The Differences Between Ni-Hard and Chrome White Iron

Posted by Penticton Foundry on August 16, 2017

Exploring Ni-Hard and ASTM A532 Class II and III

Ni-hard is also called ASTM A532 Class I Type A. This blog explores the differences between Ni-hard and ASTM A532 Class II and III in an easy-to-read chart form. Microstructure differences will be examined and application suggestions made.

Ni-hard	High Chrome White Iron
Specification: ASTM A532 Class I	Specification: ASTM A532 Class II and III
Microstructure: Cementitic iron that solidifies as austenite with Fe₃C carbides	Microstructure: Solidifies through the eutectic point, forming an iron-rich metallic phase (that is mostly martensite) along with M₇C₃ chromium carbides
Ni-hard Type A is the least expensive of the Ni-hard alloys, and the most common. It is usually specified for use when combating abrasion only.	When impact is an issue, it is better to select a high chrome white iron. Class II alloys are considered to have the highest toughness of the chrome white iron alloys.
Ni-hard Type B can replace Type A if more toughness is required.	Again, the chrome white iron class II alloys will have a higher toughness than Ni-hard A, B or D. Plus, the high chrome white iron will be more corrosion resistant.
Ni-hard Type D is the toughest of the Ni-hard grades, as well as the most corrosion resistant. It is, however, also the most expensive.	The high chrome white iron class III alloys have the highest level of chromium.They are the most corrosion resistant of the ASTM A532 alloys. Their toughness is slightly less than the class II alloys, but higher than the Ni-hard alloys.
Applications Type A is for low cost parts that are not exposed to high dynamic stresses: brick molds concrete/asphalt mixing wheels, blades, nozzles and augers Type B is for parts subjected to more impact like crusher plates. Type D is for parts subjected to more severe conditions, like pump casings for corrosive slurries.	Applications Class II is for parts subjected to a high level of impact: balls for cement mills parts for hard-rock mining like feed chute liners and gyratory crusher liners Class III is the workhorse of the chrome white iron alloys and is used for parts in many industries. Applications include: slurry pump parts mill liners cyclone parts chute liners crushing machines piping components If you want to see more images of chrome white iron parts, check out our Gallery

For more information on chrome white iron, read our abrasion resistant alloys page.

Click this link to learn more about Ni-hard’s physical and mechanical properties.