Steel CPM 3V · temper · default condition
Steel CPM 3V Annealed
Properties of the Annealed condition, compared with the other CPM 3V tempers.
Standard stock condition for machining and grinding before hardening.
What is CPM 3V Annealed?
CPM 3V Annealed is CPM 3V in the Annealed temper — standard stock condition for machining and grinding before hardening. CPM 3V Annealed 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). CPM 3V Annealed 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).
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
- Poor heat conductor — 22 W/m·K (12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 3.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 93% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades
- Limited formability — 15/100, worse than 87% of steel grades
- Limited ductility — 12%, worse than 84% of steel grades
CPM 3V Annealed properties
Typical room-temperature values for CPM 3V Annealed — 9 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every CPM 3V temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical2
CPM 3V Annealed 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).
Mechanical8
CPM 3V Annealed 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 Annealed is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 22 W/m·K (12.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.8 µm/m·K (6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
CPM 3V Annealed has an electrical resistivity of 6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is poor (20/100), better than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of CPM 3V Annealed takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 3.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 92% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability7
CPM 3V Annealed's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades); weldability poor (20/100); 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.
Other CPM 3V tempers and conditions
CPM 3V is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the CPM 3V overview.
- AnnealedDefaultStandard stock condition for machining and grinding before hardening.600 MPa yield · 25 HRC
- Hardened & TemperedStandard working hardness for punches, shear blades and knife edges — best toughness/wear balance.1,750 MPa yield · 59 HRC
Working with CPM 3V Annealed
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.
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.
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 | — |
CPM 3V Annealed — frequently asked
What is CPM 3V Annealed used for?
CPM 3V Annealed is typically used for cold work tooling, punches and shears. In short: premium tough wear tool.
What is the yield strength of CPM 3V Annealed?
CPM 3V Annealed 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 5 listed tempers.
Is CPM 3V Annealed 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 Annealed be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). 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 Annealed?
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 Annealed 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 Annealed?
CPM 3V Annealed 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in CPM 3V Annealed?
Yes — CPM 3V Annealed is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.