What is the Hardox 500 vs nm 400 size range?

    
    The HARDOX 500 and NM 400 are two of the most popular high performance steel grades commonly used in a variety of commercial, industrial and heavy engineering applications. Both are designed to offer superior strength and wear-resistance when compared to traditional mild steel grades. The key differences between the two are specifically in their chemical composition and mechanical properties which in turn determines the size ranges they can be used in.
    
    HARDOX 500
    
    HARDOX 500 is a martensitic-abrasive wear resistant steel used for constructing body panels, impact and abrasion resistant parts, buckets, crushers and various other applications. Commonly known as the ArcelorMittal grade, it is a quenched and tempered ultra-high hardness steel offering a nominal hardness of 500 HB (Hardenability Brinell measure).
    
    HARDOX 500 is available in sheet and plate formats of various dimensions. Thickness range typically starts from 6mm up to 200mm, but can also be available in wider or thinner dimensions depending on the application requirements. Generally, the thinner plates are mostly used in the construction and agricultural sectors, while the thicker plates are used in the mining and earthmoving industries.
    
    The mechanical properties of HARDOX 500 are typical of a martensitic steel, producing high tensile strength, yield strength and fatigue properties together with excellent wear-resistance even in low temperatures.
    
    NM400
    
    NM400 is also a wear-resistant steel, but in comparison to HARDOX 500 has a much higher resistance to abrasive wear and gouging. It is a low alloy steel with external strength of around 900MPa and offers excellent weldability, formability and machinability.
    
    NM400 is available in various form including plate, coil and strip and sizes can range from the common 6mm up to 50mm depending on the application. The strength properties and hardness of the steel, allow for it to be used in much heavier engineering applications and higher thickness plates ranging from 16mm to 50mm.
    
    Mechanically, NM400 has excellent strength, low temperature creep and fatigue resistance with good structural stability, ductility and toughness even in low temperatures.
    
    Comparison
    
    When looking at the differences between these two popular grades, the main ones to note are their chemical composition, mechanical properties and size range.
    
    The HARDOX 500 is designed to give superior strength and wear-resistance compared to traditional mild steel grades, whereas the NM400 offers more resistance to abrasive wear and gouging. In addition, the NM400 has higher yield and tensile strengths, meaning it can withstand heavier loads and higher thickness plates.
    
    In terms of size range HARDOX 500 is typically available in a range of 6mm to 200mm while the NM400 can be available up to 50mm thick.
    
    Overall, both HARDOX 500 and NM400 are designed provide superior strength and are ideal for various industrial and engineering applications requiring higher strength and wear-resistance. Depending on the application, the thickness and size range can vary to suit the requirements, with the NM400 offering extra resistance to wear and gouging compared to HARDOX 500.