Comparison of Abrasion Resistant Steel Grades: NM400, NM450, NM500, NM550, NM600
Before this article dives into the difference between these common types of NM steel, it is significant to explain that NM steels are not controlled by a particular chemistry, but by a level of hardness.
A variety of mills may have different “recipes” for NM steel, but the produced material is subjected to a hardness test — called the Brinell Test — for determining the class in which it falls.
The Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) is the technical difference between NM400, NM450, and NM500. BHN signifies the hardness level of the material:
NM400: 360-440 BHN Typically
NM450: 430-480 BHN Typically
NM500: 460-544 BHN Typically
NM550:530-580 BHN Typically
NM600: 570-625 BHN Typically (less common, but available)
NM400:
Hardness: 360-440 HBW
Tensile Strength: 1250 MPa min
Yield Strength: 1050 MPa min
Abrasion Resistance: Suitable for moderate wear applications in machinery and equipment subjected to abrasive conditions.
NM450:
Hardness: 420-480 HBW
Tensile Strength: 1250 MPa min
Yield Strength: 1080 MPa min
Abrasion Resistance: Offers higher hardness and abrasion resistance than NM400, suitable for applications requiring increased wear resistance.
NM500:
Hardness: 470-530 HBW
Tensile Strength: 1550 MPa min
Yield Strength: 1300 MPa min
Abrasion Resistance: Provides superior hardness and abrasion resistance compared to NM400 and NM450, suitable for severe wear conditions.
NM550:
Hardness: 520-570 HBW
Tensile Strength: Information not provided.
Yield Strength: Information not provided.
Abrasion Resistance: Further enhanced hardness and abrasion resistance compared to previous grades, suitable for extremely demanding wear applications.
NM600:
Hardness: 570-640 HBW
Tensile Strength: Information not provided.
Yield Strength: Information not provided.
Abrasion Resistance: Highest level of hardness and abrasion resistance among the listed grades, designed for the most challenging wear environments.
NM400 to NM500: Progressively increasing hardness and abrasion resistance catering to different wear application intensities.
NM550 and NM600: Offer even higher levels of hardness and wear resistance suitable for extreme wear conditions in heavy machinery, mining equipment, and industrial applications.
The selection of the appropriate grade (NM400 to NM600) should be based on the specific wear requirements and environmental conditions the equipment or components will face, ensuring optimal performance and longevity in abrasive settings.
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