How to Choose the Best Crusher Blow Bars for Your Impact Crusher

crusher blow bars

INTRODUCTION

Choosing the right blow bars for your impact crusher is one of the most important factors in improving crushing efficiency, maximizing wear life, reducing downtime, and lowering your overall operating cost. Blow bars are at the heart of every impact crusher—they directly determine the final material size, crusher productivity, and long-term performance.

For quarry owners, mining companies, cement factories, and recycling plants, the selection of blow bar materials and design is not simply a purchase decision—it is a strategic choice that affects the entire production line. At Econe Wear Parts, we manufacture a complete range of high-performance blow bars designed for different crushing applications, including high chrome blow bars, ceramic insert blow bars, and manganese blow bars.

This article explains in detail how to choose the best crusher blow bars based on material hardness, impact strength, operating conditions, and expected wear life. By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently select the right blow bars for your impact crusher and maximize your return on investment.

1. What Are Blow Bars and Why Are They Important?

Blow bars are the primary wear parts in an impact crusher. During operation, the rotor spins at high speed, and the blow bars strike the material repeatedly, breaking it into smaller particles. Because of their constant exposure to impact and abrasion, blow bars must be extremely durable, wear-resistant, and fracture-resistant.

 High-quality impact crusher blow bars:

  • Improve production capacity

  • Reduce downtime

  • Reduce cost per ton

  • Ensure a stable crushing output

  • Deliver consistent final material size

Poor-quality or incorrectly selected blow bars can lead to:

  • Premature wear

  • Breakage or cracking

  • Poor particle shape

  • Excessive maintenance

  • Frequent shutdowns

This is why choosing the right blow bar material and design is essential for any impact crusher operator.

2. Blow Bar Materials: Which One Should You Choose?

Different crushing applications require different blow bar materials. The material determines the blow bar’s hardness, toughness, and ability to resist impact or abrasion.

Below are the four most commonly used blow bar materials and their characteristics.

2.1 High Manganese Steel Blow Bars

Mn13 / Mn18 / Mn22

Advantages

  • Extremely high toughness

  • Excellent resistance to impact

  • Suitable for very hard materials

  • Ideal for crushers with high impact force

Limitations

  • Lower abrasion resistance

  • Shorter wear life in soft or abrasive materials

  • Not ideal for recycling applications

Best For

  • Hard stone (granite, basalt)

  • High-speed impact crushers

  • Primary crushing

Conclusion:
Choose manganese blow bars if impact is your main challenge, not abrasion.

blow bars for impact crusher

2.2 High Chrome Blow Bars

Cr20 / Cr26

High chrome is one of the most widely used materials due to its excellent hardness and superior abrasion resistance.

Advantages

  • Very high wear resistance

  • Excellent for abrasive materials

  • Long service life

  • Stable performance

Limitations

  • Lower impact toughness

  • May crack in high-impact applications

  • Not suitable for extremely hard stones

Best For

  • Limestone

  • Asphalt

  • Concrete recycling

  • Medium-hard stone

Conclusion:
Choose high chrome blow bars when abrasion is high and impact is moderate.


2.3 Martensitic Steel Blow Bars

Martensite combines strength and toughness, offering a balance between high chrome and manganese steel.

Advantages

  • High toughness

  • Good wear resistance

  • Better crack resistance than high chrome

  • Good for mixed materials

Limitations

  • Not as hard as high chrome

  • Not as tough as manganese

  • Still requires some impact to work harden

Best For

  • Mixed materials (recycling + stone)

  • Secondary crushing

  • Impact applications with moderate abrasion

Conclusion:
Martensitic blow bars are excellent general-purpose solutions.


2.4 Ceramic Insert Blow Bars

Ceramic inserts are added to high chrome or martensitic steel blow bars to enhance abrasion resistance.

Advantages

  • 2–4 times longer wear life than standard blow bars

  • Excellent abrasion resistance

  • Reduced downtime

  • Ideal for recycling applications

Limitations

  • Higher cost

  • More brittle under extreme impact

  • Not suitable for very hard single-type stone

Best For

  • Concrete recycling

  • Asphalt

  • High-abrasion environments

  • Long production cycles

Conclusion:
Choose ceramic blow bars when you aim for maximum wear life and minimal maintenance.

