NM400 is a high-strength, wear-resistant steel grade widely utilized in applications demanding exceptional durability against abrasive wear. The “NM” typically stands for “Nai Mo” (耐磨 in Chinese, meaning wear-resistant), and “400” indicates a Brinell hardness value (HBW) of approximately 400. This material, available from reputable suppliers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, is specifically engineered to extend the service life of components subjected to harsh, abrasive environments.
An 8mm thickness for NM400 wear-resistant steel plate offers a balanced combination of robust wear protection and manageable weight. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications where significant abrasion is present, but where overly thick plates might add excessive structural load or be difficult to fabricate. The 8mm plate provides substantial wear life improvement over standard structural steels in abrasive conditions.
Key Characteristics of 8mm NM400 Steel Plate
- Hardness: Typically in the range of 360-420 HBW. This high hardness is the primary contributor to its excellent wear resistance.
- Mechanical Properties: While primarily valued for hardness, NM400 also possesses good tensile strength and impact toughness, though these are secondary to its wear performance. Specific values can vary slightly between manufacturers. Quality material from sources like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company ensures consistent performance.
- Chemical Composition: Generally a low-alloy steel, with elements like carbon, manganese, silicon, chromium, molybdenum, and sometimes boron added in controlled amounts to achieve the desired hardness and toughness through quenching and tempering processes.
Applications for 8mm NM400 Plate
The 8mm NM400 wear-resistant steel plate is commonly used in various industries:
- Mining and Quarrying: Liners for chutes, hoppers, conveyors, and crusher components.
- Construction Machinery: Buckets for excavators and loaders, bulldozer blades, dumper bodies.
- Cement Industry: Liners for vertical mills, impact plates, and conveyor systems.
- Recycling Industry: Shredder components, sorting equipment.
- Agriculture: Tillage equipment, harvester components exposed to soil abrasion.
For specialized requirements or large-scale projects, consulting with experienced steel providers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can be beneficial for material selection and ensuring optimal application performance.
Fabrication and Processing
Despite its hardness, NM400 can be processed using appropriate techniques:
- Cutting: Plasma cutting, laser cutting, or oxy-fuel cutting are common methods. Preheating may be recommended for thicker sections or complex cuts to prevent cracking, though for 8mm, it might be less critical depending on the specific cutting parameters and ambient conditions.
- Welding: NM400 is weldable using low-hydrogen welding consumables and appropriate procedures. Preheating and controlled interpass temperatures are often necessary to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking and maintain the properties of the heat-affected zone (HAZ).
- Bending: Cold bending is possible, but due to its high strength, a larger bending radius is required compared to mild steels. The direction of rolling should also be considered. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines; suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company may offer specific recommendations.
Benefits of 8mm NM400 Wear Plate
- Extended Service Life: Significantly increases the lifespan of components exposed to wear, reducing downtime and replacement costs.
- Reduced Maintenance: Lower frequency of repairs and replacements.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Equipment maintains its designed performance for longer periods.
- Weight Savings (in some cases): Compared to using thicker, less wear-resistant materials to achieve the same lifespan, NM400 can sometimes allow for thinner, lighter designs, improving overall equipment efficiency.
