AR500 is a through-hardened, quenched & tempered abrasion-resistant (AR) steel grade with a nominal Brinell hardness around 470–535 HBW (commonly quoted as “AR500”). It is designed for high-wear, high-impact service (mining liners, earthmoving, ballistic targets, crusher parts).

In 2025 market terms the price picture is segmented: China factory FOB bulk AR500 often appears in supplier listings roughly in the range of USD $600–900 per metric tonne for hot-rolled AR500 plate (bulk, varying by thickness and certification), while U.S. retail / small-order prices (cut plates, pre-cut targets) translate to much higher per-ton equivalents — frequently $2,000+ / tonne once processing, cutting, certification and distribution are included.

What is AR500 steel sheet?

AR500 is a family name for abrasion-resistant (AR) sheet that has been through-hardened by controlled quench and temper to produce a nominal surface hardness of about 500 HBW (commonly quoted ranges center near 470–535 BHN / HBW depending on producer and test). The “AR” prefix stands for Abrasion Resistant, and the numeric suffix is the approximate Brinell hardness. AR500 combines high surface hardness with a degree of toughness to handle sliding abrasion and moderate impact. Typical end uses include mine chutes, crusher liners, truck dump bodies, agricultural tillage blades, shooting targets and ballistic steel panels. The grade is a mill-product classification (mill grades and trademarks vary between mills), not a single ASTM chemical specification; producers guarantee hardness and provide Mill Test Reports (MTRs).

Typical chemical composition (representative / typical mill ranges)

Note: AR500 is a commercial wear plate produced by multiple mills. The table below compiles commonly reported typical ranges used by major suppliers. Always request the MTR for your exact lot.

Mechanical & material properties (typical values)

Because AR500 is specified by hardness, mechanical values vary with thickness, heat treatment and producer. Representative figures:

AR500 sheet specifications & supply practice

AR500 is usually sold as:

• Hot-rolled AR plate, quenched & tempered, guaranteed hardness.

• Thickness range: typically 3 mm (1/8") up to 100+ mm (4" to 6"), but common commercial slabs are 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", etc.

• Typical delivery condition: T (quenched & tempered) or roller-quenched condition with hardness guarantee.

• Associated standards: AR plates are often supplied in compliance with mill practice and referenced standards (e.g., BS EN 10051 covers wear-resistant steels in some jurisdictions); mills also comply with ASTM A6 general plate practice for marking and lengths. Always require the Mill Test Report (MTR) with chemical and mechanical values and hardness test locations.

What is AR500 sheet equivalent to?

There is no single one-to-one international standard designated “AR500” — the name is a commercial / trade designation. Equivalent concepts include:

• Hardox 500 (SSAB trademark) — a well-known abrasion steel with certified properties; Hardox® 500 is a recognized commercial equivalent in many markets (but it is a trademarked, certified product with strict traceability).

• AR500 / WELDOX / Tufflex / TruWEAR AR500F — many mill brands with similar Brinell ranges.

• EN grade cross-references: EN wear plate grades are specified by application and BHN; check BS EN 10051 for wear plate guidance.
  When engineers ask “what is AR500 equivalent to?”, they usually look for a certified wear plate in the 470–535 HBW range with similar chemistry and toughness (for certified projects choose a named, traceable product such as Hardox® 500 or TruWEAR AR500 and insist on MTRs and impact data).

What is AR500 steel rated for?

AR500 is engineered to resist sliding abrasion and moderate impact for heavy-duty applications. Typical ratings and uses:

• Sliding abrasion: mine chutes, chutes liners, conveyor components (high wear sliding contact).

• Impact + wear: crusher liners, dozer blades (areas where impact and abrasive wear are both present).

• Ballistic / shooting targets: AR500 is widely used for steel targets (3/8"–1/2" thickness depending on caliber), but proper mounting, angle and recommended thickness limit must be followed; for rifle rounds heavier gauges or certified ballistic steel (or composite armor) may be needed.

