CPM 20CV is an exclusive steel formed by the Crucible Particle Metallurgy technique. It is a martensitic stainless steel with a high proportion of vanadium carbides, allowing it superior abrasion resistance when used for an everyday carry item.
It has the highest amount of chromium compared to other high-vanadium stainless steels. This high chromium content gives the steel excellent protection against corrosion. CPM 20CV is ideal for plastic injection machinery parts, such as feed screws, barrel liners, screw tips, and mold cavities, especially for plastics containing abrasive fillers.
The CPM method produces a more even spread of carbide particles, enhancing the toughness and grindability of highly alloyed metals. Furthermore, this process enables the design of alloy grades that cannot be produced through traditional steel manufacturing.
Metallic Composition
- Carbon: 1.9 percent
- Chromium: 20.0 percent
- Molybdenum: 1.0 percent
- Tungsten: 0.6 percent
- Vanadium: 4.0 percent
Applications
- Components for Food and Chemical Processing.
- Granulator Knives.
- High-Performing, Long-Wearing Specialty Cutlery.
- Pelletizing Equipment.
- Plastic-Injected and Extrusion-Fed Screws and Dies.
Reasons to Use CPM-20CV for Your Everyday Carry Blade
When designing a new knife, choosing what type of steel to use for the blade is very important. The size of the blade, how it is deployed, the materials used for the handle, the look and feel of the knife, and the balance of the handle are all important considerations, but the steel used for the blade is the most crucial choice.
- Benchmade knives use steel called CPM-20CV, measured between 59 to 61 HRC in hardness. Different makers may have different measurements for the same steel. This hardness is slightly higher than the steel 440C, a popular alloy used for making knives, and has a hardness of 50 to 60 HRC.
- Toughness measures steel’s ability to withstand shock or pressure without breaking, warping, or cracking. It is important for knives, as a toughness failure can be dangerous and lead to unexpected results. While a knife can become worn out over time, it is much better than breaking suddenly due to a lack of toughness.
CPM-20CV provides the same durability as 440C, a well-known material used to make knives.
- Wear resistance is the ability of steel to withstand contact with various substances and materials without losing its volume or picking up the foreign matter. Wear testing assesses how a knife blade will respond to contact with objects that could cause wear and tear. It simulates real-world contact between the blade and the source of destructive interaction, such as cutting into materials.
CPM-20CV is a material much more resistant to wear and tear than 440C, providing users with five times more durability.
- Corrosion resistance is the ability of a steel to avoid being affected by its environment, such as moisture, humidity, and salt. To increase corrosion resistance, chromium is added to the alloy.
CPM-20CV is much more resistant to corrosion than 440C, having seven-eighths the corrosion resistance of 440C.
In Closing
Due to its hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, well above normal standards due to its metallic composition, CPM-20CV is a sturdy material for daily safety items.
Find the Right Item at EDC Hub
Explore a vast selection of pocket knives, tactical torches, holsters, medical kits, and other everyday carry essentials to suit any lifestyle. Visit our website to buy now and avail up to 25 percent off sale prices!