Duplex SiCN/DLC coating as a solution to improve fretting—Corrosion resistance of steel

Fretting corrosion damages are commonly observed when two metallic bodies, which are in contact with each other, are subjected to oscillatory motions of low amplitude. Such kind of degradation mode is often responsible for limited durability of aeronautical joints. In the present paper, a multifunctional duplex coating based on Si–C–N and diamond-like carbon (DLC) materials, combining corrosion resistance and good tribological properties is described. Amorphous hydrogenated SiC, SiCN, SiC/DLC and SiCN/DLC were deposited on steel substrates by a plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition (PACVD) technique, using tetramethylsilane (TMS), ammonia (NH₃) or acetylene (C₂H₂) as gas precursors. Nitrogen incorporation has shown to improve the corrosion protection ability of SiC coatings. The corrosion behaviour and the tribological performance in aqueous media of SiCN/DLC coating have therefore been investigated. A test rig has been designed to validate the fretting resistance of this duplex coating for aeronautic applications. It was found that the combination of a SiCN-based PACVD sublayer with a DLC topcoat could provide an enhanced solution to withstand both fretting and corrosion.     

Deposition of duplex Al2O3/TiN coatings on aluminum alloys for tribological applications using a combined microplasma oxidation (MPO) and arc ion plating (AIP)

Microplasma oxidation (MPO) has recently been studied as a cost-effective plasma electrolytic process to provide thick and hard ceramic coatings with excellent surface load-bearing capacity on aluminum alloys. However, for sliding wear applications, such ceramic coatings often exhibit relatively high friction coefficients against many counterface materials. Although coatings deposited by physical vapour deposition (PVD) techniques such as TiN coatings are well known for providing surfaces with a high hardness, in practice they often exhibit poor performance under mechanical loading, since the coatings are usually too thin to protect the substrate from the contact conditions. In this paper, these challenges were overcome by a duplex process of microplasma oxidation and arc ion plating (AIP), in which an alumina layer Al₂O₃ was deposited on an Al alloy substrate (using MPO as a pre-treatment process) for load support, and a TiN hard coatings were deposited (using AIP) on top of the Al₂O₃ layer for low friction coefficient. Microhardness measurements, pin-on-disc sliding wear tests, and antiwear tests using a Timken tester were performed to evaluate the mechanical and tribological properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe coating morphology, and to examine wear scars from pin-on-disc test. The research demonstrates that a hard and uniform TiN coating, with good adhesion and a low coefficient of friction, can successfully be deposited on top of an alumina intermediate layer to provide excellent load support. The investigations indicate that a duplex combination of MPO coating and TiN PVD coating represents a promising technique for surface modification of Al alloys for heavy surface load bearing application.     

Surface fatigue behaviour mapping of PVD coatings for mechanical purposes

Most mechanical components used for transmission of movement are subjected to repeated impacts or cyclic stress. If these elements are well designed and the materials well chosen, their durability is linked to surface fatigue mechanisms. In order to improve the fatigue behaviour of these parts, hard coatings, such as physical vapour deposition (PVD) or plasma‐assisted chemical vapour deposition (PACVD) coatings, can be appropriate. Unfortunately, such hard coatings cannot be used for elements whose replacement is more difficult than, say, cutting tools. An understanding of failure mechanisms should make it possible to optimise the fatigue behaviour of hard coatings. In order to study the surface fatigue behaviour of thin, hard PVD coatings, a special apparatus has been developed to carry out repeated impacts over a broad range of speeds. The possibility of mapping the fatigue behaviour of different coatings is illustrated through the examples of TiN and TiN/CrN multilayer coatings of different thicknesses deposited on several substrates.     

提高3Cr2W8V钢热挤压模寿命的工艺研究

从模坯锻造及预处理、热处理、机加工、电加工、表面强化和模具使用等方面,叙述了提高3Cr2W8V钢热挤压模寿命的工艺措施及要求。生产实践证明,充分发挥工艺设计的潜力,可以大幅度提高模具寿命。     

Influence of surface topography on the wear of hot forging dies

Forging processes are widely employed in the manufacture of consumer goods. The forging dies have machined cavities which usually are produced by high speed milling (HSM) with ball nose tools and, consequently, their final surfaces have a characteristic topography generated by the cutting conditions. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the correlation between the surface topography of a milled die and its wear during the hot forging process. To this end, dies were produced by milling process with four different types of topography, using distinct cutting conditions, and were tested by forging typical workpieces. The best tribological performance was achieved with the topography composed of micro cavities generated by high values of feed per tooth (f _z) and radial depth of cut (a _e) in the milling process, because it enabled the retention of a larger amount of lubricant, thus minimizing the adhesion of workpiece material on the die. Moreover, the use of high values of f _z and a _e reduced the production time of a die. Low values of f _z and a _e produced the opposite results, i.e., the worst tribological performance and the longest production time, indicating that their use should be avoided.     

