A36 and AR500 steel plates are designed for very different purposes. Understanding their properties helps determine which steel is best for your application, especially for shooting targets, industrial use, or structural components.
Basic Definitions
| Steel Type | Description |
|---|---|
| A36 Steel | Standard structural steel established by ASTM. Commonly used in construction for beams, plates, and general structural applications. Soft and ductile, suitable for welding, bolting, and riveting. |
| AR500 Steel | Abrasion-resistant, high-strength, tempered steel. Extremely hard and wear-resistant, suitable for heavy-duty and high-impact applications such as ballistic plates, mining equipment, truck plows, and shooting targets. |
Hardness & Mechanical Properties
| Property | A36 Steel | AR500 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Brinell Hardness (BHN) | ~120–180 | 477–534 |
| Yield Strength | 36 ksi (≈250 MPa) | 215 ksi (≈1483 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | 58–80 ksi | 240 ksi (≈1655 MPa) |
| Ductility | High | Moderate |
| Abrasion Resistance | Low | Very High |
Key Point: Higher hardness of AR500 makes it ideal for high-caliber bullets, ballistic protection, and high-wear environments, while A36 is suitable for lower-impact, structural, or small-caliber use.
Welding and Fabrication
A36: Easy to weld and machine; suitable for all standard welding methods.
AR500: Weldable with precautions. Excessive heat may reduce hardness locally, so careful welding procedures are required.
Tip: Welding A36 to AR500 is possible. When used together, A36 will wear faster under impact while AR500 provides long-term durability.
Products Applications
| Steel Type | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| A36 | Structural beams, construction plates, low-power shooting targets (e.g., 9mm handgun), general fabrication. |
| AR500 | High-powered shooting targets, armored plates, mining equipment, truck plows, heavy-duty wear-resistant components, ballistic and defense applications. |
Note: The Brinell hardness and abrasion resistance of AR500 make it safer and more predictable for high-caliber shooting because it reduces debris and maintains ricochet patterns. A36 produces more debris and is less suitable for high-impact rounds.
Cost Comparison
A36 Steel: Lower cost, widely available, suitable for general-purpose use.
AR500 Steel: Higher cost due to heat treatment and alloying for abrasion resistance. Average price per square foot: ~USD 2.68.
Decision Tip: Use A36 for softer, lower-impact tasks or small-caliber shooting. Choose AR500 for extreme wear, high-caliber bullets, or applications where longevity and toughness are essential.
A36 Steel: Soft, ductile, low-cost, ideal for structural and small-caliber shooting.
AR500 Steel: Hard, abrasion-resistant, higher cost, perfect for ballistic protection, shooting targets with high-caliber rounds, and heavy-duty industrial applications.
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.