Abrasion Resistant (AR) steel is a high-carbon alloy steel specifically designed to withstand wear and tear. By carefully adding alloying elements and controlling the heat-treatment process, AR steels achieve impressive hardness levels measured on the Brinell Hardness Scale (BHN).
AR500: ~480–540 BHN
AR550: Harder than AR500 (~525–560 BHN)
AR600: Maximum hardness (~570–625 BHN)
Note: While higher hardness improves wear resistance, it reduces ductility and makes fabrication more challenging.
AR500 Steel
AR500 steel is a medium-carbon, abrasion-resistant steel plate. It is heat-treated to achieve a Brinell hardness rating of 470–540 BHN, making it resistant to wear and impact.
Key Features
Brinell Hardness: 470–540 BHN
Balanced toughness and wear resistance
More workable than AR550 or AR600 (cutting, forming, limited welding possible)
Cost-effective for fabrication-heavy applications
Applications
Shooting range steel targets
Mining and quarry equipment
Construction machinery components
Dump truck and trailer liners
Vehicle armor plating
AR550 Steel
AR550 steel is slightly harder than AR500, with a Brinell hardness of 525–560 BHN. This hardness improves wear life but sacrifices some toughness and ease of fabrication.
Key Features
Brinell Hardness: 525–560 BHN
Superior wear resistance compared to AR500
Less ductile, slightly more difficult to machine or weld
Ideal for high-volume targets or ballistic protection
Applications
Ballistic steel plates
Police and military targets
Heavy machinery exposed to extreme abrasion
Structural components requiring extended wear life
AR600 Steel
AR600 steel is the highest hardness grade in the AR family, with 570–625 BHN. It provides maximum abrasion resistance but has reduced toughness and is difficult to process.
Key Features
Brinell Hardness: 570–625 BHN
Maximum wear resistance among AR steels
Not easily welded or cut without specialized equipment
Applications
Mining chutes and hoppers
Industrial crushers
Cement and aggregate liners
High-end military armor
Hardness and Workability Comparison
| Grade | Typical Hardness (BHN) | Relative Toughness | Workability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR500 | 470–540 | High | Good |
| AR550 | 525–560 | Moderate | Fair |
| AR600 | 570–625 | Low | Difficult |
AR500 provides a balanced combination of toughness and abrasion resistance, while AR550 increases wear life and AR600 maximizes hardness for extreme-wear conditions.
Key Buyer Comparisons
AR500 vs AR550
AR500: Better toughness, easier to fabricate, cost-effective
AR550: Higher hardness, superior wear life, ideal for high-volume or high-velocity applications
AR500 vs AR600
AR500: Balanced for both abrasion and impact
AR600: Maximum wear resistance, harder to fabricate, best for extreme industrial applications
AR550 vs AR500
AR550 is not always "better." Harder steel sacrifices toughness and weldability. Choose based on whether wear life or fabrication ease is more critical.
Choosing the Right AR Steel
Pistol or low-velocity targets: AR400 or 3/8″ AR500
General rifle targets: Minimum 1/2″ AR500
High-velocity rifle targets: AR550 steel is recommended for minimal pitting and longer lifespan
Extreme abrasion in industrial applications: Consider AR600
Tip: Always buy from trusted suppliers. Even certified AR steel can vary in BHN and performance based on mill composition and heat treatment.
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.