AR500 vs HARDOX 500 vs NM500 – UNDERSTANDING THE WHOLE PICTURE OF WEAR PLATE

In construction and manufacturing, the caliber and composition of steel plates wield a profound influence over the quality of the end products. Abrasion-resistant steel plates, distinguished by their superior hardness and tenacity, boast a lifespan that extends to a multiple of four compared to that of standard high-strength structural steel plates.

The longevity of abrasion-resistant steel can be attributed to its unique alloying elements and meticulous manufacturing techniques, rendering it optimal for withstanding environments prone to intense abrasion. Deciding whether a project necessitates the incorporation of abrasion-resistant steel hinges on an assessment of the project's specific criteria and anticipated longevity.

Our team is often approached by clients seeking guidance on the selection and utilization of abrasion-resistant steel plates. In response to these inquiries, we have distilled a compendium of frequently posed questions and presented a thorough introduction to abrasion-resistant steel plates. This includes an examination of the distinctive features of various national standards such as NM500, AR500, and Hardox500, as well as an exploration of the nuances between different hardness levels like AR400, AR450, and AR500 tailored for specific application contexts. We invite you to engage with us for up-to-date market pricing details.

FIRST, WHAT IS WEAR PLATE?

Wear plate are renowned for their high-carbon alloy composition, which substantially boosts their hardness. The integration of alloying elements also imparts to them excellent workability and resilience against various weather conditions.

These plates play a pivotal role in sectors where wear and tear typically lead to equipment malfunction, such as industrial manufacturing, mining, construction, and material handling. While Wear Plates are valuable in these areas, they are not designed for structural components that must withstand substantial static loads, such as beams in bridges or buildings. They are widely utilized for their superior wear resistance in the following common applications:

• Conveyor belt systems for material transportation
• Buckets of excavators used in digging operations
• Dumper trucks for material hauling
• Chutes for controlling the flow of materials
• Mechanical attachments on various construction equipment

PROCESSING PROCEDURES OF WEAR PLATE

The crafting of abrasion-resistant materials is executed through a precise regimen of quenching and tempering, transforming forged steel blocks or ingots into materials with superior attributes. This meticulous treatment refines the microstructure of the steel, boosting its inherent toughness and machinability, while simultaneously diminishing its susceptibility to brittle fracture, culminating in the comprehensive hardening of the material.

The dual-stage process of quenching and tempering (Q&T) unfolds as follows: Initially, the steel undergoes quenching, where it is subjected to intense heat reaching temperatures between 1500 to 1650 degrees Fahrenheit, before being swiftly plunged into the water to cool. This rapid cooling induces the formation of a robust crystalline matrix within the steel, substantially amplifying its hardness. In the ensuing tempering phase, the now-hardened steel is heated to a temperature that is just below the critical threshold—ranging from 300 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit—and then gradually cooled in normal atmospheric conditions. This gradual cooling facilitates the realignment of the crystalline structure, preserving the steel's strength and hardness, and concurrently augmenting its overall ductility.

WEAR PLATE GRADE COMPARISON: AR400, AR450, AR500, AR600 VS NM400, NM450, NM500, NM600

Grades of wear plate are categorized not by their chemical makeup but by the benchmark of hardness, which assigns them to specific classes. Although each steelmaker might employ a distinct formulation for their abrasion-resistant steel, the steel's grade is ascertained via the Brinell hardness testing method—an internationally accepted criterion for evaluating material hardness.

Baosteel's lineup of abrasion-resistant steel in China, including NM500, NM400, and NM450, aligns with the global grade standards of AR500, AR400, and AR450, respectively. The differentiation in these steel grades is centered around their Brinell hardness numbers (BHN), which are indicative of the material's hardness. A higher BHN denotes a harder material, with the details outlined below:

• NM400: Generally possesses BHN values between 370 and 420.
• NM450: Typically exhibits BHN values between 420 and 470.
• NM500: Usually reflects BHN values between 470 and 520.
• NM600: Characteristically has BHN values between 550 and 620.

This hierarchy of hardness values is pivotal in the selection process, ensuring that the steel is matched to the wear conditions it will encounter in its application.

