Built to Survive the Harshest Environments
Fabricating wear-resistant and abrasion-resistant (AR) steel requires immensely powerful machinery and strict metallurgical control. Because these alloys are engineered for extreme hardness and toughness, they demand specialized cutting, bending, and welding techniques that go far beyond standard carbon steel fabrication.
At Openex Metal Fabrication, we process massive volumes of Hardox®, AR400, AR450, and AR500 steel plates. With our 3000-ton press brakes and advanced thermal cutting centers, we routinely fabricate heavy-duty components for the mining, quarrying, aggregate, and earthmoving industries.
Our AR Steel Fabrication Capabilities
Heavy Profile Cutting (Thermal Control)
Cutting AR plate generates extreme heat, which can soften the cut edges and ruin the steel's wear-resistant properties. We utilize specialized high-definition plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting techniques with strict heat-input controls to preserve the core hardness of the plate up to 100mm thick.
High-Tonnage Press Braking
Bending Hardox and AR500 steel requires massive bending force and precise spring-back calculations. Our facility is equipped with incredibly powerful press brakes (up to 3000 Tons) capable of forming long, heavy-gauge wear plates into complex chute and dump body profiles without cracking.
Specialized Heavy Welding
Welding high-hardness steel poses a significant risk of hydrogen-induced cold cracking. Our AWS and ASME certified welders utilize strict pre-heating protocols, controlled interpass temperatures, and low-hydrogen consumables to ensure deep-penetration, defect-free welds on all heavy equipment assemblies.
Rigid CNC Machining
Machining AR400 and AR500 steel requires exceptionally rigid machine setups to prevent chatter and tool breakage. Our large-scale gantry mills and horizontal boring mills are equipped with specialized carbide tooling designed specifically for high-hardness alloy excavation.
Common Wear-Resistant Components We Build
We supply turnkey wear parts and structural weldments for OEMs and heavy industry end-users globally:
- ✔ Custom Dump Truck Bodies & Trays
- ✔ Excavator Buckets & Loader Attachments
- ✔ Crusher Hoppers & Chute Liners
- ✔ Rotary Kiln Internal Lifters
- ✔ Conveyor System Transfer Points
- ✔ Demolition Shears & Grapples