High-Strength Steels

April 16, 2014

Jenny Hessler

SSAB offers Hardox wear plates in thicknesses from 0.7-mm (0.027-in) 22-gauge to 6.25-in (160-mm) combined with updated dimensions and the ability to double as structural steel. In testing, a 474-lb (215-kg) torpedo was dropped from 9.2 ft (2.8 m), with a resultant weight savings of 59% using Hardox 450 5-mm (0.2-in) vs. S355 12-mm (0.5-in). Hardox grades also offer improved wear resistance, higher payloads, and longer service life. Manufacturers can form, cut, and join the plates in their workshops and can participate in the Hardox Wearparts program, manufacturing and installing parts using job-applicable steels. Hardox is produced at a quenching line at SSAB’s Mobile, AL, steel plant, raising the company's U.S.-quenched and tempered plate capacity by 220,000 t (242,500 ton) per year.