High carbon steel, high manganese steel and tungsten steel, which hardness is high？

The hardness of materials is typically measured on the Rockwell Hardness Scale or the Mohs Hardness Scale. Let's compare the hardness of high carbon steel, high manganese steel, and tungsten steel:

1. High Carbon Steel:

High carbon steel generally has a hardness ranging from 55 to 65 HRC (Rockwell Hardness C scale). The exact hardness depends on the carbon content and heat treatment. High carbon steels are known for their ability to achieve high hardness and strength through heat treatment processes such as quenching and tempering.

2. High Manganese Steel:

High manganese steel, also known as Hadfield manganese steel, is primarily known for its high toughness and wear resistance rather than extreme hardness. It typically has a hardness in the range of 180 to 220 BHN (Brinell Hardness Number). The high manganese content imparts excellent work-hardening properties, contributing to its wear resistance.

3. Tungsten Steel (Tungsten Carbide):

Tungsten steel, commonly referred to as tungsten carbide, is a composite material made of tungsten and carbon. Tungsten carbide is exceptionally hard and has a hardness range of 800 to 2,000 HRA (Rockwell Hardness A scale) or approximately 90 to 92 HRC (Rockwell Hardness C scale). The hardness of tungsten carbide is significantly higher than that of high carbon steel and high manganese steel.

In summary, when comparing the hardness of these materials:

Tungsten steel (tungsten carbide) has the highest hardness among the three materials.

High carbon steel has a high hardness, but it is generally lower than that of tungsten steel.

High manganese steel has a hardness that is generally lower than both high carbon steel and tungsten steel, but it offers excellent toughness and wear resistance.

The choice of material depends on the specific application requirements, considering factors such as hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and the type of forces and wear conditions the material will be subjected to.