9Cr18Mo Vs. 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steels

9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV are two well-known choices for high-performance stainless steel because of their exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Because of their remarkable qualities, both steels are great options for various industrial applications, from cutting tools to medical equipment.

9Cr18Mo Vs. 9Cr18MoV: An Overview

9Cr18Mo stainless steel is a high-carbon chromium stainless steel for making bearing rings and rolling bodies. It is used as stainless chip mechanical cutting tools, surgical blades, and high wear-resistant equipment parts.

One particularly useful stainless steel that performs exceptionally well in applications needing high levels of hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance is 9Cr18MoV. Because of the addition of vanadium, it is especially well-suited for sectors where precision, longevity, and high performance are critical.

Although 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV have a lot in common chemically, they are different in one important way: 9Cr18MoV has vanadium (V), which greatly improves its performance in several areas. After introducing you to the characteristics, applications, and benefits of 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV, we will go over the main distinctions between the two steels so you can choose the one that best stainless steel that suits your requirements.

Steel Number and Composition Explained: 9Cr18Mo vs 9Cr18MoV

 

9Cr18Mo

 

• Similar Grade

execution standard	ZEICIN Grade	GB	ASTM	JIS	DIN
GB	9Cr18Mo (ZDF-9)	9Cr18Mo	AISI 440C	SUS 440C	1.4125

• Main chemical composition %

C	Cr	Mn	Si	Mo	V
0.95~1.1	16.00~18.00	0.30~0.7	≤0.80	0.40~0.70	–
Co	S	P	Ni	Nb	W
–	≤0.03	≤0.04	<0.4 0	–	–

9Cr18MoV

 

• Universal Steel Grade

Execution Standard	ZEICIN Grade	GB	ASTM	JIS	DIN
GB /T 1220-2008	ZDF-9	9Cr18MoV	440B	SUS440B	1.4112

• Main Chemical Composition %

C	Cr	Mn	Si	Mo	V
0.85~0.95	17.00~19.00	≤0.80	≤0.80	1.00~1.30	0.07~0.12
Co	S	P	Ni	Nb	W
—	≤0.03	≤0.035	<0.60	–	–

• Molybdenum (Mo):Molybdenum adds hardness and strength to steel and improves its resistance to corrosion, especially in acidic situations.
• Vanadium (V):This main characteristic sets 9Cr18MoV apart. By creating vanadium carbides (V₄C₃) inside the microstructure, vanadium increases the steel’s resistance to wear. Because of their abrasion resistance, these strong, fine carbides keep the steel from deteriorating as quickly as 9Cr18Mo.

 

Similarities and Differences Between 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV

Two premium high carbon stainless steels, 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV, are renowned for their exceptional lifespan, hardness, and resistance to corrosion. Knives, medical instruments, and industrial equipment are among the high-demand uses for both stainless steel types.

Although they possess numerous fundamental characteristics owing to their elevated chromium levels, incorporating vanadium in 9Cr18MoV brings unique benefits, especially in terms of wear resistance and toughness. This analysis examines their similarities and differences to assist in choosing the best industrial steel supply for your business.

Similarities

• Mechanical Properties:Since both steels are martensitic stainless steels, heat treatment can significantly harden and strengthen them. Especially following the hardening process, they are well-known for their outstanding durability against wear
• Chemical Composition:With approximately 18% chromium, 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV offer remarkable resistance to corrosion and oxidation. This high chromium content allows them to excel in conditions where they encounter water or corrosive materials. Furthermore, the addition of molybdenum (Mo) enhances the toughness, hardness, and wear resistance of both steel variants.
• Application:9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV are commonly found in areas that require strong materials with excellent wear and corrosion resistance. You can use this steel for various applications, from cutting tools and surgical instruments like scalpels and needles to industrial knives and precision parts that need hardness and durability. They are particularly favored for knife production because they can retain a sharp edge and handle repeated use effectively.

Differences

• International certification VS Chinese R&D

1. 9Cr18Mo is an internationally certified 440C stainless steel with a slightly higher carbon content (about 0.1%~0.2% more), which improves the hardness and sharpness of the material.
2. 9Cr18Mov is evolved on the basis of 440C, approved by China research and development, mainly in the element data on the difference (chemical composition added molybdenum (Mo) –
   (1.0%~1.1%) and vanadium (V) – (0.1%~0.25%), at the same time, the carbon content of 9Cr18Mov is between 0.8%~0.92%, compared with 9Cr18Mo, and it is lower to achieve better comprehensive performance.

