80CrV2 Steel: Properties and Key Applications

80CrV2 steel is a medium-carbon alloy steel known for its excellent hardenability and toughness. Classified as a high-carbon tool steel, it primarily contains chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V) as its alloying elements, which significantly enhance its mechanical properties. The addition of chromium improves corrosion resistance and hardenability, while vanadium contributes to increased wear resistance and strength.

Comprehensive Overview

80CrV2 steel is widely recognized for its versatility in various engineering applications, particularly in the manufacturing of tools and components that require high strength and wear resistance. Its composition typically includes around 0.8% carbon, 0.5% chromium, and 0.2% vanadium, which collectively impart a unique balance of hardness, toughness, and ductility.

Key Characteristics:
- Hardenability: The presence of chromium allows for deeper hardening during heat treatment, making it suitable for larger components.
- Toughness: The alloy's toughness is enhanced by vanadium, which helps prevent brittle failure under stress.
- Wear Resistance: The high carbon content contributes to superior wear resistance, making it ideal for cutting tools and dies.

Advantages:
- High wear resistance and durability.
- Excellent hardenability and toughness.
- Good machinability and formability in the annealed state.

Limitations:
- Susceptibility to corrosion if not properly treated or coated.
- Requires careful heat treatment to achieve desired properties.
- May be more expensive than lower-grade steels.

Historically, 80CrV2 has been used in various applications, including the production of cutting tools, dies, and other high-stress components, establishing its reputation in the tool steel market.

Alternative Names, Standards, and Equivalents

Standard Organization	Designation/Grade	Country/Region of Origin	Notes/Remarks
UNS	G80CrV2	USA	Closest equivalent to AISI D2 with minor differences in composition.
AISI/SAE	80CrV2	International	Commonly used designation in Europe.
DIN	1.2842	Germany	Similar properties to AISI D2 but with different heat treatment recommendations.
EN	100Cr6	Europe	Equivalent with slight variations in carbon content.
JIS	SKD11	Japan	Comparable grade with similar applications.

The table above highlights various standards and equivalents for 80CrV2 steel. Notably, while grades like AISI D2 and SKD11 share similar properties, they may differ in specific heat treatment processes and performance characteristics, which can influence selection based on application requirements.

Key Properties

Chemical Composition

Element (Symbol and Name)	Percentage Range (%)
C (Carbon)	0.75 - 0.85
Cr (Chromium)	0.40 - 0.60
V (Vanadium)	0.15 - 0.25
Mn (Manganese)	0.30 - 0.50
Si (Silicon)	0.15 - 0.40
P (Phosphorus)	≤ 0.025
S (Sulfur)	≤ 0.025

The primary alloying elements in 80CrV2 steel play crucial roles:
- Carbon (C): Enhances hardness and strength through heat treatment.
- Chromium (Cr): Improves hardenability and corrosion resistance.
- Vanadium (V): Increases wear resistance and refines the microstructure, leading to improved toughness.

Mechanical Properties

Property	Condition/Temper	Test Temperature	Typical Value/Range (Metric)	Typical Value/Range (Imperial)	Reference Standard for Test Method
Tensile Strength	Quenched & Tempered	Room Temp	800 - 1200 MPa	116,000 - 174,000 psi	ASTM E8
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)	Quenched & Tempered	Room Temp	600 - 900 MPa	87,000 - 130,000 psi	ASTM E8
Elongation	Quenched & Tempered	Room Temp	10 - 15%	10 - 15%	ASTM E8
Hardness (HRC)	Quenched & Tempered	Room Temp	58 - 62 HRC	58 - 62 HRC	ASTM E18
Impact Strength	Quenched & Tempered	-20°C	20 - 40 J	15 - 30 ft-lbf	ASTM E23

The mechanical properties of 80CrV2 steel make it particularly suitable for applications requiring high strength and resistance to deformation under load. Its high tensile and yield strengths allow it to withstand significant mechanical stress, while its hardness ensures longevity in wear-prone applications.

Physical Properties

Property	Condition/Temperature	Value (Metric)	Value (Imperial)
Density	-	7.85 g/cm³	0.284 lb/in³
Melting Point	-	1425 - 1540 °C	2600 - 2800 °F
Thermal Conductivity	20°C	25 W/m·K	14.5 BTU·in/h·ft²·°F
Specific Heat Capacity	20°C	0.46 kJ/kg·K	0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical Resistivity	20°C	0.00065 Ω·m	0.00038 Ω·in

The physical properties of 80CrV2 steel, such as its density and melting point, are critical for applications involving high-temperature environments. Its thermal conductivity is moderate, which is beneficial for heat dissipation in tool applications.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosive Agent	Concentration (%)	Temperature (°C/°F)	Resistance Rating	Notes
Chlorides	5 - 10	20 - 60 / 68 - 140	Fair	Risk of pitting corrosion.
Sulfuric Acid	10 - 30	20 - 40 / 68 - 104	Poor	Not recommended for prolonged exposure.
Sodium Hydroxide	5 - 10	20 - 60 / 68 - 140	Fair	Susceptible to stress corrosion cracking.

