NM400 vs. Other Wear-Resistant Steel Grades

When selecting wear-resistant steel for your applications, it's essential to compare various grades to find the one that best meets your needs. Let's take a closer look at how NM400 compares to other popular grades such as AR400, Hardox 400, and NM500. Each grade has unique characteristics, making them suited to different types of industries and applications.

Why Choose NM400?
Balanced Hardness & Toughness: NM400 offers an optimal combination of hardness (360-440 HBW) and impact toughness, making it ideal for both abrasion and impact resistance in general wear-resistant parts.

Cost-Effective Alternative: Compared to premium wear-resistant steels like Hardox 400 and NM500, NM400 provides a more affordable solution, while still offering excellent durability and performance.

Versatility in Fabrication: NM400 is easy to machine, cut, and weld, which allows it to be used in a wide range of fabrication processes, providing flexibility in design and manufacturing.

When to Choose Other Grades:
AR400: If your application involves heavy equipment for construction or mining, where the steel will face wear from medium impact and abrasion, AR400 may be more appropriate.

Hardox 400: For environments with extreme impact conditions (e.g., mining or heavy construction), Hardox 400, with its very high impact toughness, might be the better choice.

NM500: For applications that demand higher hardness levels (470-530 HBW) and are subjected to extreme abrasion, NM500 is ideal. However, its moderate impact toughness makes it less suitable for environments where both impact and abrasion resistance are crucial.

NM400: The Ideal Balance
NM400 offers an excellent balance of wear resistance, impact toughness, and processability. While other grades like NM500 or Hardox 400 may be better suited for applications that require higher hardness or extreme impact resistance, NM400 is the best option when you're looking for durability at a more affordable price point, without sacrificing performance in demanding conditions.

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