Mechanical and Microstructural Behavior of Tempered CPM® 3V High-Density Sintered Tool Steel

The tempering response of CPM® 3V tool steel was investigated via a hardening and heat treatment, tensile testing, fractography, microstructural evaluation. is manufactured using Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM®), proprietary high-density sintering technique developed by Industries. treatments were applied to ASTM E8 standard test specimens. Tempering temperature the experimental variable. following samples prepared: As-Hardened (no tempering); tempered at 450 °C, 550 650 700 °C; As-Received (annealed). Ultimate strength yield each treatment determined test. failed specimens examined for mode fracture macro- microscopic scales. Reflected light microscopy scanning electron microscope (SEM) used characterization. Testing analysis established <550 °C dominated brittle failure while >550 experienced ductile failure. showed mixed features. This study found that can be optimized strength, with good toughness, temperature. consistent Industries’ recommended wear resistance toughness.