Our product line features premium-grade NM400 wear resistant plate and NM360 wear resistant steel plate, engineered to meet the most demanding industrial requirements.
NM400 wear resistant plate
These high-performance abrasion resistant steel plates are produced using advanced quenching and tempering processes, making them the preferred choice for engineers, procurement managers, and manufacturers worldwide.
Choosing between NM360 vs NM400 wear resistant plate involves balancing hardness, wear life, fabrication performance, and cost. This detailed comparison will help you select the most suitable wear resistant steel plate for your application.
Standards of NM360 and NM400 Steel
Wear-resistant steels are classified under different international systems:
- GB (China): NM360 and NM400 are the primary designations under GB/T standards.
- EN (Europe): Often compared to Hardox or AR equivalents (e.g., AR400).
- ASTM/ASME (USA): Equivalent to functional grades like AR400.
Both NM360 steel and NM400 steel plate belong to high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) wear resistant steels, produced through quenched and tempered (Q&T) processes.
Chemical Composition of NM360 and NM400 Steel
The improved performance of NM400 wear resistant plate over NM360 comes from optimized alloying:
| Element | NM360 Steel | NM400 Steel | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Medium | Medium–High | Increases hardness |
| Mn | Medium | Medium–High | Improves strength & hardenability |
| Si | Low | Low | Deoxidizer |
| P & S | Low | Low | Improves toughness |
| Cr | Trace | Slightly higher | Wear resistance |
| Mo | Trace | Trace–Low | Strength stability |
| B | Trace | Trace | Hardenability |
| Nb/V/Ti | Trace | Trace | Grain refinement |
Higher alloy content in NM400 steel plate results in better wear resistance but slightly reduced weldability.
Heat Treatment of NM360 and NM400 Steel
Both NM360 steel plate and NM400 wear resistant plate are produced using Quenching & Tempering (Q&T) and Optional TMCP processing
NM360: Features a microstructure of tempered martensite and lower bainite. It offers a balanced profile with higher retained ductility.
NM400: Focuses on a harder microstructure, primarily tempered martensite with higher dislocation density. The increased alloy content allows for consistent hardness even in thicker plates.
Mechanical Properties Comparison of NM360 and NM400 Steel
| Property | NM360 Steel Plate | NM400 Wear Resistant Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | ~360 HBW | ~400 HBW |
| Tensile Strength | High | Higher |
| Yield Strength | High | Higher |
| Elongation | Better | Slightly lower |
| Impact Toughness | Excellent balance | Good |
NM400 wear resistant steel plate provides significantly improved wear life in harsh environments.
Weldability and Fabrication of NM400 Steel Plate
Weldability is inversely proportional to hardness. Because nm400 steel has a higher Carbon Equivalent (CE), it requires more stringent workshop controls.
- NM360: Offers better weldability and is more forgiving during cold forming and bending.
- NM400: Requires specific welding procedures (WPS), including controlled preheating and interpass temperatures, to prevent cold cracking. Low-hydrogen consumables are mandatory.
NM400 is more challenging to machine. We recommend carbide tooling and optimized feed rates to manage the increased material strength.
Applications of NM360 vs NM400 Wear Resistant Steel
| NM360 Steel Plate | NM400 Wear Resistant Plate |
|---|---|
| Truck body liners | Mining buckets & teeth |
| Chutes & hoppers | Crusher wear plates |
| Agricultural equipment | Grinding mills |
| Medium wear equipment | Excavator bucket liners |
For high-impact and severe abrasion, NM400 wear resistant plate is the preferred solution.
Cost Comparison of NM360 vs NM400 Steel Plate
- NM360: Generally more cost-effective and more readily available in a wider variety of dimensions. It is the "all-rounder" for general industrial wear.
- NM400: Represents a higher initial investment due to alloying costs and processing intensity. However, the extended wear life of nm400 wear resistant plate often results in a lower total cost of ownership in high-impact environments.
- Choose NM400 if your priority is maximum wear life in severe service (e.g., rock crushing, heavy mining) and your facility can accommodate stricter welding and forming protocols.
- Choose NM360 if you require a balance of abrasion resistance, easier fabrication, and lower upfront material costs-ideal for transport and medium-wear infrastructure.
If you are deciding between NM360 and NM400 wear resistant plate, choosing the right material can have a direct impact on your equipment performance and long-term operating costs.
Our team has extensive experience in supplying abrasion resistant steel plate solutions and can help you evaluate the best option based on your actual working conditions.
We provide high-quality NM400 steel plate with stable hardness, reliable performance, and full mill test certification. Whether you need standard sizes or customized cutting and processing, we can deliver flexible solutions tailored to your project requirements, ensuring both efficiency and cost control.
Contact us today to get a fast quotation and professional technical support. Let us help you select the right NM400 wear resistant plate and maximize the service life of your equipment while reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Contact now to get NM400 steel plate Quote
Is NM400 the same as Hardox 400?
No. they are comparable in nominal hardness band (~400 HBW) but Hardox® 400 is a branded product with controlled chemistry, guaranteed toughness and detailed mill documentation from SSAB. NM400 is a Chinese standard grade with similar hardness but variable mill-to-mill properties. Always specify required testing and acceptance criteria, not only grade name.
Can NM400 be welded to structural steels?
Yes with matched filler and appropriate preheat/thermal control. Avoid high heat input and verify consumables with the supplier's welding instructions.
How do I select between NM400 and a harder NM450 / NM500?
Choose by wear mode: for abrasive sliding wear NM400 often suffices; for extremely abrasive, long-life needs select NM450/NM500 but expect increased cost and reduced formability.
Is NM400 suitable for bucket liners and dump bodies?
Yes. widely used for these applications; ensure weldability and thickness suit the application.
Can NM400 be flame cut and drilled?
Yes; use standard industrial cutting methods but be mindful of hardened surface causing additional tool wear.
How should NM400 be stored and handled?
Store flat on timber, avoid edge damage, keep clean and protected to avoid contamination of welding surfaces.