BY 
GENN
2026/03
Blog
What are the properties of NM400 steel plate?
NM400 steel plate is specifically engineered to solve this problem by offering an optimal balance between hardness, toughness, and workability. But what exactly makes NM400 stand out?
NM400 steel plate
What Is NM400 Steel Plate?
NM400 is a high-strength wear-resistant steel plate with a nominal hardness of 400 HB. It is widely used in applications where abrasion resistance and impact resistance must coexist.
Unlike ordinary carbon steel, NM400 is produced through advanced quenching and tempering processes, ensuring consistent mechanical performance.
Core Properties of NM400 Steel Plate
Understanding the properties of NM400 helps buyers make smarter procurement decisions.
1. High Hardness for Wear Resistance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Brinell Hardness (HBW) | 360–440 |
This hardness range allows NM400 to effectively resist abrasion from sand, gravel, and other hard materials.
Higher hardness means longer service life, especially in high-wear environments like dump truck bodies and crusher liners.
2. Excellent Impact Toughness
Unlike ultra-hard steel (e.g., NM500), NM400 maintains good toughness, reducing the risk of cracking under impact loads.
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | High |
| Crack Resistance | Strong |
This makes NM400 ideal for dynamic working conditions, such as mining and heavy machinery.
3. High Strength Performance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | ≥ 1000 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 1200 MPa |
High strength ensures structural reliability even under heavy loads and harsh environments.
4. Good Weldability and Processability
One of the biggest advantages of NM400 is its ease of fabrication compared to higher-grade wear plates.
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Good |
| Cutting | Easy (plasma/laser) |
| Formability | Moderate |
This reduces processing costs and improves manufacturing efficiency.
5. Balanced Chemical Composition
NM400 achieves its performance through controlled alloying:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.25 |
| Si | ≤ 0.70 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.60 |
| Cr | ≤ 1.50 |
| Ni | ≤ 1.00 |
The combination of alloy elements enhances both hardness and toughness, avoiding brittleness.
NM400 vs Ordinary Steel: Why It Matters
| Feature | NM400 Steel Plate | Q355 / Carbon Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Service Life | 3–5× Longer | Short |
| Maintenance Cost | Low | High |
| Initial Cost | Higher | Lower |
Although NM400 has a higher upfront cost, it significantly reduces long-term expenses.
Typical Applications of NM400 Steel Plate
NM400 is widely used in industries where wear and impact occur simultaneously:
- Mining equipment (buckets, crushers)
- Construction machinery (excavators, loaders)
- Dump truck bodies
- Conveyor systems
- Cement plant equipment
Industry Insight: The Real Value of NM400
Many buyers mistakenly focus only on hardness. However, the real value of NM400 lies in its balance:
- Not too brittle like higher hardness plates
- Not too soft like standard structural steel
- Ideal for most medium-to-heavy wear conditions
This is why NM400 is often considered the “most cost-effective wear-resistant steel grade” in the global market.
The properties of NM400 steel plate—high hardness, strong toughness, excellent strength, and good workability—make it a reliable solution for industries facing severe wear challenges.
If your goal is to reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and optimize cost, NM400 steel plate is a proven and practical choice.
If you need our information, please feel free to contact us as soon as possible.
What is NM400 steel?
NM400 Steel is a high-strength, wear-resistant steel known for its superior durability and toughness. NM400 is a Chinese GB standard steel grade. The NM 400 material is widely used in industries where resistance to abrasion is important, such as in the construction and mining sectors.
What is the difference between Hardox 400 and NM400?
Hardox 400 generally contains a higher chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) content, which contributes to better hardness and toughness, while NM400 maintains a balance between cost and performance.
