Difference Between AR400, AR450 and AR500 Steel
When specifying Abrasion Resistant (AR) steel, the three most common grades are AR400, AR450, and AR500. Understanding the nuances between them is crucial for optimizing equipment life.
Hardness and Wear Resistance
The numbers represent the nominal Brinell Hardness (HBW). AR400 is 400 HBW, offering a good balance of wear resistance and toughness. AR500 (500 HBW) provides maximum sliding wear resistance but has lower impact toughness. AR450 sits in the middle as a versatile compromise.
Machining and Welding
As hardness increases, fabrication becomes more difficult. AR400 is relatively easy to weld and form. AR500 requires more power to bend, stricter pre-heating for welding, and specialized tooling for machining.
Applications and Price
Use AR400 for moderate wear and high impact (like dump trucks). Use AR500 for extreme sliding wear and low impact (like cement chutes). Price generally increases with hardness, but the extended life of AR500 can offset the initial cost in the right application.
Conclusion
Select AR400 for toughness and formability, AR500 for maximum abrasion resistance, or AR450 for the best of both worlds.
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