CPM 3V Overview

Crucible Industries – CPM 3V Data Sheet

CPM 3V is a high toughness, wear-resistant tool steel made by Crucible Industries using the Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process. It was designed to provide maximum resistance to breakage and chipping in high-stress applications while offering better wear resistance than typical shock-resistant steels such as S7 or A2.

The powder metallurgy process results in a very fine, uniform carbide structure, giving 3V excellent toughness without sacrificing hardness or grindability.

It is widely used in knives, swords, dies, punches, shear blades, and tools requiring both durability and edge retention.

Performance Overview

Key Feature Rating Notes
Chipping Resistance ★★★★★ Excellent for large, stressed blades
Toughness ★★★★★ One of the highest in modern tool steels
Wear Resistance ★★★★ Sufficient for aggressive cutting tasks
Grindability ★★★★ Easier than CPM 4V or D2
Dimensional Stability ★★★★☆ Excellent post heat-treatment (flat and EDM-friendly)
Corrosion Resistance ★★ Not stainless – keep oiled
Weldability ★ Not recommended – use mechanical joining or laminated construction

Heat Treatment Guidelines

Target Hardness: HRC 58–60 (ideal for blades)

  • Preheat: Step heat to 600–650°C then 850°C

  • Austenitizing: 1065°C (1950°F) for 30–45 minutes

  • Quenching:

    • High-pressure gas quench in vacuum furnace (≥6 bar recommended)

    • Or oil quench for thicker cross-sections

    • Cool to below 50°C before tempering

  • Cryo Treatment (Optional):

    • Dry ice or liquid nitrogen for 1–2 hours

    • Reduces retained austenite and improves dimensional stability

  • Tempering:

    • Triple tempering at 540°C (1000°F)

    • 2 hours per cycle, full cooling to room temp between cycles

    • Required for EDM applications or austenitizing over 1090°C

Chemical Composition

CPM 3V contains a balanced blend of alloying elements designed to optimize toughness, wear resistance, and heat treatment response:

  • Carbon (C) – 0.80%
    Provides hardness and cutting edge strength.

  • Chromium (Cr) – 7.50%
    Enhances wear resistance and offers moderate oxidation protection.

  • Vanadium (V) – 2.75%
    Promotes the formation of fine vanadium carbides, improving edge retention and resistance to chipping.

  • Molybdenum (Mo) – 1.30%
    Boosts toughness and helps prevent softening during tempering.

  • Manganese (Mn) – 0.50%
    Improves hardenability and contributes to strength.

  • Silicon (Si) – 0.90%
    Aids in strength, deoxidation, and thermal stability during heat treatment.

This composition results in a finely distributed microstructure ideal for large or impact-prone blades, with predictable performance during grinding, quenching, and finishing.

Processing Notes

  • Excellent for EDM machining, CNC profiling, surface grinding, and flat stock removal

  • Powder metallurgy ensures uniform grain and carbide structure

  • Holds edge well even with heavy sharpening or hard-use grinding

  • Use triple tempering and jigging for best flatness during heat treat

Ideal Applications

  • Long swords, tactical blades, choppers

  • Survival knives, field tools

  • Core steel in San Mai or laminated structures

  • Precision blade blanks for EDM

  • High-performance folding or fixed blades

Material Options

  • ✅ Heat-treated plates (vacuum hardened + triple tempered)

  • ✅ Annealed bar stock (ready for forging and custom HT)

  • ✅ Custom thicknesses, widths, and lengths

  • ✅ Available for San Mai core or mono-steel blade builds

Why Choose Us?

We’re more than just a steel supplier—we understand bladesmithing from the inside out. Every material we offer is carefully selected, professionally handled, and backed by real technical support.

We understand the real-world needs of sword makers and custom bladesmiths. From steel behavior during forging and quenching to EDM and final finishing, we speak your language—because we’re craftsmen too.

We stock carefully selected steels like CPM 3V, CPM 1V, and more—known for their toughness, edge retention, and dimensional stability. Whether treated or annealed, every batch is chosen for serious work.

Need specific dimensions for your blade profile? We offer custom cutting, stock thickness options, and surface prep to suit forging or grinding—saving you time and material waste.

We focus on long-term value—offering premium materials at fair prices. Whether you’re a one-blade-at-a-time maker or a growing workshop, we’ll work with your budget.

We understand that your build schedule depends on material arriving when promised. We ship on time, provide tracking, and follow up—so you can plan with confidence.

Have questions about heat treatment, material choice, or blade geometry? We’re here to help—not just before the sale, but anytime you need practical advice.

Some Numbers

Explore a glimpse of our data

1 +
Years of Experience
100 +
Satisfied Clients
300 +
Steel Plates Supplied
150
Expert Heat Treats

Would you like to start a project with us?

Whether you’re crafting a single custom blade or building a full line of swords, we’re here to support your vision with the right materials and reliable service. Tell us what you’re making—we’ll help you choose the steel, prepare it, and get it to you on time. Let’s build something sharp together.

Contact Us