• Main feature

1. Due to the high carbon content of 9Cr18Mo, it has excellent strength and sharpness, suitable for high cutting performance applications. However, compared with 9cCr18Mov, its anti-rust function is slightly less, which is suitable for occasions with low corrosion resistance requirements.
2. 9Cr18Mov compared to 9Cr18Mo, molybdenum (Mo) content increases, which improves the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the material, so that compared to 9Cr18Mo is more suitable for wet or acidic environments. At the same time, the addition of 9Cr18Mov for vanadium (V) enhances the hardness, toughness and material retention ability of the steel, and the adjustment of carbon (C) content makes the machining performance better.

• Application performance

1. Because 9Cr18Mo is higher than 9Cr18Mov in carbon (C) content, it can be better than 9Cr18Mov in sharpness, he is more suitable for outdoor knives, hunting knives and other sharp scenes, especially in the field environment, we pay more attention to the cutting ability of the tool.
2. Because 9Cr18Mov is better than 9Cr18Mo in wear resistance and rust resistance, it is more suitable for high-end kitchen knives, which can meet the high requirements for hygiene and cutting durability in food processing. At the same time, the addition of vanadium (V) increases its hardness, toughness, and blade retention ability, so it is also often used in barber scissors and pet scissors, which can still maintain the cutting ability after repeated use.

Property	9Cr18Mo	9Cr18MoV
Hardness	Higher carbon content offers excellent sharpness.	Vanadium carbides provide improved edge retention.
Wear Resistance	Strong but less durable over time.	Superior due to vanadium carbides.
Corrosion Resistance	Adequate for general use.	Better suited for acidic and moist environments.
Applications	Outdoor knives, hunting tools.	High-end kitchen knives, barber scissors.

How to Choose: Selecting the Right Steel Based on Your Needs

Choosing the best stainless steel type is necessary for businesses involved in B2B steel supply. Before you decide which stainless steel to use for manufacturing, you must first determine what you want to make, as your application is a vital factor.  Although both steels perform exceptionally well, their differing compositions make them appropriate for various applications.

• For Medium Load and Corrosion Resistance

9Cr18Mo is an affordable and dependable choice if your application calls for medium load and corrosion resistance as its top priority. This steel is perfect for low-load bearings, medical equipment, and regular kitchen knives. The 9Cr18Mo hardness and toughness makes it appropriate for general use in settings that don’t require excessive wear or heat resistance.

• For High-Load, High-Temperature, and High-Speed Cutting Environments

9Cr18MoV is the better option if your application calls for high-load endurance, high-temperature resistance, or high-speed cutting. Because vanadium is present, it has much-improved fatigue strength, hardness, and wear resistance, which makes it ideal for high-performance, automotive, and aerospace tooling. This high-performance steel performs exceptionally well in parts that are subjected to harsh conditions, like high-performance cutting tools, fuel injectors, and engine parts.

 

How to Maintain 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV Steel: Heat Treatment and Care Tips

9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV are high-performance martensitic stainless steel that should require adequate heat treatment and maintenance to achieve the optimum value of hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. In the case of an industry, with respect to all components, equipment, or even blades, maintenance is extremely important as good maintenance prolongs the life cycle and ensures safe operation.

Heat Treatment Process	9Cr18Mo	9Cr18MoV
Annealing	Heating to 850~870℃, holding for 4~6 hours, cooling at 30℃/h to 600℃, air cooling, hardness ≤255 HBS	Heating to 1150 ± 10℃, holding for 20~100 minutes, cool to 980 ± 10℃, holding for 20~100 minutes, air cooling to room temperature
Recrystallization Annealing	Heating to 730~750℃，air cooling	–
Quenching	Heating to 1050~1100℃，oil cooling	–
Tempering	Heating to 150~160℃, holding for 2~5 hours, air cooling, hardness ≥58 HRC	Heating to 220~240℃, holding for 30~100 minutes, air cooling to room temperature
Base Temperature Range	–	1000~1150℃
Finish-Forming Temperature	–	780~900℃
First Normalizing	–	Heating to 800 ± 10℃, holding for 30~120 minutes, heating to 920℃, holding for 30~120 minutes, air cooling to 200~300℃
Second Normalizing	–	Heating to 650 ± 10℃, holding for 30~120 minutes, heating to 750 ± 10℃, holding for 30~120 minutes, air cooling to room temperature

• Care Tips

1. Keep It Clean:Always use a gentle cloth, warm water, and mild soap to clean the steel after use. Steer clear of harsh cleaning products that could damage or harm the surface.
2. Prevent Corrosion:Although 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV exhibit exceptional resistance to corrosion, it is advisable to put a thin layer of oil or a rust-resistant coating to tools that are exposed to strong chemicals or moisture.
3. Store Correctly:Keep parts and tools in a dry, well-ventilated area. For absorption of moisture in cabinets or toolboxes, use silica gel packets.

