The NM500 vs nm400 material
NM500 and NM400 are two grades of abrasion-resistant steel comparably used in the construction, engineering and agricultural industries. As with many alloys, the differences in materials are the result of varying amounts of alloying elements, like manganese and chromium, being suspended in the metal molecule chain. The higher levels of alloy present in NM400 and NM500 lead to enhanced strength, wear and corrosion resistance.
NM400 and NM500 are both carbon-alloyed steel plates with a nominal hardness of 400 and 500 respectively. The most notable difference between these two abrasion-resistant steel plates is the differences in their chemical composition. NM400 is composed of 3.2% manganese, 0.8% silicon and 1.6% chromium whereas NM500 is composed of 1.6% manganese, 0.5-1.2% silicon and 1.2% chromium.
The additional alloying elements present in NM500 create an even higher strength and wear resistance than the NM400 grade. As these alloying elements are dispersed in the material’s microstructure, NM500 provides a better surface protection than its less alloyed counterpart due to the formation of harder and finer microstructure. The higher alloy content of NM500 also creates a more ductile product, which improves its toughness properties.
When it comes to applications, NM400 is used for lining or cladding heavy-duty mining equipment and NM500 can typically be found in the contracting, engineering and agricultural sectors. For instance, the chemical composition of NM400 makes it suitable for the covering of culvert pipes, mining-related wear liners, and rubbish chutes while NM500 is commonly used in foundations, water tunnels and bridges, segmental parts of demolition equipment, and abrasive wheels.
In terms of durability and cost-effectiveness, NM500 offers long-term discounts if the surfaces are properly maintained and corrosion-free. This is because of the higher alloy content of NM500, making it more wear-resistant and durable than NM400. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the cost when choosing between the two grades as NM500’s higher alloy content can lead to slightly higher costs.
The distinct difference in alloying elements can primarily be felt in their impacts on the formations of the material’s microstructures. The NM400 microstructure consist of densely packed lamellar pearlite while NM500 contains both acicular and bainitic ferrite structures. The bainitic ferrite structures present in NM500 gives it higher strength, toughness and hardness than NM400, thus allowing it to perform better in harsh working conditions such as those most commonly found in the heavy industry.
Overall, NM400 and NM500 are two abrasion-resistant steel plates with significant differences in chemical composition and microstructure. Due to the higher manganese and chromium content, NM500 offers greater wear and abrasion resistance making it a more suitable choice for heavy duty applications. However, it is important to bear in mind both cost and environmental factors in the selection of these panels.
