C
PM S45VN is a martensitic stainless steel designed to offer
enhanced corrosion and wear resistance over CPM S35VN. Its rebalanced chemistry promotes the formation of more chromium carbides while ensuring an ample amount of free chromium in the matrix. By incorporating Niobium and Nitrogen instead of some Vanadium and Carbon, this steel achieves an exceptional blend of edge retention, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness, making it the ideal choice for an EDC knife steel.
The
CPM process yields highly homogeneous, superior quality steel characterized by excellent dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness, surpassing steels produced by conventional melting techniques.
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 some typical applications. Please conduct an independent study and evaluation to determine suitability for your specific application.
Chemical Composition:
Physical Properties:
Elastic Modulus32 X 10^6 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 X 10^-6
(11.0 X 10^-6)
70 - 600
(20 - 315)
6.4 X 10^-6
(11.5 X 10^-6)
Mechanical Properties:
Toughness(Transverse Charpy C-notch Testing)
While the longitudinal toughness of all four grades is approximately 25-28 ft. lbs., the transverse toughness of the CPM grades is at least four times that of 440C and 154CM. This higher transverse toughness means that CPM S45VN, CPM S35VN, and CPM S30V are significantly more resistant to chipping and breaking under side loading conditions. For knifemaking, the elevated transverse toughness is particularly advantageous for crafting larger blades.
Edge Retention(CATRA Testing Relative to 440C)
T
The CATRA (Cutlery & Allied Trades Research Association) test machine is renowned for its precision in performing standard cutting operations. It meticulously measures the number of silica-impregnated cards cut, providing a reliable gauge of relative wear resistance. This data, benchmarked against the industry-standard 440C, presents an accurate estimate based on extensive market feedback.
Thermal Treatments:
Forging:
Heat to 2100°F (1150°C) and remember, do not forge below 1750°F (950°C).
Annealing:
Begin by heating to 1650°F (900°C) and holding for 2 hours. Then, slow cool at a rate no faster than 25°F (15°C) per hour down to 1100°F (595°C). Finally, either furnace cool or allow to cool in still air to reach room temperature.
Annealed Hardness: Approximately BHN 255.
Stress Relieving Annealed Parts:
For annealed parts: Heat to 1100-1300°F (595-705°C), hold for 2 hours, then furnace cool or air cool. For hardened parts: Heat to 25-50°F (15-30°C) below the original tempering temperature, hold for 2 hours, then furnace cool or air cool.
Straightening:
Optimal when done warm at temperatures between 400-800°F (200-425°C).
Hardening Preheat:
Austenitize by heating to 1900-2000°F (1035-1095°C) and holding at temperature for 15-30 minutes. Quench either by air or positive pressure (minimum 2 bar) to below 125°F (50°C), or use salt or interrupted oil quench to about 1000°F (540°C), followed by air cooling to below 125°F (50°C).
Temper:
Employ double tempering at 400-750°F (200-400°C), holding for a minimum of 2 hours each time. For enhanced hardenability, a freezing treatment can be applied between the first and second tempers, ensuring it is followed by at least one temper.
NOTE: For optimal stress relief, temper CPM S45VN at 1000-1025°F (540-550°C). Be aware that tempering in this range may cause a minor reduction in corrosion resistance.
Size Change:
Expect a size change of +0.05 to +0.10% when fully martensitic. The presence of retained austenite may diminish net growth. Freezing treatments might be necessary between 400-750°F (200-400°C) tempering to minimize retained austenite.
Recommended Heat Treatment:
For optimal results, austenitize at 1950°F (1065°C), quench to below 125°F (50°C), then double temper at 600°F (315°C) for at least 2 hours each temper. Ensure cooling to hand-warm temperature between tempers, with a freezing treatment between tempers if desired.
Achieve your desired hardness range of 59-61 HRC with precision.
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