Steel grades nm500 and ar500 are popular options for armor and ballistic protection applications. But what are the key differences between these two steels, and which one is better suited for different uses?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, and common FAQs regarding nm500 and ar500 steel.
| Feature | NM500 | AR500 |
| Hardness range | 477-540 BHN | 477-550 BHN |
| Yield strength | 1300 MPa | 1300+ MPa |
| Tensile strength | 1500 MPa | 1500+ MPa |
| Weldability | Weldable with special procedures | Limited weldability, needs special processes |
| Formability | Good bendability and formability | Readily formable |
| Abrasion resistance | High abrasion resistance | Extremely abrasion resistant |
| Cost | More expensive | Cost-effective |
NM500 steel is a high-hardness armor steel that provides excellent protection against penetration and impact while remaining weldable. Some key features of NM500 steel include:
NM500 steel achieves its hardness through quenching and tempering processes. It is commonly used for structural parts requiring high strength and stiffness like armored vehicles, military applications, safes, and more.
AR500 steel is an abrasion-resistant steel with a hardness of 477-550 BHN. Its key characteristics include:
AR500 steel attains its properties through heat treatment and exhibits an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is valued for both structural and protective roles needing superior abrasion resistance.
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NM500 is an armor steel with high hardness between 477-540 BHN, yield strength of 1300 MPa, and tensile strength of 1500 MPa. It provides excellent abrasion resistance and impact protection while remaining weldable using special procedures. NM500 is used for armored vehicles, military applications, safes, and structural parts needing high strength.
The closest equivalent to AR500 abrasion resistant steel is NM500 armor steel. Both have overlapping Brinell hardness ranges of 477-550 BHN. They have similar minimum yield strengths of 1300 MPa and tensile strengths exceeding 1500 MPa. The key difference is that NM500 has slightly better formability while AR500 has superior abrasion resistance.
AR500 is not the strongest steel available. While it has very high strength with a hardness of 477-550 BHN and tensile strength over 1500 MPa, there are steels like AR600, mars 190, and mars 300 that offer even higher strengths. However, AR500 provides an excellent combination of strength, weldability,formability, and abrasion resistance.
AR550 steel is slightly stronger than AR500, with a hardness range of 501-590 BHN compared to AR500’s range of 477-550 BHN. However, AR500 retains many comparable properties like yield strength, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. AR500 is also more readily available and cost-effective. For most applications, AR500 performs similarly to the more expensive AR550 variant.
In summary, both NM500 and AR500 steels offer exceptionally high strength and abrasion resistance desired for armor, protective structures, mining, construction equipment, and other demanding applications. NM500 provides better formability and weldability while AR500 exceeds in cost-effectiveness and extreme abrasion resistance.
For critical structural applications, NM500 may be preferable, while AR500 suits cost-sensitive needs for moderate abrasion resistance. By understanding their pros, cons and key differences, the ideal grade can be selected based on requirements.
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