 

Performance Comparison: Hardness, Wear Resistance, and Corrosion Resistance

Hardness

Heat treatment can harden 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV to a high degree, while 9Cr18MoV usually reaches a higher hardness level. This is because vanadium strengthens steel by generating strong carbides, which increases the steel’s hardness.

• Industrial Machinery:In industrial machinery, 102Cr17Mo steel is used to create molds for gears, shafts, and plastic injection—all of which require a high degree of hardness and wear resistance. These components often operate under high stress, and the steel’s ability to resist deformation and maintain performance under extreme mechanical loads ensures long-term reliability. Its heat resistance also makes it ideal for cutting and drilling equipment in mining, construction, and material fabrication.

 

Wear Resistance

The main way that molybdenum helps with wear resistance is by increasing strength and toughness. Unlike vanadium, it does not form hard carbides. Because of the presence of vanadium carbides, 9Cr18MoV will perform better in terms of long-term wear resistance than 9Cr18Mo, which has strong wear resistance.

• High-end Cutting Tools:Cutting tools, including high-precision instruments and industrial blades, are among the most significant applications for 9Cr18MoV. Vanadium is added to steel to create exceptionally hard vanadium carbides, contributing to several crucial characteristics. Steel is perfect for instruments subjected to constant friction, including saw blades, knives, and industrial cutting tools, since vanadium carbides assist the steel in retaining its sharpness even under intense abrasion circumstances.

 

 

Corrosion Resistance

Both steels provide considerable resistance to rust and corrosion because of their high chromium content. This is one of the main causes of the widespread use of 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV in settings where materials are subjected to severe temperatures, moisture, or acids.

• Industrial Knives:Making cutting tools and blades is one of the most common applications for 9Cr18Mo steel. It is perfect for industrial knives that produce paper, textiles, and plastics because it can maintain a sharp edge even after extensive use. In the food processing sector, where hygienic practices and corrosion resistance are crucial, it is also preferred for cutting blades in meat slicers and vegetable cutters.

 

• High-Precision Hair Scissors:In the professional barber scissors industry, sharpness, durability and corrosion resistance are the key characteristics of barber scissors. 440C stainless steel has excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. At the same time, the knife scissors made of 440c stainless steel have a longer service life and less wear, greatly improving the work efficiency of the barber, reducing the frequency of cleaning and maintenance.

 

Why Choose Our 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steel?

What Makes Zeicin Steel Different from Others?

At Zeicin, we are committed to manufacturing high-performance stainless steel and advanced steel processing methods to support multi-sector applications like medical devices and industrial tools. Zeicin’s 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV stainless steel are renowned for their remarkable hardness, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand wear.

To meet the high expectations put in place by industries such as automotive, healthcare, and tool-making industries, Zeicin ensures that their steel is correctly formed through precise forging and is subjected to stringent quality check procedures. Our 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV stainless steel is one of the most durable stainless steels for constructing components and tools, such as industrial parts, surgery tools, and cutting tools.

Enhanced performance and longer tool life can be explained by the steel’s high wear and corrosion-resistant feature resulting from its high hardness and toughness rates. You gain more than simply a B2B steel supply when you use Zeicin’s steel; you also get accuracy, dependability, and a competitive advantage in marketplaces.

 

FAQs

• Can I use both 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV for bearings?

Both steels can be used to make bearings; however, because of their good corrosion and moderate wear resistance, 9Cr18Mo is more frequently employed for low-load bearings in non-critical applications.

• Can I use 9Cr18MoV for everyday kitchen knives?

Yes, expensive kitchen knives can be made from 9Cr18MoV. Compared to 9Cr18Mo, it has superior edge retention and wear resistance, making it appropriate for demanding settings. For regular kitchen knives, however, when severe wear resistance is not a top priority, 9Cr18Mo might be a more affordable choice.

• Why Choose Zeicin as your Raw Material Supplier?

Zeicin is the bests B2B steel supplier that offers high-quality raw materials, such as high-performance stainless steels like 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV. To meet industry standards and surpass consumer expectations, every product is subjected to stringent quality control.

Conclusion

9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV are both superior stainless steels with unique benefits. 9Cr18Mo is appropriate for the majority of daily applications because it provides good corrosion and wear resistance at a lower cost.

Conversely, 9Cr18MoV, which has vanadium added, performs exceptionally well in high-load, high-temperature, and high-speed applications, which makes it perfect for high-performance tools, automotive parts, and aerospace components. Your tools’ greatest performance and lifetime are guaranteed when you choose the appropriate material based on your unique needs.