protect with oil, black oxide, phosphate or PVD/DLC coatings since it is not stainless — post-hardening cryogenic treatment plus double temper improves dimensional stability.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
How much does CPM 3V cost?
CPM 3V is a premium-cost steel ($$$), pricier than about 57% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
CPM 3V — frequently asked
What is CPM 3V used for?
CPM 3V is typically used for cold work tooling, punches and shears. In short: premium tough wear tool.
What is the yield strength of CPM 3V?
CPM 3V has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) and a tensile strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) — stronger than 77% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is CPM 3V easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades). Machine only in the annealed state with rigid setups, carbide or coated carbide tooling, low SFM and heavy positive rake; grinding of hardened parts needs SG/CBN wheels because of the 2.75% V carbides.
Can CPM 3V be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Not intended for structural welding; repair-weld with matching or tool-steel filler at 400–500 °C preheat followed by an immediate temper to avoid HAZ cracking.
What surface finishes work on CPM 3V?
Polishes to a fine finish thanks to the uniform PM carbide structure; protect with oil, black oxide, phosphate or PVD/DLC coatings since it is not stainless — post-hardening cryogenic treatment plus double temper improves dimensional stability.
Can CPM 3V be formed, bent or molded?
Hot work at 1040–1120 °C with slow controlled cooling and full anneal; cold forming is impractical.
What is the maximum service temperature of CPM 3V?
CPM 3V is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does CPM 3V cost?
CPM 3V is a premium-cost steel ($$$), pricier than about 57% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in CPM 3V?
Yes — CPM 3V is available for CNC machining; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- CPM 3V Data Sheet — Crucible Industries (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Tool Steels, 5th ed. — ASM International (1998)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.