Mining forged steel balls, typically 40mm in diameter, are widely used in grinding mills for mineral processing, cement production, and other industries where ore or raw materials need to be pulverized. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Manufacturing Process
– Material: High-carbon or alloy steel (e.g., 60Mn, 65Mn, B2, B3) for hardness and wear resistance.
– Forging Process:
– Heating steel billets to ~1200°C.
– Hammering/pressing into spherical shapes.
– Quenching and tempering for hardness (HRC 55-65) and toughness.
2. Key Properties
– Hardness: HRC 55-65 (ensures longevity).
– Impact Toughness: Resists cracking under repeated impacts.
– Wear Resistance: Low chromium content (~0.5–2%) improves abrasion resistance.
– Density: ~7.8 g/cm³ (standard for forged steel).
3. Applications
– Mining: Ball mills/SAG mills for grinding gold, copper, iron ore, etc.
– Cement Industry: Crushing clinker and raw materials.
– Power Plants: Coal pulverization.
4. Advantages Over Cast Balls
– Higher density (less porosity).
– Better impact resistance (lower breakage rates).
– More uniform hardness.
5. Standards & Quality Control
– Common standards: ASTM A295, DIN
01.
– Testing: Hardness checks, metallography, drop tests.
6. Suppliers & Market
– Major producers: China (Shandong, Jiangsu), South America (ME Elecmetal), Europe (Magotteaux).
– Price range: ~$600–$1,200/ton (varies by material and region).
7. Selection Tips
– Choose based on ore hardness (softer ores may use lower-cost options).
– Ensure proper heat treatment to avoid brittle failure.
– Pair with mill liners for optimal performance.
Would you like details on specific suppliers or performance comparisons with cast balls?