The effect of substrate properties on tribological behaviour of composite DLC coatings

The unique features of DLC coatings in providing low friction and low wear and, at the same time, causing low wear to the counterface make them very attractive in industrial applications, in improving tribological performance of mechanical components on various substrates. In this study, composite DLC coatings have been deposited on sintered ferrous alloy, M42 tool steel, 2618 aluminium alloy, and 6063 aluminium extrusion substrates using the combined CFUBMS–PACVD technique. The effect of mechanical properties of substrate materials on tribological behaviour of the composite DLC coatings has been investigated at various loads on a ball-on-disk wear machine in dry air. A transition load was usually observed for coatings on the various substrates except for the aluminium extrusion; above the transition load the coating was completely destroyed via some spallation/fragmentation process after 2 h sliding, and the wear rate increased dramatically with further increase in load. The coating system on sintered ferrous alloy substrate exhibited the highest transition load among the four types of substrates studied. This is considered to have resulted from the combined effects of the lower elastic modulus of the porous sintered ferrous alloy substrate, which decreases the stress concentrations in the contact region, and the surface roughness and porosity, which enhance the bonding strength between the coating and the substrate under multi-contact conditions. The high elastic modulus of the tool steel substrate leads to tensile stress conditions in the sliding contact region and therefore makes coatings deposited on such a substrate more prone to breakdown/fragmentation, resulting in a transition load close to that for coatings on the soft 2618 aluminium alloy substrate. For coatings on the 6063 aluminium extrusion substrate, significant plastic deformation occurred in the substrate at loads above 1.5 N. However, despite the heavy deformation in the substrate, coatings on this substrate were not scraped off, as were coatings on the 2618 aluminium alloy substrate, even at a load as high as 20 N. The specific wear rate increased continuously with load, no apparent transition load being explicitly identifiable. This study shows that hard DLC coatings can be applied on both hard and soft substrates for improvement of the tribological behaviour of mechanical components.     

提高热锻模具寿命的有效途径

提高热锻模具寿命是降低锻件生产成本的重要途径。本文从锻模材料选择、锻模设计、锻模热处理以及模具的使用与维护等方面,分析提出了提高热锻模具寿命的有效途径,对提高锻模寿命和产品质量以及降低生产成本具有指导意义。     

Tribological performance evaluation of (1 1 1) preferred oriented TiN duplex coatings

The duplex surface coating of hot work tool steel, which comprises nitriding of a substrate and coating of a TiN layer, has been the subject of a series of studies as a potential surface modification for tools and machine parts. Through sliding experiment against an aluminum alloy without lubrication, it was shown on a wear map that there are two domains depending on sliding conditions: the wear domain and the transfer domain. In this study, focusing on the improvement in the tribological properties of the duplex coating in terms of the wear domain, the effects of film characteristics on film resistance to erosion wear and film life were investigated. Two kinds of duplex coatings with different film characteristics were prepared by hollow cathode discharge ion plating: a newly developed TiN film with a strong (1 1 1) orientation and an ordinary TiN film with (1 1 1) and (2 0 0) orientations. The erosion wear rate of duplex coating was evaluated by a micro slurry jet erosion test. Film life was evaluated by a sliding test against an aluminum alloy as in previous experiments. It was revealed that the duplex coating with the newly developed TiN film (N-coating) shows higher erosion resistance than previously reported duplex coating (C-coating). From the sliding test, it was also revealed that the N-coating whose XRD intensity ratio of (1 1 1) to (2 0 0) is over 100 shows a wear mode with only chipping, with no scratching, which shortens film life. The film life of N-coating increases about twice as long as C-coating, which has shown higher performance than a conventional duplex coating. Possible mechanisms of the improvement in the tribological properties with N-coating are discussed.     

