When choosing the suitable material for heavy-duty applications, Hardox 450 is the name that stands out. It is an abrasion-resistant steel with a unique combination of toughness and hardness, making it perfect for use in harsh environments requiring high strength and wear resistance. In this blog post, we will delve into Hardox 450’s composition and mechanical properties, its uses, and how to work with it.
What is Hardox 450 ?
Hardox 450 is a quenched, tempered steel with a nominal 450 HBW (Brinell hardness). It is a high-strength, low-alloy steel that has been specially designed for use in extreme wear and tear situations. The main alloying elements in Hardox 450 are carbon, manganese, silicon, chromium, nickel, and boron.
Hardox 450 Composition
| PRODUCT TYPE | C *) (MAX %) |
SI *) (MAX %) |
MN*) (MAX %) |
P (MAX %) |
S (MAX %) |
CR*) (MAX %) |
NI*) (MAX %) |
MO*) (MAX %) |
B*) (MAX %) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR sheet | 0.19 | 0.30 | 1.50 | 0.020 | 0.005 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 0.004 |
| Sheet & plate | 0.26 | 0.70 | 1.60 | 0.025 | 0.010 | 1.40 | 1.50 | 0.60 | 0.005 |
Hardox 450 Mechanical properties
Regarding mechanical properties, Hardox 450 has a minimum yield strength of 1,200 MPa, a minimum tensile strength of 1,450 MPa, and an elongation at a break of about 10%. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require maximum strength and toughness.
| PRODUCT | THICKNESS (in) |
HARDNESS 1) (HBW) |
TENSILE STRENGTH RM (ksi), GUARANTEED |
TYPICAL YIELD STRENGTH (ksi), NOT GUARANTEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardox® 450 CR sheet | 0.031 – 0.083 | 425 – 475 2) | 199 – 232 | 181 |
| Hardox® 450 sheet | 0.079 – 0.315 | 425 – 475 | — | 181 |
| Hardox® 450 plate | 0.126 – 3.150 | 425 – 475 | — | 181 |
| Hardox® 450 plate | 3.154 – 4.055 | 410 – 475 | — | 181 |
| Hardox® 450 plate | 4.059 – 5.118 | 390 – 475 | — | 181 |
Hardox 450 Physical Properties
In addition to its mechanical properties, Hardox 450 has impressive physical properties such as high impact strength, good formability, and low thermal conductivity, making it easy to process.
Hardox 450 Carbon Equivalent CET(CEV)
| PRODUCT TYPE | CR sheet | Sheet | Plate | Plate | Plate | Plate | Plate | Plate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness (in) | 0.031 – 0.083 | 0.79 – 0.315 | 0.126 – 0.193 | 0.197 – 0.390 | 0.394 – 0.783 | 0.787 – 1.571 | 1.575 – 3.150 | 3.154 – 5.118 |
| Max CET(CEV) | 0.36 (0.49) | 0.35 (0.48) | 0.37 (0.48) | 0.38 (0.49) | 0.39 (0.52) | 0.41 (0.60) | 0.43 (0.74) | 0.41 (0.67) |
| Typ CET(CEV) | 0.32 (0.41) | 0.26 (0.39) | 0.29 (0.39) | 0.33 (0.45) | 0.36 (0.48) | 0.38 (0.56) | 0.38 (0.61) | 0.39 (0.64 |
Hardox 450 Uses
Hardox 450 is used in various applications, such as dump trucks, cranes, excavator buckets, conveyors, and mining equipment. The steel is known for its excellent wear resistance, meaning it can withstand repeated abrasion and impact without losing its structural integrity. This makes it an ideal choice for heavy-duty wear-and-tear applications.
Hardox 450 Corrosion Resistance
One of the most impressive properties of Hardox 450 is its corrosion resistance. It is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh environments where corrosion could be an issue. The steel’s chromium content gives it excellent corrosion resistance even in chemical environments that would otherwise cause corrosion.
Hardox 450 Heat Treatment
Regarding heat treatment, Hardox 450 is a quenched and tempered steel that is hardened by heating to a temperature of about 950°C and then cooled rapidly in water or oil. The steel’s composition makes it suitable for heat treatment, which improves its mechanical properties, making it even tougher and more durable.
Hardox 450 Machining
Machining Hardox 450 can be challenging, especially for large and complex parts. However, using conventional fabrication methods, the steel’s excellent formability properties make it relatively easy to bend and shape.
Hardox 450 Welding
Welding Hardox 450 can also be challenging due to the steel’s high strength and hardness. Low-hydrogen welding consumables and good pre- and post-heating practices ensure the weld remains solid and durable.
Conclusion:
In summary, Hardox 450 is an abrasion-resistant steel with exceptional strength, toughness, and wear-resistance properties. Its unique composition, and mechanical properties make it ideal for heavy-duty applications requiring maximum strength and durability. While machining and welding can be challenging, proper procedures and techniques can ensure successful outcomes. Whether you need to build mining equipment, excavator buckets, or dump trucks, Hardox 450 is a material that is worth investigating.
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
