In steel applications where abrasion is a problem, AR500 steel plate can stand the test time and time again. This is because it is made of steel with abrasion resistant properties and as a result offers excellent wear and impact resistance. Additionally, AR500 steel offers resistance to fatigue and corrosion for applications where wear and exposure to the elements are an issue. In fact, this steel plate is manufactured so reliably that consumers can count on it to perform consistently at all times with no surprises. Below are some of the specifications that confer that reliability.
AR500 steel plate achieves its surface hardness of a minimum of approximately 477 BHN and a core hardness of approximately 450 BHN through a quenching and tempering process. As a result of this heavy-duty strength, it is often the material of choice for high-wear applications. Machining the AR500 can be challenging. Drilling, countersinking, countersinking, tapping, milling, and general machining can be difficult due to their high hardness properties.
Although not normally designed for structural use, the AR500 can be welded using low hydrogen electrodes. Additionally, when premium grades of AR500 steel plate are heat treated, they exhibit excellent full hardening, improved forming and welding capabilities.
All of these properties add up to the fact that AR500 steel is a suitable material for mining equipment manufacturers, in the truck and trailer industries (particularly for hopper liners), in forestry, construction and in the industries of the concrete and aggregates, all of which routinely require the abrasion and impact resistance on their equipment that AR500 provides. Whether it’s sliding wear, friction wear, or heavy wear that a company is looking to combat, AR500 steel plate can help them do just that.
Now that you know where AR500 steel is used, let’s talk a bit about the basics surrounding it. The AR in the name is not just for branding purposes. It actually stands for abrasion resistance to indicate what this type of steel has to offer as its biggest selling point. The second half of the name, 500, indicates the approximate Brinell hardness of the steel, which represents the indentation hardness of a material across the “indenter penetration” scale.
That toughness allows the AR500 to withstand a pressure of about 110 tons, 220,000 pounds. In comparison, mild steel amounts to just 120 on the Brinell scale. This is the reason why steel targets are often made from AR500 steel rather than mild steel. Whereas mild steel produces indentations when hit by bullets, even when double-plate. Without the double coating, the bullets pass through mild steel. On the other hand, when using the AR500 as a target, the steel is not damaged when the bullets hit it. The front surface remains nice and clean with no dings, dents or penetrations through the rear. This is still the case after multiple rounds of ammunition from a wide range of weapons.
If AR500 steel can withstand impacts like these, imagine what it can do in all of your abrasive applications. Why trust them to something else?