Brush plated cobalt-molybdenum and cobalt-tungsten alloys for wear resistant applications

Brush plating solutions have been developed that enable sound cobalt alloy coatings containing up to 12% molybdenum or tungsten to be deposited at thicknesses up to 13 μm. The alloy deposits had a very fine grain size but their crystallographic structure could not be determined. The cobalt deposit alone had a mixed cph and fcc structure at room temperature. Evaluation of the wear resistant properties of the cobalt alloys was carried out in the laboratory using a pin and disc technique and a simulated hot forging test. Both tests showed the alloys to have relatively good wear characteristics. Extensive industrial trials have been undertaken to assess the value of these cobalt alloy coatings to enhance the performance of hot forging dies. The results have indicated that die life can be increased by up to 100%     

表面处理复合涂层的摩擦学评价方法

从涂层的摩擦学评价的重要参数、涂层与基体间的粘合力、涂层力学性能、涂层的摩擦学特性以及涂层零件的摩擦学特性等方面介绍了金属切削刀具和模具等工件的复合涂层的摩擦学涂层的评价方法,指出了在轻合金涂层材料、低摩擦因数的涂层、涂层韧性的改进、涂层磨损试验方法、涂层设计和评价的工具等方面需要进一步研究。     

Ti-N系涂层多元多层强化研究进展

TiN系涂层具有高的硬度、耐磨性 ,低的摩擦系数和良好的化学稳定性 ,在工模具上获得广泛的应用。多元多层合金化是强化TiN膜的有效途径之一 ,也是目前研究的热点。本文介绍了几种多元多层TiN薄膜的沉积技术及性能特点 ,并指出了国内TiN涂层的发展趋势。     

Experimental Study of Wear Behaviour of Hot Forging Tool Steels Under Dry Conditions: 40CrMoV13 Against C35E

The dimensions and quality of forged-steel components are significantly affected by the action of friction and wear. The thermal and mechanical operating conditions of hot forging tools provoke serious degradation, such as oxidative wear, thermal fatigue, plastic damage and mechanical cracking. This slowly causes the tools to lose their original geometry and thus they must be either reformed or discarded [1]. The knowledge and control of this damage is essential and must be taken into consideration, both in die design and in the choice of tool material and the type of surface conditioning. The degradation has direct effects on the lifespan of the tools, and consequently on the cost of the components. This paper deals with the sliding wear behaviour of 40CrMoV13 Steel against C35E in the 700 to 850 °C temperature range under ambient conditions. This steel is used frequently as hot forging die material. This study focuses on the effect of the test temperature and the role of the oxide scales. The purpose of these experiments was to obtain tribological data (friction coefficient, wear rate, etc.), in order to include it in numerical simulations of damage to hot forging tools for the purpose of optimizing the tools' lifespan.     

Comparative Study of Thermally Sprayed Coatings Under Different Types of Wear Conditions for Hard Chromium Replacement

The tribological properties of part surfaces, namely their wear resistance and friction properties, are decisive in many cases for their proper function. To improve surface properties, it is possible to create hard, wear-resistant coatings by thermal spray technologies. With these versatile coating preparation technologies, part lifetime, reliability, and safety can be improved. In this study, the tribological properties of the HVOF-sprayed coatings WC–17%Co, WC–10%Co4%Cr, WC–15% NiMoCrFeCo, Cr₃C₂–25%NiCr, (Ti,Mo)(C,N)–37%NiCo, NiCrSiB, and AISI 316L and the plasma-sprayed Cr₂O₃ coating were compared with the properties of electrolytic hard chrome and surface-hardened steel. Four different wear behavior tests were performed; the abrasive wear performance of the coatings was assessed using a dry sand/rubber wheel test according to ASTM G-65 and a wet slurry abrasion test according to ASTM G-75, the sliding wear behavior was evaluated by pin-on-disk testing according to ASTM G-99, and the erosion wear resistance was measured for three impact angles. In all tests, the HVOF-sprayed hardmetal coatings exhibited superior properties and can be recommended as a replacement for traditional surface treatments. Due to its tendency to exhibit brittle cracking, the plasma-sprayed ceramic coating Cr₂O₃ can only be recommended for purely abrasive wear conditions. The tested HVOF-sprayed metallic coatings, NiCrSiB and AISI 316L, did not have sufficient wear resistance compared with that of traditional surface treatment and should not be used under more demanding conditions. Based on the obtained data, the application possibilities and limitations of the reported coatings were determined.     

