Increase of durability of cutting elements in forage equipment using electric spark alloying

Abstract

Features of interaction between the contact surfaces of cutting elements and ground raw materials used for forage preparation determine ways to increase the wear resistance of these elements, which are based on the formation of layers on their working surfaces with physical and mechanical properties and relief corresponding to these features. Because the conditions in the contact zone are variable, selective local application of electrophysical reinforcing coatings can ensure equal strength of different working surfaces or create conditions for self-sharpening of cutting edges and thereby increase their wear resistance. Electric spark alloying is a micro-welding process that uses short-term electrical pulses of high current to deposit the electrode material on a underlay of any electrically conductive metal material. The method of electric spark alloying is based on the phenomenon of metals and alloys erosion under the influence of electric current. The main disadvantage of electric spark alloying is the high roughness of the hardened surface after processing. Received wear-resistant layer should maintain as much thickness as possible and avoid further mechanical treatment of the surface that increase the durability of the restored part and reduce the total cost of work on reinforcement.