Concept Creusabro

CREUSABRO^®
Redefining Wear-Resistant Steels

For over 40 years, CREUSABRO® has been setting new standards in wear-resistant steels. Developed at INDUSTEEL’s Materials Research Center CRMC (formerly CREUSOT LOIRE INDUSTRIE), this pioneering steel family was born from a simple yet powerful idea: maximum wear resistance should never compromise toughness.

Unlike conventional water-quenched abrasion-resistant steels that focus solely on hardness, CREUSABRO® takes a smarter approach. Its unique as-quenched microstructure delivers not only high hardness but also quite good ductility, enabling the steel to absorb impacts without cracking. This allows it to resist both abrasion and repeated impacts through controlled micro-plastic deformation.

This is made possible by its fine adjusted alloy composition and carefully controlled low-temperature cooling rate during quenching, mostly by oil quenching, which promotes carbon partitioning (short-range diffusion). The resulting quenched microstructure is a finely tuned mix : predominantly martensitic, complemented by lower bainite (when possible), retained austenite, along with precipitation of nano-scale secondary micro-carbides. This unique combination provides an ideal balance of abrasion and impact resistance, while offering softening resistance up to 450 °C and a moderate level of corrosion resistance.

While most conventional water-quenched abrasion-resistant steels depend on just one single strengthening mechanism, quench hardening (interstitial carbon strengthening), CREUSABRO® goes further. It also relies on Quench hardening, but in addition, it benefits from two additional extra strengthening mechanisms: the TRIP effect, linked to the presence of retained austenite, and Dispersion strengthening (Anchoring effect), provided by the fine precipitation of nano-scale secondary micro-carbides. Together, these mechanisms improve both toughness and wear resistance beyond what quench hardening alone can achieve.

For applications involving combined wear, CREUSABRO® provides a true ALL-IN-ONE solution : a single grade engineered with the right hardness to withstand multiple stress types simultaneously.

Across the mineral industry, especially in hard rock mining (Gold, Copper, Iron, …), CREUSABRO® offers a high-value alternative to conventional steels, delivering longer service life, maintenance cost-savings, and superior performance in the most demanding environments.

Dr. Nabil AICHOUN