Low-Cost Work Hardenable Hadfield Steel for Heavy Impact Gouging Wear Resistant Application

Replacement of Cr containing Grade 3 Mn steel used in heavy section cast components of primary crushers, with low cost and lesser embrittlement prone Mn steel without any compromise in work hardenability

Si-containing Hadfield steel is a suitable alternative for Cr containing Grade 3 Mn steels generally used as thick sectioned components in primary crushers of run of mines. The addition of Si enhances fluidity which is essential for sound castings and the absence of Cr eliminates the problem of grain boundary carbide-induced embrittlement in thicker sections. The steel is superior attributed to the following reasons:

• Si-based modification of the composition leads to cheaper Hadfield steel variant
• Elimination of Cr renders the alloy suitability for heavy section castings.
• Enhanced fluidity due to higher Si content leads to sound castings
• Yield Strength: 440 ± 5 MPa, UTS: 810 ± 20 MPa and % Total Elongation: 30 ± 2%
• Hardness: 220 ± 10 HV₃₀, Charpy Impact Toughness: 150 ± 10 J

• Cheaper alternative for commonly used Cr containing Grade 3 Mn steel for primary crushing applications.
• Enhanced castability ensuring sound casting of thick sectioned components.
• Elimination of grain boundary carbide induced embrittlement prominent in thick components made up of Grade 3 Mn steel.
• Prolonged heat treatment duration for carbide dissolution in thick sections not required.
• Enhanced impact toughness with similar strength levels as of Cr containing Mn steel grade.