What Is AISI AR450 Steel?

AR450 steel is a high-carbon alloy steel with a surface hardness of 420–470 Brinell hardness (HB). Its mix of carbon, manganese, and boron enhances hardness while maintaining ductility, which helps prevent cracking under stress. Available as hardened plates that meet ASTM and JIS standards, AR450 is commonly used in mining, construction, and material handling equipment, where abrasion resistance and structural reliability are essential. The steel undergoes quenching and tempering, ensuring resistance to cracking even under repeated impacts.

AR450 Steel Plate Requirements

AR450 meets the following standards:

• EN 10029
• EN 10051

Differences Between AR400, AR450, & AR500

The greatest differentiator between AR450, AR400, and AR500 is the hardness that each achieves. Typically, AR400 is between 360-440 Brinell, while AR450 is around 429-495 Brinell, and AR500 between 460-544 Brinell. Another key differentiator is applications. While all three types of abrasion resistance steel offer great hardness, they vary in terms of formability and brittleness.

In applications where the steel must be hard with good formability, AR400 and AR450 are typically used. When wear is a critical issue that a certain application faces, AR500 may be more appropriate due to its increased hardness and wear resistance over the other two carbon alloys.

Cost is another factor that can impact the choice of abrasion-resistant steel. AR450 and AR500 are both more costly than AR400, as they achieve higher degrees of hardness. In some instances, you may choose to use a less costly option that may need to be replaced more frequently rather than the more expensive option.