AR550 steel is a high-hardness abrasion resistant steel plate designed for applications requiring superior impact resistance, extended service life, and reduced material thickness.
With a typical hardness range of 530–570 BHN, AR550 outperforms AR500 in resisting sliding abrasion and high-velocity impact, making it an excellent choice for ballistic and extreme-wear environments.
Thanks to its increased hardness, AR550 allows engineers to use thinner plates without sacrificing durability, resulting in weight savings and longer operational life in demanding conditions.
Key Advantages of AR550 Steel
Higher hardness than AR500 for improved wear resistance
Excellent resistance to sliding abrasion
Longer service life under high-impact conditions
Suitable for ballistic, mining, and heavy-duty industrial use
Consistent performance in low-temperature environments
Typical Chemical Composition (Max %)
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.35 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.95 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.020 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.010 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.75 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.55 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.75 |
| Boron (B) | 0.003 |
This alloy composition contributes to AR550's high hardness, impact resistance, and abrasion performance.
Typical Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 220 ksi |
| Tensile Strength | 265 ksi |
| Elongation (2") | 7% |
* Tensile and yield testing is not standard but available upon request.
Hardness & Impact Performance
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brinell Hardness | 530 – 570 BHN |
| Minimum Surface Hardness | 530 BHN |
| Impact Strength (CVN-L) | Avg. 14 ft-lbs at −40°F |
This combination of high hardness and verified low-temperature toughness makes AR550 suitable for severe impact and wear conditions.
AR550 Plate Availability
| Dimension | Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.125" – 0.405" |
| Width | 48" – 60" |
| Length | 96" – 120" |
| Supply Form | Plates |
Fabrication Guidelines for AR550 Steel
Hardness
530 – 570 BHN Minimum surface hardness of 530 BHN. Impact strength CVNL average values of 14ft. lbs at -40 ° F.
Forming
AR550 steel plates are not considered formable given its high strength and hardness. However, forming can be done with an inside radius of at least 8t (where t is the plate thickness) with the bend axis transverse to the rolling direction.
Cutting
AR550 steel can be cut to your specifications with plasma, oxy-Acetylene, laser, and water jet, as well as with abrasive cut off saws.
Machining
Drilling, countersinking, counterboring, tapping, milling, and general machining can be done with conventional equipment and carbide tools.
Welding
Low-hydrogen-producing electrodes must be used in welding. Where maximum strength of joining plates is not important, rod type AWS E7016, 15, or 18 should be used, or our Tensaweld Workmate for welding wire options.
If the weld joint is to be subjected to wear, finish the structural joint slightly below the surface and cap with Tensaweld Ultra-100. When higher weld strengths are required, electrodes of the AWS E90, E100 or E120 low hydrogen series, or Tensaweld Nickel-90 should be used, depending on the strength levels required.
What is AR550 steel?
What is AR550 Steel? AR550 steel stands as a pinnacle of durability and resilience in the world of shooting range targets. It's a high-strength, abrasion-resistant steel alloy with a Brinell hardness rating of 550, indicating exceptional resistance to wear and deformation.
What's the difference between AR500 and AR550 steel?
Higher hardness: AR550 steel measures closer to 550 BHN, offering better resistance to deformation and pitting. Improved performance with high-velocity rounds: AR550 withstands repeated impacts from 5.56 and . 308 much better than AR500.
What is the hardness of AR550 steel?
With a hardness range of 530-570 BHN, AR550 excels in resisting sliding abrasion.
Is AR550 stronger than AR500?
AR550 steel is harder than AR500, offering superior resistance to pitting and cratering. That extra ~50 BHN makes a noticeable difference, especially with high-velocity rounds.