AR400 and AR500 steel plates are premium grades of abrasion-resistant steel engineered to withstand extreme wear, impact, and sliding contact. These steels are widely used in industries where durability, strength, and toughness are critical, including mining, construction, agriculture, and defense.
Common Industry Applications
| Industry | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Mining | Heavy machinery components, chutes, conveyors, ore pockets |
| Construction | Earth-moving equipment, material handling equipment |
| Agriculture | Plow blades, tillers, drag plates, wear parts for soil and crop debris |
| Defense & Shooting Sports | Ballistic plates, shooting range targets, armored vehicles |
| Manufacturing | Liners, wear plates, industrial equipment parts |
Both AR400 and AR500 steels provide high wear resistance, excellent strength, and toughness, making them suitable for heavy-duty industrial and protective applications.
Key Mechanical Properties
| Property | AR400 | AR500 |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (BHN) | 400 | 500 |
| Tensile Strength | 150,000–180,000 psi | ~200,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 120,000–160,000 psi | 160,000–190,000 psi |
| Elongation | 10–12% | 8–10% |
| Toughness | Higher; less prone to cracking | Lower; more prone to cracking |
| Wear Resistance | Moderate to heavy | Extreme |
| Machinability | Easier to machine | More challenging; requires specialized tools |
| Weldability | Good with standard precautions | Requires strict heat controls to maintain hardness |
Main Differences Between AR400 and AR500
Hardness
AR400: Nominal hardness of 400 BHN; suitable for moderate to heavy wear conditions.
AR500: Nominal hardness of 500 BHN; ideal for extreme wear, ballistic protection, and high-impact environments.
Toughness & Cracking Resistance
AR400: Higher toughness and ductility; less prone to cracking under dynamic loads.
AR500: Harder and more wear-resistant but lower toughness; more sensitive to cracking under impact.
Applications
AR400: Dump truck bodies, crushers, hoppers, and chutes where moderate wear resistance suffices.
AR500: Ballistic plates, shooting targets, armor plating, and equipment exposed to high sliding abrasion.
Machinability
AR400: Easier to machine and fabricate.
AR500: More difficult to machine; requires proper cutting tools and techniques.
Weldability
AR400: Weldable with standard procedures; heat input must be controlled.
AR500: Weldable but requires strict heat management to avoid compromising hardness and wear resistance.
Choosing the Right Grade
AR400 Steel Plates: Best for applications with moderate to heavy wear, where machinability and fabrication ease are priorities.
AR500 Steel Plates: Best for applications demanding maximum abrasion resistance, ballistic protection, or high sliding wear.
Both AR400 and AR500 steel plates are designed for extreme durability and wear resistance, but selecting the right grade depends on hardness requirements, toughness, machinability, and the type of wear or impact in your application.
What is AR500 material?
What is AR500 Steel? Much like AR450 and AR400, AR500 steel is a specific type of abrasion resistant steel with a surface hardness of 477-534 BHN. It is a high-carbon steel alloy that provides greater impact and sliding abrasion resistance by comparison.
What is an AR500 plate?
What Is AR500 Steel? AR500 is a hardened steel plate that offers abrasion resistance and the ability to withstand high-impact applications and excessive wear. Due to these properties, many manufacturers rely on AR500 steel for mining purposes, truck plows, armored applications, targets, and more.
What is the meaning of AR500?
AR500 Steel: A specific type of high-carbon steel known for its hardness and durability. The "AR" stands for "Abrasion Resistant," and the "500" refers to its Brinell hardness number. This makes AR500 a superior steel, especially when it
Why is AR500 steel so expensive?
AR500 steel is generally more expensive than other types of steel due to its high strength and hardness. However, its durability and resistance to abrasion make it a cost-effective choice for applications where other materials may wear out quickly.
What is the lifespan of AR500 steel?
What is the lifespan of our armor? A: Generally speaking, AR500 Armor's ballistic steel armor plates have a shelf-life of 20 years. Polyethylene plates (UHMWPE) and ceramic armor plates have a shelf-life of 5 years
How long does AR500 armor last?
Our FragLock™ coating is designed to last 20-years. The ballistic steel core of our body armor has an indefinite shelf life as long as the coating is not compromised and exposes it to moisture, to include sweat.