Dougt115
Mechanical
- Oct 2, 2013
- 197
Hey All,
I have two parts one 440A and the other A2 that slide against each other in a unit. Direct contact, no lubrication. Surface area is .02 in^2 and the load is 2-4 lbs. One of the units came back badly worn at the interface with both parts having a flaky appearance to them. The larger part rotates and the smaller part is a locking key that falls into place when the key and the groove align. The A2 key has lost about .05 inches in length and the rotating part, 440A, has lost about .01 on the radius. While still able to rotate the key can no longer perform its function as the teeth have been ground down.
Analysis shows that while the loads are not large both surfaces chip as they wear and do not smooth out. The chipped surfaces are acting like a sandpaper so the chipping continues. I would like one of them to hold the surface finish so that the chipping never starts. To achieve this I would like to change one of the parts to a material with better wear characteristic.
Looking into the material, both have great hardness but poor wear. What I am looking at is changing the 440A to either 1095 or 5160 or other alternates you might suggest. It is the larger part and can perform with more wear/deformation than the other part and it is easier to machine.
What is your take on this?
I have two parts one 440A and the other A2 that slide against each other in a unit. Direct contact, no lubrication. Surface area is .02 in^2 and the load is 2-4 lbs. One of the units came back badly worn at the interface with both parts having a flaky appearance to them. The larger part rotates and the smaller part is a locking key that falls into place when the key and the groove align. The A2 key has lost about .05 inches in length and the rotating part, 440A, has lost about .01 on the radius. While still able to rotate the key can no longer perform its function as the teeth have been ground down.
Analysis shows that while the loads are not large both surfaces chip as they wear and do not smooth out. The chipped surfaces are acting like a sandpaper so the chipping continues. I would like one of them to hold the surface finish so that the chipping never starts. To achieve this I would like to change one of the parts to a material with better wear characteristic.
Looking into the material, both have great hardness but poor wear. What I am looking at is changing the 440A to either 1095 or 5160 or other alternates you might suggest. It is the larger part and can perform with more wear/deformation than the other part and it is easier to machine.
What is your take on this?