• Design life: depends on application—AR500 dramatically increases life versus mild steel under abrasive sliding conditions, but it is not an unlimited solution; component geometry, impact severity and maintenance matter.

What are the disadvantages of AR500?

No material is perfect; typical AR500 limitations:

• Reduced formability — higher hardness means lower ductility; heavy bending/forming is problematic.

• Brittleness in thin sections under high impact — sharp impacts can produce cracking; thickness and heat-treat selection matter.

• Weldability is conditional — welding AR500 requires preheat, low hydrogen practices and sometimes PWHT; improper welding can cause cracking or loss of hardness in HAZ.

• Ballistic misuse risk — not all AR500 plates are suitable for rifle armor; improper application of “shooting target” plates (poor mounting, wrong angle, or using thin plate) can cause ricochet or shrapnel. Use certified ballistic materials for personnel protection.

• Cost & certification needs — certified wear plate (e.g., Hardox® with guaranteed quality) costs more than commodity AR500 listings but reduces risk.

Which is harder, AR400 or AR500?

AR500 is harder than AR400.

• AR400 nominal hardness ≈ 360–440 HB (typical).

• AR500 nominal hardness ≈ 470–535 HB (typical).
  The practical consequence: AR500 offers greater wear resistance at the expense of lower ductility and more difficulty with forming. Choose AR400 when toughness, bendability or impact absorption is more important; choose AR500 for extreme sliding abrasion.

AR500 steel sheet sizes, weight and how to calculate plate weight

Common stock sizes (examples): 4'×8' (1220×2440 mm), 5'×10' (1500×3000 mm), and full mill plates up to 240" (6 m) lengths depending on mill. Thicknesses commonly stocked in distribution channels: 3/16" (0.1875"), 1/4" (0.25"), 3/8" (0.375"), 1/2", 3/4", 1" etc.

Weight calculation (metric & imperial):

• Formula (metric): Weight (kg) = length (m) × width (m) × thickness (m) × 7,850 (density kg/m³).

• Formula (imperial): Weight (lb) = length (in) × width (in) × thickness (in) × 0.2836 (approx).

Worked example — 4' × 8' plate, 3/8" (0.375") thick:

• Imperial dimensions: 48" × 96" × 0.375" → Weight ≈ 48 × 96 × 0.375 × 0.2836 ≈ 491 lb (≈223 kg).

• This calculation is important to estimate shipping, handling and per-ton cost conversion.

Representative “weight per foot” or per common thickness values (approx):

• 1/4" (0.25") 4×8 plate ≈ 254 lb (115 kg)

• 3/8" (0.375") 4×8 plate ≈ 381–492 lb depending on rounding

• 1/2" (0.5") 4×8 plate ≈ 508–610 lb

(Exact values depend on precise mm conversions; suppliers typically publish “weight per foot” tables.)

AR500 steel sheet price 2025 (USA / Europe / China)

Important: steel prices are volatile and quoted unit conventions differ (CWT, $/lb, $/ton, per sheet). Below are market-informed ranges with representative sources and the causes of regional differences: tariffs, mill brand premium (Hardox®), certification, order size and cutting/processing.

Price summary table — 2025 representative ranges (indicative; use for budgeting only)

Why the ranges are wide:

• Order size & processing: mill bulk FOB is lowest; cut, punched, laser-cut, or precision ground plates (for targets or armor) add cost.

• Certification & traceability: certified products (Hardox® 500, mill certified MTRs, impact testing at low temperature) increase price.

• Logistics & duties: shipping container loads from China vs. domestic inventory; tariffs and anti-dumping duties can change final landed cost.

• Thickness & yield: thicker plates and tight tolerances increase cost per tonne due to processing complexity.

• Market swings: raw material cost, scrap price, energy and regional demand cause month-to-month variability (see steel indices).