80CrV2 steel exhibits moderate corrosion resistance, particularly in environments with chlorides and alkaline solutions. However, it is not recommended for use in highly acidic conditions, as it can suffer from significant corrosion and pitting. Compared to other tool steels like AISI D2, which has better corrosion resistance due to higher chromium content, 80CrV2 may require protective coatings or surface treatments in corrosive environments.

Heat Resistance

Property/Limit	Temperature (°C)	Temperature (°F)	Remarks
Max Continuous Service Temp	300	572	Suitable for prolonged exposure.
Max Intermittent Service Temp	400	752	Short-term exposure only.
Scaling Temperature	600	1112	Risk of oxidation beyond this limit.

80CrV2 steel maintains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for applications involving intermittent high-temperature exposure. However, care must be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 300°C, as this can lead to oxidation and degradation of the material.

Fabrication Properties

Weldability

Welding Process	Recommended Filler Metal (AWS Classification)	Typical Shielding Gas/Flux	Notes
MIG	ER80S-D2	Argon + CO2	Preheat recommended.
TIG	ER80S-D2	Argon	Requires post-weld heat treatment.
Stick	E7018	-	Suitable for thicker sections.

80CrV2 steel can be welded using various processes, but preheating is often necessary to prevent cracking. Post-weld heat treatment is also recommended to relieve stresses and restore toughness.

Machinability

Machining Parameter	80CrV2	AISI 1212	Notes/Tips
Relative Machinability Index	60	100	Moderate machinability.
Typical Cutting Speed	30 m/min	50 m/min	Use carbide tools for best results.

Machinability of 80CrV2 is moderate, and while it can be machined effectively, care must be taken to select appropriate tooling and cutting speeds to avoid excessive wear.

Formability

80CrV2 steel exhibits good formability in the annealed state, allowing for cold and hot forming processes. However, it is important to consider work hardening effects, which can increase the difficulty of forming operations as the material is worked.

Heat Treatment

Treatment Process	Temperature Range (°C/°F)	Typical Soaking Time	Cooling Method	Primary Purpose / Expected Result
Annealing	600 - 700 / 1112 - 1292	1 - 2 hours	Air	Softening and stress relief.
Quenching	850 - 900 / 1562 - 1652	30 minutes	Oil or Water	Hardening.
Tempering	150 - 300 / 302 - 572	1 hour	Air	Toughness improvement.

Heat treatment is critical for achieving the desired hardness and toughness in 80CrV2 steel. The quenching process significantly increases hardness, while tempering is essential to reduce brittleness and enhance toughness.

Typical Applications and End Uses

Industry/Sector	Specific Application Example	Key Steel Properties Utilized in this Application	Reason for Selection
Tool Manufacturing	Cutting tools	High hardness, wear resistance	Essential for durability and performance.
Automotive	Gear components	Toughness, strength	Required for high-stress applications.
Aerospace	Structural components	High strength-to-weight ratio	Critical for safety and performance.

Other applications include:
- Molds and dies for plastic injection.
- Knives and blades for industrial use.
- Jigs and fixtures in machining operations.

80CrV2 steel is chosen for these applications due to its excellent balance of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance, making it ideal for components that undergo significant mechanical stress.

Important Considerations, Selection Criteria, and Further Insights

Feature/Property	80CrV2	AISI D2	SKD11	Brief Pro/Con or Trade-off Note
Key Mechanical Property	High hardness	Higher corrosion resistance	Similar toughness	80CrV2 is less resistant to corrosion.
Key Corrosion Aspect	Moderate	Good	Fair	80CrV2 requires protective coatings.
Weldability	Moderate	Poor	Moderate	80CrV2 can be welded with precautions.
Machinability	Moderate	Good	Fair	80CrV2 requires careful machining.
Formability	Good	Fair	Good	80CrV2 is suitable for forming in the annealed state.
Approx. Relative Cost	Moderate	High	Moderate	Cost-effective for high-performance applications.
Typical Availability	Common	Common	Common	Readily available in various forms.

When selecting 80CrV2 steel, considerations include its mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and suitability for welding and machining. While it offers excellent performance in high-stress applications, its susceptibility to corrosion necessitates protective measures in certain environments. Additionally, its cost-effectiveness compared to other high-performance steels makes it a popular choice in various industries.

In summary, 80CrV2 steel stands out as a versatile material, combining high strength, wear resistance, and good machinability, making it suitable for a wide range of demanding applications.