Key Specifications
- Grade Range
- Mn13 to Mn22Cr3
- As-Cast Hardness
- 180–290 HB (grade-dependent)
- Work-Hardened Hardness
- 350–550+ BHN (impact-dependent)
- Carbon Range
- 1.0–1.4% (controls work-hardening response)
- Chromium Range
- 0–3.5% (grain refinement, yield strength)
- Impact Toughness
- > 100 J/cm2 (fully austenitic structure)
- Heat Treatment
- Solution anneal 1,050–1,100 C + water quench
- Standard
- ASTM A128 (all grades)
Technical Data Sheets
GX120MnCr18-2 Data Sheet
Mn18Cr2
Complete material specifications for Mn18Cr2 austenitic manganese steel including chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat treatment parameters.
PDF • 36 KB
Mn20Cr3 Data Sheet
Mn20Cr3
Technical specifications for Mn20Cr3 high-manganese steel grade with enhanced chromium content for improved abrasion resistance.
PDF • 36 KB
Key Properties of Manganese Steel for Crusher Parts
Work-Hardening Mechanism
Austenitic manganese steel work-hardens under compressive impact. Repeated deformation introduces strain-induced martensite and mechanical twinning at the surface, raising hardness from approximately 200 HB as-cast to 450-550+ BHN in service while the interior remains tough and ductile.
Exceptional Impact Toughness
The fully austenitic structure provides impact toughness values exceeding 100 J/cm2 at ambient temperatures. This resistance to brittle fracture is critical in primary crushers where tramp iron or uncrushable objects can enter the chamber.
Non-Magnetic Austenitic Structure
Properly heat-treated manganese steel is non-magnetic in the as-supplied condition. The stable austenite phase only transforms locally at the wear surface under impact, preserving bulk ductility throughout the service life of the part.
Self-Renewing Wear Surface
As the hardened surface layer wears away, the fresh austenite beneath is exposed and work-hardens in turn. This self-renewing mechanism provides consistent crushing performance from installation to end of life.
Broad Grade Selection
Grades from Mn13 to Mn22 with optional chromium modifications allow precise matching of material properties to service conditions. Low-impact applications use standard Mn13, while high-energy primary crushers benefit from Mn18Cr2 or Mn22Cr2.
Weldability for Field Repair
Manganese steel accepts hard-facing and buildup welding using appropriate electrodes (typically E-FeMn type). Field welding repairs can extend part life, though interpass temperatures must be controlled below 260 C to prevent embrittlement.
Manganese Steel: The Foundation of Crusher Wear Parts
Austenitic manganese steel, first developed by Sir Robert Hadfield in 1882, remains the most widely used material for crusher wear parts worldwide, with global consumption exceeding one million tonnes annually across mining, aggregate, and recycling industries. The defining characteristic of manganese steel is its work-hardening response: the fully austenitic microstructure transforms under repeated compressive impact through mechanical twinning and strain-induced martensitic transformation, raising the surface hardness from an as-cast 180–290 HB (grade-dependent) to 350–550+ BHN in service while the core retains its original toughness exceeding 100 J/cm2 Charpy impact energy. This combination of a hard, wear-resistant surface backed by a tough, shock-absorbing interior is unmatched for high-impact crushing applications where tramp metal, uncrushable objects, or variable feed conditions make brittle alloys such as high-chrome white iron unsuitable. All grades are supplied in the solution-annealed and water-quenched condition per ASTM A128 to dissolve grain-boundary carbides and achieve the fully austenitic microstructure essential for service performance.
Modern manganese steels have evolved well beyond the original Hadfield Mn13 composition. Grades ranging from Mn13 through Mn22, often modified with chromium additions of 1.5–3.5%, are engineered to match specific crusher duties across the full spectrum of impact and abrasion severity. Higher manganese content (17–23%) increases work-hardening capacity, work-hardening depth, and ultimate achievable surface hardness, while controlled carbon levels (typically 1.0–1.4%) balance work-hardening response against the risk of grain-boundary carbide precipitation during heat treatment. Chromium additions refine the as-cast grain structure, increase the initial yield strength (improving resistance to plastic flow before work hardening is fully activated), and enhance abrasion resistance in the pre-hardened condition. Selecting the correct grade for a given application—considering crusher type, feed material hardness and abrasiveness (Bond Work Index, SiO2 content), impact energy, and required product size—directly impacts liner life, crusher throughput, maintenance cost, and total cost of ownership per tonne of processed material.
Grade Selection by Equipment Type
The correct manganese grade depends on the type of crusher, the impact energy generated, and the feed material characteristics. Below are typical grade recommendations by equipment category. Actual selection should consider specific operating conditions including feed size, closed-side setting, and ore hardness.
Primary Jaw Crushers
- Mn18Cr2 recommended for standard primary duty (limestone, granite, basalt)
- Mn22Cr2 for large-format jaws (1200mm+ feed opening) processing hard ore
- Mn13Cr2 or Mn14 acceptable for soft rock and recycling applications
- Cheek plates typically one grade lower than jaw plates (e.g., Mn14 cheeks with Mn18Cr2 jaws)
Secondary Cone Crushers
- Mn14 or Mn18Cr2 for mantles and concaves in standard aggregate production
- Mn13Cr2 for fine-crushing cones with lower impact energy
- Mn22Cr2 for high-performance cone crushers in hard-rock mining
- Higher grades provide longer life where feed is consistently abrasive
Gyratory Crushers
- Mn18Cr2 as the standard grade for primary gyratory mantles and concaves
- Mn22Cr2 or Mn22Cr3 for large mining-class gyratories (60x89, 54x75, etc.)