NM500 vs Hardox 500

NM500 and Hardox 500 are renowned for their exceptional resistance to abrasion, making them top choices for steel plates designed to endure harsh conditions. Here's a fresh take on the comparison between these two grades of steel:

Origin and Brand Recognition:

NM500 adheres to the Chinese standard as outlined in GB/T 24186, signifying its origin within the Chinese market. In contrast, Hardox 500 is a distinguished brand under the SSAB umbrella, a Swedish steel industry giant. This brand enjoys a stellar reputation for its consistent quality, making it a popular choice across the globe.

Chemical Composition and Alloying Elements:

While both steel grades boast a robust chemical composition, slight differences exist due to unique manufacturing techniques and proprietary elements. High levels of carbon, manganese, chromium, and other strategic alloying agents are present in both, contributing to their superior hardness, toughness, and resistance to abrasion.

Hardness and Wear Resistance:

NM500 exhibits a hardness that typically fluctuates between 470-540 HBW, slightly edging out Hardox 500, which generally hovers around 470-530 HBW. This hardness is a key indicator of their prowess in withstanding the effects of abrasive wear and impact.

Market Presence and Acceptance:

Hardox 500 has carved out a significant niche for itself in the international market, earning widespread recognition for its reliable performance. NM500, conversely, enjoys a more localized presence, particularly in China and select Asian markets.

Diverse Applications:

Both steel grades are highly sought after in sectors that demand exceptional wear resistance, such as mining, construction, and recycling. They are ideal for components that endure abrasive conditions, including but not limited to buckets, liners, crushers, chutes, and conveyors.

Selection Criteria:

When deciding between NM500 and Hardox 500, it's essential to weigh factors like market availability, regional preferences, project-specific demands, and alignment with industry standards and regulations. Both options provide remarkable abrasion resistance, making the choice primarily

NM450 VS HARDOX 450

NM450 and Hardox 450 are both celebrated for their exceptional wear resistance, making them ideal for steel plates that need to stand up to tough conditions. Here's a simplified look at how these two grades compare:

Producers and Quality Assurance:

‍NM450 is a Chinese standard for wear-resistant steel, produced by various manufacturers within China. Each manufacturer may have slight variations in the chemical composition of NM450, but all must meet the mechanical property requirements. In contrast, Hardox 450 is a product of SSAB, a reputable Swedish steelmaker. SSAB ensures a consistent chemical composition across all batches of Hardox 450, guaranteeing a uniform level of quality.

Chemical Consistency:

‍While the chemical makeup of NM450 can differ from one producer to another, it's always tailored to meet the necessary mechanical standards. Hardox 450, however, maintains a uniform chemical composition thanks to SSAB's stringent specifications.

Hardness Benchmark:

‍Both steel grades boast a hardness of approximately 450 HBW, a testament to their ability to withstand abrasive wear. Minor variations in hardness might occur between different batches or manufacturers for NM450.

Tensile Strength Overview:

‍NM450's tensile strength generally falls between 1250 MPa and 1450 MPa. For Hardox 450, SSAB sets a minimum tensile strength of 1300 MPa, ensuring a baseline of strength.

Impact Toughness:

‍Hardox 450 is lauded for its high impact toughness, which means it can handle significant energy without cracking under stress. NM450 also provides good impact toughness, though the exact figures can fluctuate based on the manufacturer and the heat treatment process used.

Global Accessibility:

‍As a globally recognized brand, Hardox 450 is easily accessible through authorized distributors around the world. NM450, being a Chinese standard, is more commonly found within China or through specific suppliers.

Versatility in Applications:

‍Both NM450 and Hardox 450 are well-suited for industries that demand high wear resistance, such as mining, construction, agriculture, and recycling. The choice between them should be guided by factors like availability, the reputation of the manufacturer, and the specific needs of your project. Engaging with steel experts or suppliers can assist in making the most appropriate selection for your particular application needs.

NM400VS HARDOX 400

Quick Specs:

Hardox 400: A robust steel grade with a 400 HBW hardness, prized for its durability, flexibility, and ease of welding. It's a top pick for equipment that faces a beating from wear and tear.

AR400: This steel grade is built for durability, with a hardness range of 360-444 BHN. It's not about chemistry but about the hardness that defines its grade.

Where They Thrive:

Hardox 400: It's your go-to for the toughest jobs, like in dump trucks, garbage trucks, and mining equipment, where you need steel that can take a pounding and still perform.

