The Right Alloy Can Make All the Difference: Optimize the Durability of Your Equipment
Machines and equipment used in construction, roadworks, mining, cement plants, quarries, landscaping, and dredging are designed with robust components to ensure optimal performance. However, the durability of many essential wear parts often falls short of expectations due to multiple degradation factors acting simultaneously.
Equipment Subject to Wear
A wide range of machines are affected, including tractors, tracks, excavators, graders, dump trucks, concrete mixers, compactors, snowplows, cranes, backhoes, and more.
Factors Influencing Wear on Parts
The wear of components depends on several elements:
- Operating environment: sand, rocks, gravel, cement, mud, ores, asphalt, etc.
- Particle morphology
- Metal-to-metal contact
- Load conditions and impact
- Part design: materials, dimensions, treatments, etc.
Depending on these factors, various wear phenomena can occur, such as abrasion, impact, erosion, metal-to-metal adhesion, plastic deformation, and more. The consequences include dimensional loss, metal removal, vibrations, gouging, and further damage.
Extending the Lifespan of Wear Parts
Wear parts are designed based on key criteria, such as:
- Material availability and cost
- Dimensions and weight
- Formability and weldability
- Service life expectations
However, to enhance their cost-effectiveness, their wear resistance properties can be improved through hardfacing techniques, applied even before equipment is put into service. This method offers several benefits:
- Application on clean surfaces, free of inclusions
- Reduced need for disassembly and reassembly
- Prevention of costly repairs on excessively worn sections
Hardfacing: A Key Lever for Maintenance
Rebuilding and hardfacing operations are essential for industrial and agricultural maintenance. With a wide range of filler metals available, it is possible to:
- Restore worn sections
- Deposit wear-resistant layers adapted to specific wear types
Each hardfacing procedure must be tailored to the base material (44W, AR400, Hardox 500, 4140QT, carbon steels, austenitic manganese steels AMS, etc.). Metallurgical condition, wear level, and the chosen process also influence the treatment selection.
Increase the Profitability of Your Equipment
With hardfacing techniques, many tools and wear parts can be repaired and refurbished to extend their lifespan and enhance machine productivity. Maximize your equipment’s performance by selecting the right alloys and maintenance processes.
Looking to extend the lifespan of your equipment and reduce maintenance costs? Contact our experts today for tailored solutions!