Brinell Hardness of HARDOX 400

The Brinell hardness of HARDOX 400 is one of the most defining characteristics of this widely used wear-resistant steel. With a typical hardness range of 370–430 HBW, HARDOX 400 is engineered to deliver a strong combination of abrasion resistance, durability, and structural integrity. This controlled hardness level allows the material to withstand severe sliding and impact wear, making it highly suitable for heavy-duty industries such as mining, quarrying, recycling, and construction.

Brinell hardness (HBW) is measured by pressing a hard tungsten carbide ball into the steel surface under a specific load, then calculating hardness based on the indentation. For HARDOX 400, achieving the target hardness range requires precise alloy design and a carefully controlled quenching and tempering process. This ensures the material develops a uniform martensitic microstructure, which is key to maintaining consistent hardness across the plate thickness.

The 400 HBW hardness level strikes an optimal balance: it is hard enough to resist abrasive forces, yet not so hard that it becomes brittle or difficult to fabricate. This is why HARDOX 400 can be cut, welded, and formed with proper procedures, while still providing long service life in wear-intensive environments. Its stable hardness also contributes to predictable performance in applications such as dump truck bodies, crusher liners, buckets, hoppers, and conveyor systems.