Understanding Abrasion And Wear-Resistant Steel(AR Steel)

Jul. 28, 2021

Not all steels are the same. In fact, there are more than 3,500 different grades of steel, each containing unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties to make them "custom-tailor" to suit specific applications. Even in certain steel groups, such as abrasion and wear-resistant steel (AR steel), there are many different grades, each with different chemical and mechanical properties, resulting in different properties.

Countless shadows of tough

Each number of these AR steel types refers to the hardness of the steel measured on the Brinell hardness scale. However, the processes used by the manufacturers of these AR steel grades can be very different, using different alloys, chemistries and heat treatments to achieve the specified hardness, yield, tensile strength and elongation of the final product. They are all wear-resistant, they all meet the Brinell hardness requirements, but they are all made by very different methods.

What makes steel AR?

AR steel alloy is made of steel billets containing different alloying elements such as carbon, manganese, chromium, nickel and boron. Of all these alloys, carbon is the most important for making steel wear resistant because it increases hardness and toughness. Then AR steel is produced through the "Quenching and Tempering" (Q&T) process, in which the grain structure is changed, the toughness is improved, and the brittleness is reduced.

Q&T is a two-stage process: when steel is brought to about 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and then cooled with oil, water or air, quenching occurs. This process increases the hardness. Tempering is the process of heating steel to approximately 300-700 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes the steel tougher.

Although the high-carbon alloy and Q&T treatment make the steel harder, it also reduces its tensile strength. Therefore, AR steel is used in situations where wear, abrasion, tearing and impact are the main issues, rather than constant tension or pressure. Therefore, AR steel is not suitable for structural structures such as beams in bridges and buildings. Common uses are in barrels, grilles, chutes, conveyor belts, mine bags, and armored vehicles and targets.

Better quenching, better steel

Most AR steels are water quenched because this is the fastest and cheapest option. Other AR steels are quenched by water, which destroys the grains, causing the microstructure to resemble a falling "pick-up sticks", making it more likely to be scratched and torn, and accelerate wear and deforming the steel.

Abrasion resistant steel is a steel material with strong wear resistance containing chemical elements such as silicon, manganese, chromium, copper, vanadium and so on.

Abrasion-resistant (AR) steel plate is a high-carbon alloy steel plate. Due to the addition of alloys, AR has formability and weather resistance. Due to the addition of carbon, its hardness is higher.

We are AR steel suppliers. If you need abrasion or wear-resistant steel materials, give us a call and let us know the application, conditions, and components you need from your steel. Our team will work with you to recommend unique steel varieties that are very suitable for your application.

What Is Abrasion Resistant Steel?

Abrasion-Resistant Steel Plates For Long Service Life In Harsh Conditions