Wear-Resistant Materials
Wear-resistant materials are selected to resist abrasion, erosion, sliding and impact wear, including hardened and wear-resistant steel plate, tool steels, hard-facing, carbides, ceramics and polymers like UHMWPE and polyurethane. The right choice depends on the wear mechanism.
What it is
Abrasion by hard particles is handled by high hardness (wear plates around 400–500 HB, carbide, ceramics); sliding wear by low-friction pairs (bronze, PTFE, UHMWPE); impact abrasion by tough materials (manganese steel, polyurethane); erosion by carbide or rubber linings.
Choosing by wear mechanism, not just hardness, gives the best life and cost.
Typical applications
- Chute, hopper and bucket liners
- Crusher and grinding parts
- Screw conveyor flights
- Pump wear parts
- Slide and guide components
Materials & grades
- Abrasion-resistant plate (400/500 HB)
- Manganese steel
- Hard-faced overlays
- Tungsten carbide and ceramics
- UHMWPE and polyurethane
Points to consider
- Describe the wear mechanism and material being handled.
- Harder is not always better; impact needs toughness.
- Bolt-on replaceable liners reduce downtime.
- Consider hard-facing worn parts instead of replacement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for abrasion resistance?
For hard particle abrasion, high-hardness wear plate, carbide or ceramics; for sliding bulk materials, UHMWPE often works very well.
What is Hardox-type plate?
Quenched and tempered abrasion-resistant steel plate, typically around 400–500 HB, used for liners and buckets.
Should I use hard facing?
Hard-facing overlays restore and protect worn parts economically, especially on large components.