Steel Terms & Definitions

Brinell Hardness A value determined by testing used to compare the hardness of different materials. A material with a high Brinell number will have a higher surface hardness, and therefore resists wear better than a material with a lower Brinell number. Likewise, a higher yield strength material will normally have a higher Brinell hardness number.
Yield Strength A value determined through actual destructive testing that indicates the amount of resistance to permanent deformation (bending). A material that is stressed to a point below its yield strength, will return to its original state when the stress is removed. A material that is stressed to a point beyond its yield strength, will NOT return to its original state when the stress is removed. The higher the yield strength, the more resistance to bending a material exhibits.
Tensile Strength This is another value determined through actual destructive testing. This value indicates the point at which a material will fail when under a tensile load (being pulled from each end of the material). This value should not be confused with yield strength. In a dump body application, with high impact loads and highly abrasive payloads, yield strength and Brinell hardness are more important factors.
Hi-Tensile Steel This is the standard steel used by HEIL. We do not build a body using any steel less than this specification. It is a low alloy high strength metal with a minimum yield strength of 45,000 psi and an approximate Brinell hardness of 150. This specification is very similar to ASTM A-570, Grade E.
Corten Steel This is similar in strength characteristics to the standard steel used by HEIL, but with improved resistance to corrosion. It is a low alloy high strength metal with a minimum yield strength of 50,000 psi and an approximate Brinell hardness of 150. This steel meets specification ASTM A-606, Grade E.
Domex Steel This is a very unique steel. Traditionally, steel with higher yield strengths have been difficult to form without cracking. Domex material is processed with special attention given to the grain structure of the steel. This allows for a highly formable material with a minimum yield strength of 100,000 psi and a Brinell hardness of 250.
T-1 Steel This is a steel with a higher yield strength and it is more difficult to form without cracking. HEIL uses this steel in flat plates mainly on the floors and tailgates of custom bodies. It has a minimum yield strength of 100,000 psi and an approximate Brinell hardness of 250-320.
AR 400 Steel This is a steel with an even higher yield strength and it is more difficult to form than hi-tensile steel. HEIL uses this steel in flat plates mainly on the floors and tailgates of custom bodies. It has a minimum yield strength of 145,000 psi and a Brinell hardness of 400.