3. How Material Hardness Affects Blow Bar Performance

Material hardness is one of the most critical factors in impact crusher blow bar performance. Harder materials wear longer but are more brittle; tougher materials resist cracking but wear faster.

Below is a simple comparison:

Material TypeHardnessToughnessWear ResistanceImpact Resistance
ManganeseLowVery HighLowVery High
High ChromeVery HighLowVery HighLow
MartensiticMediumMediumMediumMedium
Ceramic InsertExtremely HighMediumExtremely HighLow–Medium

General Rule:

  • Hard materials = High wear resistance

  • Tough materials = Better impact strength

Your choice must match your crusher’s operation environment.


4. Blow Bar Selection Based on Crushing Application

The right blow bar material depends heavily on the type of material you are crushing.

Below is a detailed guide:


4.1 For Soft Stone (Limestone, Coal, Gypsum)

Best Choice:

  • High Chrome

  • High Chrome + Ceramic Insert

Reason:
Soft stone causes more abrasion than impact; high chrome gives longer service life.


4.2 For Medium-Hard Stone (Granite, River Rock, Slag)

Best Choice:

  • Martensitic Blow Bars

  • Manganese Blow Bars

Reason:
Balanced toughness and wear resistance are required.


4.3 For Hard Stone (Basalt, Quartz, Granite with High Impact)

Best Choice:

  • Manganese Steel Blow Bars

Reason:
High impact force requires extreme toughness.


4.4 For Concrete and Asphalt Recycling

Best Choice:

  • High Chrome with Ceramic Inserts

  • Martensitic-Ceramic Blow Bars

Reason:
Recycled materials contain steel, rebar, and contaminants that accelerate wear.


4.5 For Mixed Application (Stone + Concrete)

Best Choice:

  • Martensitic Blow Bars

  • Martensitic with Ceramic Inserts

Reason:
Mixed materials require both impact resistance and wear resistance.


5. How Crusher Speed and Rotor Type Affect Blow Bar Selection

Two technical factors significantly influence blow bar performance:


5.1 Rotor Speed (RPM)

High RPM = higher impact force
Low RPM = lower impact force

High RPM (1200–1800 rpm)
→ Choose manganese or martensitic blow bars
Low–Medium RPM (700–1200 rpm)
→ High chrome blow bars perform well


5.2 Rotor Design

Open Rotor

  • More impact force

  • Higher energy

  • Requires tougher blow bars
    → Manganese or martensitic recommended

Enclosed Rotor

  • Lower impact, more abrasion
    → High chrome recommended


6. Blow Bar Shape and Design: What You Should Know

Aside from material, blow bar design also affects performance.

Common blow bar designs include:


6.1 Standard Blow Bars

General-purpose design
Used in most applications


6.2 Stepped Blow Bars

  • Better material penetration

  • Improved crushing efficiency

  • Longer wear life

Ideal for high-abrasion stone.


6.3 Thickened Blow Bars

  • Extra weight

  • More impact power

  • Used for heavy-duty crushing


6.4 Reversible Blow Bars

  • Can be rotated to use multiple sides

  • Reduce replacement frequency

  • Lower cost per ton


👉 Econe Wear Parts offers all of the above blow bar types and can customize special designs based on specific crusher models, raw materials, and output requirements.


7. Signs You Are Using the Wrong Blow Bars

Using the wrong blow bar type can cause major operational problems.

Here are warning signs:

✔ Blow bars wearing too quickly

→ Material too soft → switch to high chrome or ceramic

✔ Blow bars breaking or cracking

→ Material too brittle → switch to martensitic or manganese

✔ Uneven wear patterns

→ Wrong blow bar design or wrong rotor speed

✔ Poor product size or shape

→ Incorrect blow bar thickness or lack of work hardening

Correcting these issues can increase productivity by 20–40%.

