What is chromium-vanadium steel?

Chromium-vanadium steel is an alloy made of iron with carbon, chrome and vanadium added to improve the properties of the metal. These alloys vary by percentage of additives; they commonly are stronger at high temperatures.

Chrome-vanadium steel combines strength with flexibility. Alloys of this steel with high carbon content are used to make wear-resistant ball bearings, while medium-carbon alloys are made into tough springs. Heat-treated chrome-vanadium steel is particularly resistant to wear and fatigue and is often used for high-speed applications such as drill bits and power-saw blades. The addition of vanadium makes steel more easily shaped without the danger of breaking.