C
PM S45VN is a martensitic stainless steel expertly crafted to offer exceptional performance.
This advanced steel boasts superior corrosion and wear resistance compared to CPM S35VN. With a rebalanced chemistry that forms more chromium carbides, it simultaneously increases free chromium in the matrix. By substituting Niobium and Nitrogen for some of the Vanadium and Carbon, this steel achieves an outstanding blend of edge retention, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness – making it the quintessential choice for everyday carry (EDC) knife steel.
The
CPM process meticulously produces exceptionally homogeneous, high-quality steel. This steel is distinguished by its superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness, outperforming steels produced through traditional melting practices.
Typical Applications:
Long-Wearing Specialty Cutlery Plastic Injection and Extrusion Feed Screws and Dies Non-Return Valve Components Pelletizing Equipment Wear Components for Food and Chemical Processing Note: These are typical applications. Ensure to conduct an independent study and evaluation to confirm suitability for your specific application.
Chemical Composition:
Physical Properties:
Elastic Modulus32 X 106 psi
(221 GPa)
Density0.27 lbs./in3
(7.47 g/cm3)
Thermal Conductivity
BTU/hr-ft-°F
W/m-°K
cal/cm-s-°C
200°F
93°C
10
17.31
4.13 X 10-2
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
°F
°C
in/in/°F
mm/mm/°C
7
0 - 400
(20 - 200)
6.1 X10-6
(11.0 X10-6)
70 - 600
(20 - 315)
6.4 X10-6
(11.5 X10-6)
Mechanical Properties:
Toughness(Transverse Charpy C-notch Testing)
While the longitudinal toughness of these grades is approximately 25-28 ft. lbs., the transverse toughness of the CPM grades is at least four times that of 440C and 154CM. The superior transverse toughness of CPM S45VN, CPM S35VN, and CPM S30V signifies remarkable resistance to chipping and breaking, particularly in applications prone to side loading. In knifemaking, this enhanced transverse toughness makes CPM steels exceptionally suitable for larger blades.
Edge Retention(CATRA Testing Relative to 440C)
T
he CATRA (Cutlery & Allied Trades Research Association) test machine performs a standard cutting operation and measures the number of silica impregnated cards which are cut. It is considered a measure of relative wear resistance, reported in this table as compared to a 440C standard. *Estimate based upon market feedback
Thermal Treatments:
Forging:
2100°F (1150°C) Do not forge below 1750°F (950°C).
Annealing:
Heat to 1650°F (900°C), hold 2 hours, slow cool no faster than 25°F (15°C) per hour to 1100°F (595°C), then furnace cool or cool in still air to room temperature.
Annealed Hardness: About BHN 255
Stress Relieving Annealed Parts:
Heat to 1100-1300°F (595-705°C), hold 2 hours, then furnace cool or cool in still air. Hardened Parts: Heat to 25-50°F (15-30°C) below original tempering temperature, hold 2 hours, then furnace cool or cool in still air.
Straightening:
Best done warm 400-800°F (200-425°C) Hardening Preheat: Heat to 1550-1600°F (845-870°C) Equalize.
Austenitize:
1900-2000°F (1035-1095°C), hold time at temper- ature 15-30 minutes. Quench: Air or positive pressure quench (2 bar minimum) to below 125°F (50°C), or salt or interrupted oil quench to about 1000°F (540°C), then air cool to below 125°F (50°C).
Temper:
Double temper at 400-750°F (200-400°C). Hold for 2 hours minimum each time. (See Table) A freezing treatment may be used between the first and second tempers. Freezing treatments help to attain maximum hardenability and must always be followed by at least one temper.
NOTE: For optimum stress relieving, CPM S45VN may be tempered at 1000-1025°F (540-550°C). Tempering in this range may result in a slight decrease in corrosion resistance.
Size Change:
+0.05 to +0.10% when fully martensitic. The presence of retained austenite may reduce the net growth. When tempering at 400-750°F (200-400°C), freezing treatments may be necessary to minimize retained austenite.
Recommended Heat Treatment:
Austenitize 1950°F (1065°C). Quench to below 125°F (50°C). Double temper at 600°F (315°C) 2 hrs. minimum each temper. Cool to hand warm between tempers. A freezing treatment may be added between tempers.
Aim hardness: 59-61 HRC.
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