Difference between Hardox 400 and Hardox 500
What is Hardox?
Hardox is a registered trademark of SSAB of Sweden and a series of abrasion-resistant steel (AR) that offers a variety of grades to meet the needs of various wear-resistant applications.
As a versatile steel material that is resistant to wear and corrosion, it is mainly used in mining machinery, construction machinery, transport vehicles and other applications that require wear resistance. Hardox 400 and Hardox 500 are two of the models in the Hardox series. This article will provide a detailed comparison of the differences between Hardox 400 and Hardox 500.This article will compare Hardox 400 and Hardox 500 in various aspects.
What are the different Grades of Hardox?
Hardox offers a wide range of products, including all grades:
Hardox HiAce
Hardox HiTemp
Hardox HiTuf
Hardox 400
Hardox 450
Hardox 500 Tuf
Hardox 500
Hardox 550
Hardox 600
Hardox Extreme
Hardox Round Bars
Hardox Pipes and Tubes
Does it look complicated? Don’t worry. They can be grouped into three categories: numerical series (400–600), special resistance series, and shape series.
1. Numerical Series
These are Hardox 400, Hardox 450, Hardox 500, Hardox 550, and Hardox 600, which are the most classic and widely used grades of Hardox, named directly after their Brinell hardness values (HBW). Different models correspond to different hardness grades, thereby meeting the needs of various wear conditions ranging from moderate to extreme. The hardness range is extensive, and the performance is balanced. The higher the number, the higher the hardness and wear resistance, but the toughness decreases accordingly.
2. Special Resistance Series
These include Hardox HiAce (acid and corrosion resistant), Hardox HiTemp (high-temperature resistant), Hardox HiTuf, Hardox Extreme (highest hardness), and Hardox 500 Tuf (combining structural performance), all of which are professional-grade products developed for specific harsh environments or special requirements, offering exceptional performance in specific areas.
In addition to high hardness, they also feature additional properties such as excellent corrosion resistance (e.g., Hardox Crust), enhanced impact toughness, or higher strength, addressing complex operational challenges that standard series cannot handle.
3. Shape Series
Hardox Pipes and Tubes and Hardox Round Bars are not ordinary conveying pipes but wear-resistant structural components made by rolling and welding Hardox wear-resistant steel plates. They combine the structural advantages of seamless pipes with the exceptional wear resistance of Hardox steel.
Among these, Hardox 400 and Hardox 500 fall under the numerical series. The numbers in this series represent the Brinell hardness of the steel plate for that grade.
In other words, Hardox 400 has a hardness of 400 ± 30 HBW, while Hardox 500 has a hardness of 500 ± 30 HBW.
Comparison between Hardox 400 and Hardox 500
Physical Properties
We have compiled the following table comparing various physical properties.
|
Grades |
Hardox 400 |
Hardox 500 |
Explanation |
|
Hardness (HBW) |
370–430 HBW |
470–530 HBW |
Hardox 500 is harder and more wear-resistant. |
|
Typical yield strength (MPa), not guaranteed |
1100 MPa |
1400 MPa |
Hardox 400 absorbs impact energy better and has good crack resistance. |
|
Charpy V-notch, –40 °C(J) |
45J |
37J |
Hardox 400 is more impact resistant and less prone to brittle cracking. |
|
Processability |
Processing (cutting, bending, welding) friendly. |
Higher processing difficulty, requiring strict control of welding and forming processes. |
Hardox 400 is easier to process. |
|
Dimension Range(mm) |
Sheet: 4.0–130mm |
Sheet: 2.0-7.0mm |
Hardox 400 has a wider range of dimensions. |
|
Plate: 3350-14630mm |
Plate: 4.0-103mm |
Chemical Composition (heat analysis)
|
Grade |
Hardox 400 |
Hardox 500 |
|
|
Sheet |
Plate |
||
|
C (max %) |
0.32 |
0.27 |
0.30 |
|
Si (max %) |
0.70 |
0.50 |
0.40 |
|
Mn (max %) |
1.60 |
1.60 |
1.30 |
|
P (max %) |
0.025 |
0.025 |
0.020 |
|
S (max %) |
0.010 |
0.010 |
0.010 |
|
Cr (max %) |
2.50 |
1.20 |
2.20 |
|
Ni (max %) |
1.50 |
0.25 |
2.0 |
|
Mo (max %) |
0.60 |
0.25 |
0.40 |
|
B (max %) |
0.004 |
0.005 |
0.005 |
Application
Hardox 400 is primarily used in construction machinery buckets, truck bodies, hoppers, and pipe linings, where wear resistance and toughness are required.
In applications involving moderate to severe wear and impact loads, Hardox 400 offers the optimal balance between service life, safety, and manufacturing costs.
Hardox 500 is primarily used in mining machinery, crusher liners, hopper liners, cutting tools, and other applications where extreme wear resistance is a priority.
When wear life is the primary consideration and the operating conditions involve severe wear (with relatively minor or controllable impact), selecting Hardox 500 can provide a longer service life and lower overall operating costs.
Conclusion
If your equipment needs to withstand both impact loads and wear, we strongly recommend Hardox 400. This material offers an excellent balance between wear resistance and toughness, making it particularly suitable for applications involving dynamic loads, vibration, and moderate impact. It ensures a long wear life while effectively preventing brittle fracture.
If your equipment’s primary requirement is to resist extreme abrasive wear and maximize service life, Hardox 500 is the more ideal choice. Its ultra-high hardness surface significantly slows wear rates, making it suitable for high-stress grinding conditions. While it sacrifices some toughness, it delivers a longer service life and lower overall maintenance costs.
Comprehensive radar chart of various performance aspects:
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