AR400: It's perfect for situations that are a bit less extreme but still require a strong, hard-wearing material, like scraper blades and some types of crushing equipment.

The Good and the Not-So-Good:

Hardox 400: It's the cream of the crop when it comes to quality and resistance to wear. It's strong, can handle a hit, and welds like a dream. The only catch? It'll cost you more than AR400.

AR400: It's a cost-effective choice that's hard as nails and good at resisting abrasion. But it's not as tough, so it might crack under too much pressure. Plus, its quality can be a bit of a mixed bag.

Price Tags:

Hardox 400: It's on the higher end of the price spectrum, with costs that can fluctuate based on the grade, thickness, and size of the steel plate you need.

AR400: It's more budget-friendly, but the price can swing depending on what quality you're getting and where you're buying from.

Deciding Which One to Choose:

If you're facing a high-wear situation and need something that's tough, bendable, and a breeze to weld, Hardox 400 is your steel. But if you're working on a project that's more about cost-effectiveness and can handle a bit less toughness, AR400 is your budget hero.

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WHAT’S THE E SUFFIX IN WEAR PLATE GRADE?

The Chinese NM series of abrasion-resistant steel is marked by the "E" suffix in their grade names, which signifies their exceptional low-temperature performance. Take NM450E as an example; it demonstrates that the steel retains an impact energy of 20 joules at the extremely low temperature of -40°C, ensuring its operational effectiveness in the most demanding cold-weather scenarios. This feature makes it an optimal selection for areas with greater latitudes, widely preferred for deployment in the cold climates characteristic of regions in Europe, Russia, and Northern India.

HOW TO CHOOSE WEAR PLATE BY HARDNESS & WEAR RESISTANCE?

In scenarios where equipment is exposed to intense abrasion and substantial stress—common in the operation of mining machinery and concrete processing equipment—the preference is typically for steel plate grades that boast a higher Brinell hardness (BHN). Professionals in these engineering domains might be inclined to specify steel grades such as NM500 or NM600. Recognized for their superior hardness, these grades are particularly well-adapted for applications demanding exceptional wear resistance.

Conversely, while greater hardness enhances wear resistance, it may also reduce the material's toughness, increasing the risk of cracking in certain environments. For applications seeking a more nuanced approach to wear resistance, such as in the construction machinery sector, engineers might opt for NM series steel plates with a lower, yet still effective, BHN. Grades like NM400 and NM450 are chosen for their ability to provide robust wear resistance while maintaining essential material characteristics like ductility, thus striking a balance between resilience and durability.

FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN FORMABILITY AND MACHINABILITY

The implementation of abrasion-resistant materials in projects hinges on striking a careful equilibrium between the material's hardness and its propensity for brittleness. As hardness intensifies, so does the risk of brittleness, which can impede the processes of forming, shaping, and welding the material. Certain projects prioritize extreme hardness, accepting a trade-off in terms of brittleness. Yet, in cases where the material must undergo shaping and machining, a lower hardness is imperative.

NM400 and NM450 are often considered the "sweet spot," combining adequate hardness with superior formability. These grades also boast good machinability and are more amenable to welding processes.

When it comes to applications with high abrasion potential that could markedly degrade the material, the utilization of NM500 and NM600 grades is warranted. These grades, though less forgiving in terms of formability, promise increased longevity and less frequent replacement cycles. Nonetheless, the higher hardness levels of these materials translate to increased difficulty in machining and present a more formidable challenge when it comes to welding, especially when contrasted with materials of lower BHN values.

FIND THE RIGHT WEAR PLATE

Choosing the right grade of wear plate involves a careful consideration of several key attributes, such as hardness, resistance to wear, and the ability to deform without breaking. The decision on which material to use for your project is best made by you and your team, leveraging your collective knowledge and expertise. Additionally, the financial implications of the choice are an important part of the deliberation.

After your team has pinpointed the precise material specifications needed for your project, the dedicated team of experts at Baohui Steel Limited stands ready to ensure you have access to the materials you need when you need them. With a substantial stock of abrasion-resistant plates at our disposal and extensive experience in the exportation of these materials, we are well-equipped to meet your requirements. For a quote or to learn more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.