How to Choose Between Mn13 and Mn18 High Manganese Steel Crusher Hammers

8. How to Match Mn13 or Mn18 Crusher Hammers to Your Crusher Type

Choosing the right manganese grade is not only about material hardness or impact strength—it also depends on the specific crusher setup you use. Different crusher designs apply different stress patterns to the hammer, and your choice should match these operating mechanics.

8.1 For Hammer Crushers

Hammer crushers generate repeated high-speed impacts, making crusher hammer durability essential.

• Mn13
  Works well for softer stones and materials that cause moderate impact.
  Best for coal, limestone, clay, gypsum.

• Mn18
  Recommended for high-impact crushing of hard stones.
  Best for granite, basalt, quartz, and ores.
  Mn18 handles violent impacts without cracking or deforming.

Recommendation:
If your hammer crusher runs above 1200–1500 rpm or handles mixed hard materials, always choose Mn18.

8.2 For Impact Crushers

Impact crushers produce very high localized impact forces on the wear parts. The hammer (blow bar) must withstand both impact and abrasion.

• Mn13 performs well only in low-impact applications.

• Mn18 is better for medium to high-impact operations.

• For extremely abrasive conditions, consider upgrading to materials like high chrome blow bars, but these are not suitable for very high impact.

Recommendation:
For impact crushers, Mn18 is usually the default material unless the working conditions are very soft.

8.3 For Clinker Crushers

In cement plants, clinker crushers face:

• Continuous impacts

• High temperature

• Very abrasive clinker lumps

Mn18 performs much better under these conditions:

• Greater thermal stability

• Less risk of cracking at high temperature

• Longer service cycle

Mn13 is typically only used if the clinker is soft and friable.

9. How Work Hardening Affects Mn13 and Mn18 Performance

The biggest strength of high manganese steel is its work-hardening ability. Both Mn13 and Mn18 become significantly harder during operation.

How It Works

1. The crusher hammer face receives impact from the stone.

2. The impact compresses the surface layer.

3. The crystalline structure transforms from austenite to martensite, which is extremely hard.

4. The inside remains ductile, preventing the crusher hammer from breaking.

Key Differences

• Mn13 work-hardens slower and to a lower hardness.

• Mn18 work-hardens faster and can reach ~HB 550 or higher.

This means that if your crusher does not deliver enough impact force, Mn18 will not fully harden, and you won’t get its full benefit.
This is why Mn13 is better for low-impact crushers.

10. Common Mistakes When Selecting Mn13 or Mn18 Crusher Hammers

Many customers select materials based on price alone, which often leads to poor hammer performance.
Below are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

10.1 Choosing Mn18 for Soft Material

If the material is soft (coal, shale, limestone), Mn18 may not achieve proper work hardening, resulting in:

• Faster wear

• Wasted cost

• Lower crushing efficiency

Mn13 is the better choice for soft materials.

10.2 Choosing Mn13 for Hard Material

Mn13 can crack or deform in:

• Hard stone crushing

• High-speed crushing

• High-capacity production lines

Mn18 gives much better durability and overall stability.

10.3 Not Considering Crusher Speed

High RPM = stronger impact = Mn18 needed
Low RPM = weaker impact = Mn13 adequate

10.4 Ignoring Abrasion Level

If abrasion is high, Mn18’s deeper hardening layer provides much longer service life.

11. Case Comparison: Mn13 vs. Mn18 in Real Applications

To illustrate the differences more clearly, here are practical examples.

Case 1: Limestone Crushing (Cement Plant)

• Material hardness: Soft

• Crusher speed: Medium

• Required durability: Moderate

• Recommended: Mn13

• Reason: Mn13 provides ideal work hardening and costs less.

Actual result:
Mn13 crusher hammer lasted 2–3 months. Mn18 lasted the same time but cost more.

Case 2: Granite Quarry (Mining)

• Material hardness: Very hard

• Crusher speed: High (1500–1800 rpm)

• Recommended: Mn18

• Reason: Strong impact + abrasion require high toughness.

Actual result:
Mn18 lasted 3× longer than Mn13.

Case 3: Clinker Crusher (Cement Plant)

• Material hardness: Hard, abrasive

• Temperature: High

• Recommended: Mn18

• Reason: Better thermal resistance and cracking resistance.

12. How Econe Wear Parts Manufactures High Performance Mn13 & Mn18 Crusher Hammers

As a professional manufacturer of crusher wear parts, Econe Wear Parts produces Mn13 and Mn18 hammers through strict quality control and optimized heat treatment processes.

12.1 Premium Raw Material Selection

We only use high-quality manganese steel from certified suppliers to ensure:

• Stable chemical composition

• High purity

• Consistent mechanical properties

12.2 High-Precision Casting

Econe Wear Parts ensures:

• Uniform microstructure

• No shrinkage cavities

• High density

• Excellent surface finish

This results in crusher hammers that resist cracking and breakage even under extreme load.

12.3 Advanced Heat Treatment Process

Heat treatment determines 60% of a hammer’s final performance.

Our process includes:

• Solution treatment

• Water quenching

• Controlled cooling

This guarantees:

• Maximum toughness

• Ideal grain structure

• Excellent work-hardening behavior

12.4 Customized Crusher Hammer Designs

Econe Wear Parts offers customizations:

• Weight and shape optimization

• Wear-enhanced design (ribs, grooves)

• Customized hole and key dimensions

• Special manganese alloy formulations

This helps customers achieve:

• Higher crushing efficiency

• Longer wear life

• Reduced maintenance time

13. How to Choose the Right Grade: Mn13 vs. Mn18 (Checklist)

Use the following quick checklist:

Choose Mn13 if:

• Material is soft (coal, limestone, gypsum)

• Impact is moderate

• Crusher speed is low or medium

• Cost-effectiveness is your priority

• Work hardening is achievable under moderate load

Choose Mn18 if:

• Material is very hard

• Abrasion is heavy

• Crusher speed is high

• High productivity is required

• Impact force is strong

• You want maximum service life

14. Why Work With Econe Wear Parts?

Choosing the right crusher hammer material is only part of the solution. Working with a reliable supplier ensures consistent quality and long-term savings.

Econe Wear Parts advantages include:

✔ Professional Manufacturer

Years of experience supplying crusher wear parts globally.

✔ Complete Material Options

Mn13, Mn18, Mn22 and customized alloy options.

✔ Cost-Effective Prices

Factory-direct pricing with excellent product lifespan.

✔ Stable Quality

Strict inspection from raw material to final product.

✔ Custom Design Support

We help you choose the right material and design based on real application data.

15. Conclusion

Selecting the right manganese grade—Mn13 or Mn18—is essential for optimizing crusher performance, reducing downtime, and increasing wear life. Each material has specific advantages:

• Use Mn13 for soft materials and moderate impact.

• Use Mn18 for hard, abrasive, high-impact crushing environments.

By understanding your material type, crusher speed, impact force, and abrasion level, you can confidently choose the right crusher hammer grade and significantly improve your operational efficiency.

If you need professional assistance or high-quality high manganese steel crusher hammers, Econe Wear Parts is ready to support you with reliable products and expert advice.