Hardness

1. Chrome steel

Chrome steel is an alloy of iron, chromium and carbon. It is a hard, tough and corrosion-resistant material that is widely used in applications where high wear resistance and hardness are required, such as in tools, bearings and shafts. The hardness of chrome steel is determined by the amount of carbon and chromium in the alloy.

Chrome steel can be hardened by heat treatment. By heating the steel to a certain temperature and then cooling it quickly, the hardness is increased. This process is known as hardening and makes the steel stiffer and less flexible. The hardness of hardened chrome steel usually varies between 55 and 65 HRC (Rockwell hardness scale).

2. Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium and nickel (and sometimes other metals) known for its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel is available in various grades and is often used in the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries due to its hygienic properties.

The hardness of stainless steel varies depending on the alloy and heat treatment. In general, stainless steel is less hard than chrome steel due to the lower amount of carbon in the alloy. The hardness of stainless steel is usually measured on the Rockwell B scale, which is specifically designed for softer metals. The most common hardness for stainless steel is approximately 160-180 HB (Brinell hardness scale).

Both chrome steel and stainless steel are commonly used materials in technology because of their unique properties. Chrome steel is harder and tougher than stainless steel due to the higher amount of carbon and chromium in the alloy. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more resistant to corrosion and is therefore suitable for applications where the material comes into contact with moisture or other corrosive substances. When selecting a material for a specific application, it is important to take into account the hardness and other relevant properties of the material.

Of course, there are many other materials available, such as ceramic materials, Aluminum Oxide, Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide, but also glass, Tungsten Carbide carbide, brass, aluminum, titanium, plastics such as POM, PP, PE, PA, Torlon and many exotic materials such as Inconel, Hastelloy, Monel.