CPM S90V is a unique tool steel made by the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process. It is a martensitic stainless steel with a high volume of vanadium carbides for exceptionally good wear resistance. S90V offers substantial improvements in wear resistance over 440C and D2, and other high chromium tool steels, with corrosion resistance equal to or better than 440C. Its high vanadium content favors the formation of hard vanadium carbides instead of chromium carbides for wear resistance, leaving sufficient chromium in the matrix to provide good corrosion resistance.

The wear and corrosion resistance of S90V make it an excellent candidate to replace 440C, where increased wear is a primary concern. It can replace D2 or other tool steels in applications where improved corrosion resistance is also of benefit.

The CPM process results in a finer, more uniform carbide distribution imparting improved toughness and grindability to high alloy steels. The CPM process also allows the design of more highly alloyed grades which cannot be produced by conventional steelmaking.