abrasion resistance

[rwelk]

Can anyone tell me what physical factors play a role in abrasion resistance? I would think that hardness would play the most significant role, but is it the only deciding factor?

I guess, maybe a low thermal conductivity to keep the material from heating up, and softening. Although, I don't know how practical this problem might be.

My application is use in a screw conveyor, to remove/move wood shavings and ash.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Cheers

 

[NickE]

Hardness, and toughness are major, chemical resistance also can play a big role. Often times production cost is very important too. Wear parts tend to wear away and are replacable. IE disc brake rotors.

Actually when parts heat up often you want high thermal conductivity so that you dont get hot spots and localized melting. Also high thermal conductivity allows cooling systems to work well.

For your application I think that a cast iron part may work very well.

nick

 

[wwdragonrider]

Hardness will be the driving influence to abrasion resistance, especially dealing with a softer material such as wood causing the abrasive. Another factor you might consider will be the corosive resistance of the material. The moisture from wood can oxidize and weaken your material.

 

[metengr]

To add to what NickE has already mentioned, abrasion is a specific type of wear mechanism. Increasing surface hardness, or reducing friction with certain alloys could be major factors in improving abrasion resistance. It really depends on the application.

The web site below provides some decent background information of the various wear mechanisms with alloy suggestions;

http://www.alloysteel.net/english/4_wear_factors.asp

 

[TVP]

Resistance to softening is another factor to consider, as many high hardness steels and irons begin to soften at only moderately elevated temperatures (> 150 C).

 

[metman]

It sounds like an auger. I should think flame hardened steel would work if it is readily accessable for R&R and downtime is not a major concern in case the environment is corrosive. If downtime or accessability are major then maybe a plasma ceramic coating would be something to consider.

Jesus is THE life,
Leonard