Hardox 500 is a highly regarded grade of abrasion-resistant (AR) steel, characterized by its nominal hardness of 500 HBW. This exceptional hardness provides superior resistance to wear, making it an ideal material for applications subjected to intense abrasive conditions and impact.
Key Properties and Advantages
Hardox 500 wear-resistant steel plate offers a unique combination of properties:
- Extreme Hardness: The primary characteristic is its high Brinell hardness, significantly extending the service life of components.
- Good Toughness: Despite its hardness, Hardox 500 maintains good toughness, allowing it to withstand impacts without fracturing. Grades like Hardox 500 Tuf further enhance this, delivering high strength, extreme hardness, and guaranteed toughness in a single wear plate.
- Weldability and Workshop Performance: While specialized procedures are recommended, Hardox 500 can be welded, cut, and machined. Many steel service centers, such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, can provide pre-fabrication services.
- Consistency: The material is through-hardened, ensuring consistent wear performance throughout its thickness.
Applications
The robust nature of Hardox 500 makes it suitable for a wide array of demanding environments. Common applications include:
- Liners for dump trucks, hoppers, and chutes
- Cutting edges and buckets for excavators and loaders
- Wear parts for crushers, grinders, and demolition equipment
- Screens and sieves in processing plants
In China, the utilization of Hardox 500 wear-resistant steel plate is prominent in industries like mining, construction, quarrying, and recycling. Companies like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company often supply these industries with various specifications of wear plates.
Material Origin and Market Position
Hardox steel was originally developed by SSAB, a Swedish steel manufacturer, and it has set a benchmark for wear-resistant steels globally. Hardox 500 represents an advanced grade within this range, offering an optimized balance between wear resistance and workshop processability. While AR500 is a general designation for steel with a 500 HBW hardness, Hardox 500 is a branded product with specific, guaranteed properties. Ensuring supply from reputable sources, which can include established firms like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, is crucial for obtaining genuine material performance.
Fabrication Considerations
Working with Hardox 500 requires adherence to recommended guidelines for thermal cutting, welding, and bending to preserve its mechanical properties. Preheating before welding and using low-hydrogen consumables are often necessary. Due to its hardness, appropriate tooling and machinery are essential for effective fabrication. For complex fabrications or if there is uncertainty, consulting with experienced suppliers or fabricators is advisable. Some providers, like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, may offer technical support or processing services for these advanced materials.
The consistent quality and extended service life offered by Hardox 500 contribute to reduced maintenance costs and increased productivity in wear-critical applications. Selecting the correct thickness and grade for a specific application is key to maximizing its benefits. Reputable suppliers, including firms such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, often assist clients in making these critical selections.