8. How to Match Blow Bar Material with Your Working Conditions

Choosing the right crusher blow bar is not only about understanding the materials but also about accurately matching them with real-world working conditions. Even the strongest high-chrome alloy blow bar may fail early if used under the wrong environment.

Below is a practical matching guide:

✔ Hard, Abrasive Feed Materials (Granite, Basalt, Hard Limestone)

Best choice: High Chrome Blow Bars

  • Excellent wear resistance

  • Longest service life under abrasive conditions

  • Offers outstanding cost reduction in long-term operations

Avoid: Pure manganese blow bars, which will deform quickly under high abrasion.


✔ Soft to Medium-Hard, Non-Abrasive Materials (Limestone, Coal, Gypsum)

Best choice: Manganese (Mn13, Mn18) Blow Bars

  • Superior impact resistance

  • High toughness

  • Work-hardening improves long-term durability

Notes:
If oversized feed frequently enters the crusher, manganese is safer than chrome.


✔ Moderate Abrasion + High Impact (Recycling, Demolition, Concrete with Rebar)

Best choice: Martensitic Blow Bars with Ceramic Inserts

  • Good toughness + good wear resistance

  • Ceramic inserts significantly extend lifetime

  • Suitable for changing feed materials

Why:
100% chromium blow bars may crack on heavy impact; manganese may wear out too quickly. Ceramic gives balance.


✔ Extreme Abrasion + Limited Impact (Asphalt Recycling, River Gravel)

Best choice: Ceramic High Chrome Blow Bars

  • Highest abrasion resistance among all materials

  • Very long life in abrasive, stable conditions

  • High cost but excellent overall performance


9. How Blow Bar Shape and Profile Affect Crusher Output

Many buyers focus solely on material selection and ignore blow bar geometry. However, the shape and profile of the blow bar significantly influence crushing efficiency, product size, and operating cost.

Here are the key profiles:

● Standard Blow Bar Profile

  • Balanced wear

  • Suitable for general crushing

  • Ideal for limestone, concrete, mixed aggregates

● Thick Blow Bar with Large Impact Surface

  • High impact resistance

  • Ideal for primary crushing and large feed sizes

  • Good for quarries and mining operations

● Stepped Blow Bar Profile

  • Better penetration into feed materials

  • Improves crusher throughput

  • Used in high-production applications

● Reversible Blow Bars

  • Can be flipped for double lifespan

  • Reduces downtime and maintenance cost

● Wide Tip / Narrow Tip Blow Bars

  • Wide tip = more wear-resistant

  • Narrow tip = higher crushing efficiency

Correct crusher blow bar shape selection has a direct effect on:

  • Reduction ratio

  • Production capacity

  • Crusher wear distribution

  • Final product grain shape

When in doubt, professional suppliers such as Econe Wear Parts can provide engineering guidance based on your crusher model and feed conditions.


10. How Crusher Blow Bar Design Influences Wear Pattern

Wear patterns help you diagnose operational issues:

🔍 1. Center Wear

Cause: Steady feed distribution
Solution: Use standard blow bar or stepped design

🔍 2. Edge Wear

Cause: Misaligned rotor or improper feed direction
Solution: Switch to thicker-edge blow bars

🔍 3. Uneven Wear (One Side Faster)

Cause: Side feeding or poorly controlled material flow
Solution: Adjust the feeding system or use reversible blow bars

🔍 4. Rapid Wear on All Sides

Cause: Material too abrasive for current blow bar
Solution: Upgrade to high chrome or ceramic blow bars


11. Impact Crusher Blow Bar Maintenance: How to Extend Service Life

Even the highest-quality blow bars can fail early if not maintained correctly. Below are best practices:

✔ 1. Ensure a Continuous and Even Material Feed

  • Prevents shock load and premature breakage

  • Reduces vibration and uneven wear

✔ 2. Control Feed Size

  • Oversized materials damage blow bars

  • Use pre-screening to remove large stones

✔ 3. Maintain Correct Rotor Speed

Too high: increases wear
Too low: reduces crushing efficiency

✔ 4. Regularly Rotate or Flip Blow Bars

  • Especially for reversible models

  • Extends total working hours by 50%–100%

✔ 5. Check Curtain Liners and Side Liners

Worn liners accelerate blow bar wear because materials reflect improperly.