温锻模具冷却系统设计

中高温温锻成形，必须对模具进行必要的冷却。因其成形温度的特点，对温锻模具冷却有别于热锻成形。介绍温锻模具的冷却方法及其模具设计的特点。     

Tribological characteristics of hardened-and-tempered structural steels turned by inserts covered with multicomponent PVD coatings

The effect of coatings deposited on cutting tools using the PVD method on the tribological characteristics of the surface layer after the finish turning of 41Cr4 and 30CrMnSi steels is considered. The tribological characteristics of the turned surfaces change substantially. The best results are achieved when using the (AlTi)N coating, which ensures substantial decreases in the coefficient of friction (by 35–40%) and the temperature in the friction zone (by up to 30%). The dependences of the wear on the friction path are linear; the wear rate of the surfaces turned by the coated tools is significantly lower than that for the surfaces turned by the uncoated tools. Compared to the uncoated R25 hard alloy, the difference in the wear rates reaches 60% in favor of (AlTi)N and (TiAl)N coatings. A decrease in the thickness of the coating from 4 to 2 μm leads to a growth in the coefficient of friction and the temperature. An X-ray structural analysis of the surface layers of the turned specimens has revealed the presence of Fe-Al solid phases, which improve the wear resistance of the surface and the efficiency of coatings like (AlTi)N.     

Fabrication of Thick Molybdenum Disulphide Coatings by Thermal-Diffusion Synthesis

Molybdenum disulphide coatings were deposited on high-speed steel and WC/Co hard alloy substrates by thermal-diffusion synthesis. Ball-on-flat reciprocating tests demonstrated the coating friction coefficient 0.03–0.06 (200°C, air) and 0.1–0.2 (20°C, air). The coatings ensured ~50 longer lifetime of hard alloy cutting tools.     

Experimental examination of the wear behaviour of the VAlN tool coating by strip drawing process

Resistance to wear, and therefore the lifetime of forming tools, can be increased by surface functionalisation using novel, multifunctional coatings. Thereby, the tribological requirements on the coating are an essential factor. Within the scope of the research work presented here, tribological examinations were carried out on a metastable vanadium aluminium nitride (VAlN) tool coating when drawing the high-strength sheet metal material DP 800. It was shown that the wear of the VAlN tool coating can already be determined at stable frictional behaviour (μ?<?0.085). The wear analysis was carried out considering the topography and change in hardness of the tool surface during the drawing path of 110,000?mm under a contact stress of 150?MPa.     

Experiences from scratch testing of tribological PVD coatings

The use of PVD coatings in tribological applications becomes more and more widespread. Thus also the need to fully understand the relationships between the intrinsic properties of the coating, the properties of the coating/substrate composite and the tribological performance of the composite in different tribological systems becomes increasingly pressing. One of the tools available for tribological characterization of coatings and coating/substrate composites is scratch testing. In the current paper, Uppsala University presents a selection of results from many years of scratch testing of PVD coated components. Applications range from adhesion assessment and coating quality determination to estimation of coating fracture resistance. Examples in the form of scratch studies of PVD coatings on various high speed steels and tool steels - including failure mode anaiysis in situ SEM - are given.     

Comprehensive tribological characterization of thin TiN-based coatings

Innumerable papers have been published so far describing tribological investigations of thin hard coatings based on TiN. Analysis of the presented results demonstrates a large dispersion of measured friction and wear numbers, whereas TiN-coated pieces and tools have proved their benefits in a broad area of application. Therefore an attempt was made to clarify the influences on friction and wear test results by varying the coating process, the tribological stresses due to sliding, fretting and rolling motion and by changing the surrounding medium. The results reveal that machining of substrate surfaces and type of tribological stresses due to sliding, fretting and rolling have an important influence. The formation of reaction layers is dominating the tribological behaviour in most cases.     

Performance of coated, cemented carbide, mixed-ceramic and PCBN-H tools when turning W320 steel

TiN-coated cemented carbide, mixed ceramic and PCBN with a high percentage of CBN (PCBN-H) tools were used for reconditioned turning of hardened and tempered W320 steel hot working dies. The dies are usually scraped after their useful life because they are difficult to be reconditioned by machining. One alternative to scraping these dies is to convert them, increasing their internal diameters by internal turning. The machining experiments showed that coated carbide tools performed better at cutting speeds up to 120 m/min, while PCBN tools were superior at higher speeds up to 200 m/min. Mixed ceramic tools did not perform well under the conditions investigated. The tribological system showed abrasion, adhesion and plastic deformation as the dominant wear mechanisms. Chipping on the tool rake and flank faces, as well as catastrophic failure, was also observed in some experiments.