Dillidur vs. Hardox: a comparison of advantages and disadvantages

Wear-resistant steels play a central role in many industries, such as construction, mining, recycling and agriculture. Two of the best-known brands in this field are Dillidur and Hardox. Both steels offer high wear resistance and toughness, but differ in some specific properties that influence their applications and benefits. In this article, we compare Dillidur and Hardox and look at the advantages and disadvantages of the two wear-resistant steels to help you decide which steel is best suited to your project.

Dillidur: properties, advantages and disadvantages

Dillidur is a range of wear-resistant steels developed by Dillinger, a renowned steel manufacturer from Germany. This steel is known for its high abrasion resistance and is used in applications where constant wear is a major problem

Advantages of Dillidur

  • High abrasion resistance: Dillidur is known for its hardness, which makes it resistant to mechanical wear. This makes it ideal for machines and components that are exposed to intensive mechanical wear, such as in mining, quarries or recycling.
  • Good price-performance ratio: A major advantage of Dillidur compared to other wear-resistant steels is its attractive price-performance ratio. Companies looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality and durability often opt for Dillidur.
  • Versatility: Dillidur is offered in various degrees of hardness, which makes it possible to select the right wear steel depending on the application. Whether moderate abrasion resistance or extreme conditions are required, Dillidur offers a suitable solution.

Disadvantages of Dillidur

  • Welding properties: Compared to Hardox, Dillidur can be more difficult to weld. This is because this steel may require special processes such as pre-heating or post-heating to achieve optimum results. For applications where a lot of welding is required, this could be a disadvantage.
  • Machinability: Machining Dillidur, such as cutting, drilling or shaping, is often more difficult than Hardox, which can lead to higher machining costs. This could be problematic for projects that require flexible and simple machining.

Hardox: properties, advantages and disadvantages

Hardox is a wear-resistant steel developed by SSAB, a Swedish steel manufacturer. Hardox is known for its excellent combination of hardness and toughness, making it one of the most versatile and resistant wear steels in the world.

Advantages of Hardox

  • Exceptional toughness and strength: Hardox is characterized by its high hardness without sacrificing toughness. This steel is resistant to abrasion and at the same time can withstand heavy impact loads without breaking or cracking. This is particularly advantageous in the construction and mining industries, where machine parts have to withstand extreme conditions.
  • Excellent welding properties: Hardox is easier to weld than Dillidur. This makes it the preferred choice in applications where frequent welding is required. This good weldability means that projects can be completed more quickly and cost-effectively.
  • Excellent machinability: The machinability of Hardox is one of its greatest advantages. The steel is relatively easy to cut, drill and shape, which increases flexibility in application and reduces machining costs. This is particularly useful for projects where customized components are required.
  • Durability: Due to its toughness and hardness, Hardox offers a longer service life in extremely abrasive environments. This reduces downtime and lowers maintenance and replacement costs.

Disadvantages of Hardox

  • Higher cost: Hardox is generally more expensive than Dillidur, which can be a disadvantage for companies with a limited budget. However, the additional benefits Hardox offers often justify the higher price, especially in extremely demanding applications.
  • Availability: While Hardox is available worldwide, availability may vary regionally. In some countries or regions, it may be difficult to source the steel at short notice, which could lead to delays in production.

Dillidur vs. Hardox: A direct comparison

Hardness and abrasion resistance

Both Dillidur and Hardox offer excellent abrasion resistance and are available in various degrees of hardness. Both steels are suitable for extreme conditions where heavy mechanical wear is expected, such as in the mining or recycling industries. However, Hardox has the advantage that it also offers greater toughness, making it more resistant to impacts and shocks.

Welding properties

Hardox has a clear advantage here. Its excellent welding properties make it easier to process, which is particularly important for projects that require fast and reliable production. Dillidur, on the other hand, can be more challenging to weld, which can lead to higher processing times and costs.

Machinability and processing

Hardox also scores highly in the machinability category. It is easier to shape, cut and drill, which increases flexibility and efficiency in the production of components. Dillidur is often more difficult to machine, which can require additional tools and higher machining costs.

Costs

When it comes to cost, Dillidur generally offers better value for money. For applications where moderate wear resistance is sufficient, Dillidur is a cost-effective choice. Hardox is more expensive but offers more advantages, especially in extreme applications where both wear resistance and toughness are required.

Conclusion: Dillidur vs. Hardox

The choice between Dillidur and Hardox depends heavily on the specific requirements of your project.

  • Dillidur offers excellent abrasion resistance at a lower price, making it a good choice for projects where cost efficiency is paramount and less complex machining and welding is required.
  • Hardox offers superior toughness, better welding properties and easier machining, making it the ideal choice for demanding and extreme applications. Its higher cost is often justified by its longer service life and versatility.

Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you need a steel that is particularly cost-effective or whether the durability and flexibility of Hardox are crucial for your project.