✔ 6. Install Ceramic Blow Bars for Extreme Wear

  • Reduces replacement frequency

  • Saves labor and downtime


12. The True Cost of Blow Bars — Not Only the Purchase Price

Many customers mistakenly compare only the price of blow bars. But the true cost includes:

1. Wear Life (Total Hours Used)

Doubling lifespan often means far lower total cost, even if higher purchase price.

2. Downtime Cost

Replacing blow bars takes hours → every hour lost = lost production.

3. Labor & Maintenance Cost

Fewer replacements mean reduced manpower and fewer safety risks.

4. Final Product Quality

Good blow bars maintain stable output size, reducing secondary crushing costs.

This is why experienced buyers worldwide choose reliable suppliers like Econe Wear Parts, who focus on consistent material quality and stable performance.


13. How to Choose a Reliable Crusher Blow Bar Supplier

Not all suppliers are the same. A good supplier can significantly extend the working life of your blow bars.

✔ A Reliable Supplier Should Provide:

1. Strict Material Control

  • Chemical composition testing

  • Hardness testing

  • Microstructure inspection

2. Accurate Machining and Tolerance Control

  • Rotor fit accuracy

  • Balanced weight

  • Smooth impact surface

3. Compatibility with Major Crusher Brands

Such as:

  • Metso

  • Sandvik

  • Kleemann

  • Hazemag

  • Powerscreen

  • Terex

  • Rubble Master

4. Custom Solutions

  • Custom weight

  • Custom profile

  • Custom ceramic insert placement

5. Fast Delivery and Stable Supply

Crusher downtime is expensive — a dependable supplier must ensure quick dispatch.


14. Why Many Global Buyers Prefer Econe Wear Parts

Below are the reasons why more international quarry, mining, and recycling customers choose Econe Wear Parts as a long-term partner:

✔ 1. Full Material Solutions (Mn13, Mn18, High Chrome, Martensitic, Ceramic)

A complete blow bar selection ensures customers get the best match for their conditions.

✔ 2. Professional Casting Technology

  • Strict chemical control

  • Vacuum casting

  • Heat treatment optimization

Ensures stable mechanical properties.

✔ 3. OEM-Level Tolerance Control

Ensures perfect fit on rotor assembly—reducing vibration and wear.

✔ 4. Customizable Ceramic Insert Designs

Tailored for extremely abrasive conditions.

✔ 5. Competitive Factory Prices

Direct manufacturer → no middleman → better pricing.

✔ 6. Long-Term After-Sales Technical Support

Helps customers improve crusher performance and reduce operating cost.


15. Final Recommendations: How to Choose the Best Blow Bar for Your Impact Crusher

To summarize, choosing the best crusher blow bar requires considering:

✔ Feed hardness and abrasiveness

Hard = chrome/ceramic
Soft = manganese

✔ Impact level of your working environment

High impact = manganese
Low impact = chrome

✔ Crusher type and rotor speed

Different models → different suitable profiles

✔ Desired product size and capacity

Profile shape affects particle size distribution

✔ Total cost, not just the unit price

Longer life = lower real cost


Conclusion

Selecting the best blow bars for your impact crusher requires a deep understanding of materials, shapes, operational conditions, and supplier capabilities. A well-chosen blow bar can:

  • Increase production efficiency

  • Reduce downtime

  • Lower operating costs

  • Improve final product quality

  • Extend crusher lifespan

If you want stable quality, accurate casting dimensions, and optimized material solutions, Econe Wear Parts is a trusted manufacturer offering professional crusher blow bar solutions for quarries, mines, and recycling plants worldwide.

Email: [john@crusherwearpartspro.com]
WhatsApp: [+86-15057941949]
Website: https://crusherwearpartspro.com/
Get In Touch – Let’s optimize your crushing performance together!

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