On this page 10 sections
How do you choose a wear plate?
Short answer
Choose wear plate by the type of wear first: harder plate (AR450 to AR500) for sliding abrasion, tougher plate (AR400) where impact and forming are involved, and economical 200 BHN plate for moderate wear. Then check bending, welding and service temperature limits, since hardness falls if the plate is overheated.
Understand the wear
Sliding abrasion (chutes, liners) rewards hardness. Impact and gouging (buckets, crushers) need toughness as well. Moderate, low-impact wear is often handled economically by 200 BHN plate.
Pick the hardness
Fabrication
Check the mill's minimum bend radius, use low-hydrogen consumables, preheat thicker plates, and control cutting heat.
Thickness vs hardness
A harder plate can sometimes be thinner for the same life, which helps when weight or bolt-hole spacing limits the liner. But thin, very hard liners crack more easily under impact, so the hardness step should match the wear mechanism.
Industry examples
Cement plants use AR400 to AR500 in chutes and separators, mining uses AR400 to AR500 in buckets and dumpers, and sugar mills use AR400 for cane carriers. See wear plate for cement plants and AR400 vs AR500.
Materials in this guide
Related guides, comparisons and articles
Frequently asked questions
Is AR plate the same as Hardox?
Hardox is a brand of quenched-and-tempered wear plate. Generic AR plates are specified by hardness class.
Can wear plate be used structurally?
It is not designed as structural steel; use it as a liner or in parts where wear dominates.
Is Hardox the same as AR400?
Hardox 400 is one mill's 400-HBW product. Other mills make comparable-hardness plates with different chemistry and toughness, so compare datasheets.
How do I choose between grades?
Start from the service environment (chlorides, acids, temperature, pressure), then check the governing code and cost. Our comparisons and grade pages list typical choices, and our team can help shortlist grades for your conditions.
Does Bright Tubes supply the materials in this guide?
Yes. 200 BHN Wear Plate, AR400 Plates, AR450 Plates, AR500 Plates and related products are supplied from stock or mill-sourced, with EN 10204 certificates.