AR500 steel is a type of abrasion-resistant steel that is commonly used in applications where high levels of wear resistance are required, such as in body armor, targets for shooting ranges, and steel plates for heavy equipment. The "AR" in AR500 stands for "abrasion resistant," and the "500" refers to the Brinell hardness number (HBW) of the steel, which is a measure of the materials hardness and ability to resist deformation under high pressure. AR500 steel has a Brinell hardness of around 500 HBW, which makes it highly resistant to surface abrasion and penetration.

AR500 steel is made by a process called alloying, which involves combining iron with other elements to create a material with specific properties. In the case of AR500, the alloying process involves adding carbon, manganese, and other elements like chromium and molybdenum to the steel. These elements are added in precise proportions to create a steel that has high levels of strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance. Once the heat treatment process is complete, the AR500 steel is typically formed into the desired shape and/or cut to size.

AR500 steel is known for its durability, toughness, and ability to withstand high-impact stresses, making it a popular choice in applications where durability and protection are critical. It is commonly used for targets, armored applications, truck plows, and in mining. AR500 steel is also used in applications requiring high wear resistance, including backhoe buckets and teeth, bulldozer blades, dump truck beds, ore and coal chutes, augers, and aggregate conveyors.