- Upper concave rows may use higher grades due to greater impact exposure
- Spider caps and arm guards typically Mn13 or Mn13Cr2
Impact Crushers
- Mn14 or Mn18Cr2 for horizontal shaft impactor blow bars (high impact energy)
- Mn13 for apron liners and side plates in HSI applications
- Mn22Cr2 seldom used in impactors; high-chrome white iron or martensitic steel often preferred for abrasion-dominant wear
- Impact crusher selection depends heavily on rotor speed and feed hardness
Grinding Mills
- Mn13 or Mn14 for mill liners in AG/SAG and ball mills
- Mn18Cr2 for high-lift lifter bars exposed to direct ball impact
- Composite Mn/Cr-Mo designs increasingly replacing straight manganese in large mills
- Shell liners and grate plates may combine manganese with rubber backing
Need Help Selecting a Manganese Grade?
Our metallurgical engineers can recommend the optimal grade for your crusher model, feed material, and production requirements.
Manganese Steel Grade Comparison
The table below compares the principal manganese steel grades used in crusher wear parts. All grades are solution-annealed and water-quenched to achieve a fully austenitic microstructure before installation. Carbon content is maintained within 1.0-1.4% across all grades to balance work-hardening response with resistance to grain-boundary carbide precipitation.
| Material | Hardness | Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mn13 (Standard Hadfield) | 180-220 HB as-cast / 350-400 BHN work-hardened | Secondary and tertiary crushers, low to moderate impact, standard aggregate applications | C 1.0-1.3%, Mn 11.5-14%. The baseline grade. Economical for moderate-duty service where impact energy is sufficient to activate work hardening. |
| Mn13Cr2 | 200-230 HB as-cast / 400-450 BHN work-hardened | Medium-duty jaw crushers, cone crushers, secondary gyratory crushers | C 1.0-1.3%, Mn 11.5-14%, Cr 1.5-2.5%. Chromium refines grain structure and improves initial yield strength. Better performance than standard Mn13 in abrasive feeds. |
| Mn14 | 200-230 HB as-cast / 400-450 BHN work-hardened | Medium to heavy-duty jaw and cone crushers, general-purpose primary crushing | C 1.0-1.35%, Mn 13-15%. Slightly higher manganese than Mn13 increases work-hardening depth. Widely specified as a cost-effective upgrade from standard Hadfield. |
| Mn18Cr2 | 220-260 HB as-cast / 450-500+ BHN work-hardened | Primary jaw crushers, heavy-duty gyratory crushers, high-impact cone crushers | C 1.1-1.4%, Mn 17-19%, Cr 1.5-2.5%. The most popular premium grade. High manganese content gives superior work hardening and longer life under heavy impact. |
| Mn22Cr2 | 240-280 HB as-cast / 500-550+ BHN work-hardened | Extra-heavy-duty primary crushers, large gyratory crushers, mining-class jaw crushers | C 1.1-1.4%, Mn 20-23%, Cr 1.5-2.5%. Maximum work-hardening capacity. Specified for the largest crushers processing hard, abrasive ores at high throughput. |
| Mn22Cr3 | 250-290 HB as-cast / 500-550+ BHN work-hardened | Extreme-duty primary gyratory and jaw crushers, ultra-hard ore processing | C 1.15-1.4%, Mn 20-23%, Cr 2.5-3.5%. Highest Cr addition for maximum as-cast hardness and abrasion resistance. Used where both high impact and severe abrasion are present. |
Mn13 (Standard Hadfield)
Mn13Cr2
Mn14
Mn18Cr2
Mn22Cr2
Mn22Cr3
All grades are supplied in the solution-annealed and water-quenched condition per ASTM A128. Actual work-hardened surface hardness depends on impact energy, feed material, and operating conditions. Values shown are typical ranges based on field measurements.
Manganese FAQs
Find answers to common questions about manganese materials, selection, maintenance, and ordering. Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact Our TeamHow does work hardening occur in manganese steel?
What is glazing and how is it prevented?
Why is solution annealing and water quenching required?
How does carbon content affect performance?
What role does chromium play in modified manganese grades?
How does grain size affect manganese steel performance?
When should I choose manganese steel over high-chrome white iron?
Related Innovation Pages
TiC Ceramic Inserts
Titanium carbide insert technology for extreme abrasion resistance in crusher wear parts.
Learn MoreHigh-Chrome White Iron
High-chromium white iron alloys (15-28% Cr) for abrasion-dominant crusher applications.
Learn MoreMartensitic Steel
Martensitic alloy steels for crusher parts requiring high hardness with moderate toughness.
Learn MoreCeramic Insert Technology
Alumina and zirconia ceramic inserts for localised wear protection in crusher liners.
Learn MoreTechnical content reviewed by ATF Engineering Team | Metallurgical specifications verified against ASTM/ISO standards
Get a Manganese Grade Recommendation
Provide your crusher model, feed material, and production rate for a grade recommendation from our metallurgical team. We supply all grades from Mn13 through Mn22Cr3.
Contact ATF Engineering