Practical procurement tip: for project budgets ask suppliers for (a) FOB & CIF quotes, (b) price per common thickness (e.g., 6 mm/10 mm/12 mm/20 mm), and (c) sample MTRs. Bulk buys from China for large construction/liner projects will yield the lowest per-ton numbers; certified European brands give predictability but cost more.

Procurement checklist & quality controls

1. Mill Test Report (MTR): chemical analysis and mechanical values for the lot.

2. Hardness report: Brinell test locations and values (surface & through hardness where needed).

3. Impact testing: if application involves low-temperature impact or ballistic loads, insist on CVN test results.

4. Weldability recommendations: recommended preheat / interpass / consumables and HAZ guidance.

5. Traceability & certification: brand (Hardox® etc.), ISO/CE marks, export documentation.

6. Cutting & processing tolerances: confirm plate finish, edge condition, flatness and squareness.

7. Shipping & packaging: weatherproof / seaworthy packaging for long shipments.

8. Warranty & replacement policy: for highly abrasive liners, agree on failure thresholds before acceptance.

Why choose MWAlloys

MWAlloys is an experienced metal material supplier operating a stocking and export program for wear-resistant steels. When you work with MWAlloys we provide:

• Factory direct pricing (we have mill partnerships in China and consolidated export channels) — competitive FOB / EXW price.

• Stock & fast delivery for common thicknesses (typical dispatch within 7–21 days for stocked items; custom cut parts arranged per PO).

• Full documentation: Mill Test Reports (MTR), Brinell hardness reports and welding guidance with each lot.

• Quality control: incoming inspection, hardness spot checks and packing inspection before shipment.

• Customization: pre-cut blanks, CNC laser cutting, edge conditioning.

FAQs

1. Is AR500 the same as ballistic steel?
   Not necessarily. AR500 is abrasion-resistant plate; some AR500 plates are used for shooting targets, but certified ballistic steel (for armor) requires specific ballistic testing and certification. Do not assume all AR500 materials are safe for ballistic armor without documented proof.

2. Can I bend or form AR500 plate?
   Bending thicker AR500 is difficult and may cause cracking. Small hot bending or controlled cold bending with correct radii and thermal treatment may be possible. Consult the mill and test a sample.

3. Can AR500 be welded?
   Yes, but with precautions: preheat, match filler, control interpass temperature and use low hydrogen procedures. Post-weld heat treatment may be required for critical parts.

4. What thickness do I need for rifle-rated targets?
   For most common pistol calibers, 3/8" to 1/2" AR500 is used. For high-energy rifle calibers, thicker plate and certified ballistic materials are recommended; always follow target maker safety guidance.

5. How do I verify I received real AR500?
   Insist on MTRs, hardness tests (Brinell), and independent lab spot tests if needed. Ask for trace numbers and batch data.

6. Is Hardox 500 the same as AR500?
   Hardox® 500 is SSAB’s trademarked wear-resistant steel with certified properties similar to the AR500 hardness range, but it carries brand traceability and warranty.

7. Does AR500 rust quickly?
   AR500 is carbon steel and will corrode if uncoated; painting, galvanizing or periodic maintenance helps. Some users accept patina in non-corrosive applications.

8. Can I use AR500 underwater or in seawater?
   AR500 is not a stainless grade; corrosion resistance in seawater is poor. For marine environments consider corrosion-resistant grades or protective coatings.

9. How much longer does AR500 last versus mild steel?
   For sliding abrasion, AR500 can extend service life many times over mild steel; exact multiples depend on the application specifics.

10. How should I quote AR500 for procurement?
    Request price by thickness and sheet size, specify required MTR and hardness range, note any cutting/processing, and request FOB & CIF quotes for comparison.

Authoritative references

• ASTM A6/A6M — Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Plates
• BS EN 10051 — Wear-resistant steels (global summary at GlobalSpec)
• Murray Steel — Abrasion Resistant 400 / 450 / 500 Material Datasheet (PDF)
• CMC / TruWEAR — AR500F plate technical overview