Top Applications for AR500 Steel: From Ballistic Plates to Heavy Equipment

When it comes to choosing metal for your next project, you need to know as much about the material as possible. Steel is a valuable choice for many situations, but not all steel is created equally. One of the most common and versatile options is AR500 steel, which works well for many unique applications. 

Before buying plates of AR500, though, it helps to understand what these applications are and why AR500 is the best choice. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top areas where this metal can yield some incredible benefits for your next project. Here’s everything you need to know.

A Brief Introduction to AR500 Steel

AR500 steel is an abrasion-resistant, through-hardened plate that comes in thicknesses of ¼” to two inches. It has a Brinell hardness of 475/535 BHN and a tensile strength of 255,000 psi. Because of its hardness and ability to withstand wear and tear, AR500 steel is perfect for many industrial and commercial applications. 

Another reason for this metal’s versatility is that it’s relatively easy to weld. So, it can be shaped and molded to fit into various spaces as needed. Plus, it has a high abrasion and impact resistance, so it works well for situations that include friction.

Top AR500 Applications

Although this list covers a wide selection of industries and projects, it’s far from exhaustive. These recommendations serve as a foundation from which to ensure you get the best steel for your needs. 

Heavy Machinery

Heavy machinery is often used in high-demand environments where delays and disruptions can be devastating for business. Most industries rely on heavy machinery, including agriculture, construction, mining, manufacturing, and more. AR500 applications in construction are abundant, thanks to its reliability and consistency. 

Because AR500 is so abrasion-resistant, it can be deployed in virtually every environment. Rust and decay are not substantial issues for this material, so it can be used in places that have high humidity or moisture. However, AR500 is not necessarily “marine-grade” steel, so it doesn’t necessarily work well for ocean-faring projects and scenarios. 

This steel also retains a cutting edge very well with minimal maintenance and upkeep. It works for bucket liners and wear plates as well because it can take a beating well without breaking, cracking, or deformation. 

Manufacturing and Material Handling

Not only does AR500 steel handle abuse well, but it also withstands vibrations better than other metals. So, it works perfectly for many manufacturing machinery and projects. For example, AR500 can be deployed as a conveyor chute liner. Similarly, you can use it for vibrating screen plates without worrying about it bending or breaking over time. 

One thing to keep in mind is that AR500 is not as easy to machine as other types of steel. However, because it’s not easily machined, it will retain its edge and shape better than other metals. 

Excavation and Mining

Mining puts immense pressure and wear on metal components. Thankfully, AR500 steel can withstand such wear and tear and still maintain a relatively sharp edge. When this metal is deployed in mining operations, it’s often used for bulldozer blades, grader blades, and excavation buckets. 

Ballistic Plates

Military and law enforcement personnel must protect themselves at all times. One of the best ways to do that is wearing protective ballistic plates (aka body armor). AR500 steel is perfect for body armor because it can withstand heavy-duty impacts and still retain much of its shape. 

That said, any metal used for ballistic plating must be retired after taking a bullet. Even though AR500 is strong, it can still become brittle after absorbing the impact of one shot. While vests and other armored gear can have multiple plates, it’s always best to retire each piece once its been “used.”

Shooting Targets

Body armor and bullet-resistant vests aren’t the only way for this steel to be used in ballistics. AR500 steel for shooting targets is another fantastic option, especially for gun and rifle ranges. Sport shooting is a popular pastime in the US, and this steel can work well on every range in the country. 

Unlike body armor, though, shooting targets don’t need to be replaced every time. While bullets can deform the steel slightly with each shot, targets can last for weeks, months, or years with the right care and attention. 

Robotics

For the most part, AR500 steel is a workhorse designed to be durable and resilient. However, its abrasion resistance also works well for robotics. Although this particular metal can’t be machined as delicately or precisely as others (due to its hardness), it can be used for various industrial robotic applications. For example, robot arms or machines that conduct repetitive actions can benefit from using AR500 because the material won’t wear down too quickly. 

Architectural Elements

Although AR500 steel is tough, it’s not thick or strong enough to form load-bearing components in construction. However, it can work well for decorative or superficial elements. 

Get AR500 Steel From Specialty Steel

At Specialty Steel, we understand the value of AR500 steel, and we know you must rely on high-quality materials to satisfy your clients and deliver on each project. We take a customer-first approach to our services, and we’re proud to offer traceability and quality assurance on each steel plate we sell. 

If you’re unsure what kind of steel you need for your project (or whether AR500 is the best option), our sales team can help. We can work with you to ensure you stay within your budget while buying top-tier metal sheets. We can also customize and cut these plates to your specifications, so don’t feel limited by the standard thicknesses and dimensions. Contact us today!