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

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.

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 Type | Hardness | Toughness | Wear Resistance | Impact Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | Low | Very High | Low | Very High |
| High Chrome | Very High | Low | Very High | Low |
| Martensitic | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Ceramic Insert | Extremely High | Medium | Extremely High | Low–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!
