10-15-2021, 03:17 AM
Recent research predicts that the mining automation market will be worth $3.29bn by 2023 — a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7 per cent since 2017. While automation greatly enhances productivity, it also places additional demands on steel components. This article examines why wear resistant steels are vital to modern, enhanced production.
They also have work-hardening capabilities. Pure metals are rarely used in manufacturing because they are too soft. Instead, wear resistant steels contain the non-metallic elements carbon and nitrogen, the atoms of which fill the gaps between the steel’s iron atoms. This “distortion” makes it more difficult for the layers of the metal — or the lattice — to slide over each other. Wear resistant alloys are harder, less malleable and more ductile than pure metals, as a result.
Another Layer of Protection
Surface fatigue or micro-cracking are both mechanisms that affect ultra-hard materials and reduce the long-term performance of components. This is the case with Ground Engaging Tools (GETs) used in mining, construction or agriculture. GETs are often compromised because of wear caused by gouging, high-stress abrasion or impact, leading to loss of functionality or even failures.
These consequences can be avoided with an optimised steel coating — applying a tougher material onto base materials through nitriding, chromium depositing or welding. The coating can enhance a component’s hardness and toughness, protect from hard abrasives and better withstand compressive stresses.
Ultimately, the properties of wear resistant and bulletproof steels should link directly to customers’ needs. This applies to a steel’s compatibility to heat treatment facilities and melt shops, where wear resistant grades are through-hardened in a process known as quenching and tempering (Q&T). The steel’s grain structure is changed to increase toughness and improve formability, which makes the material less brittle.
As a growing number of mining projects strive for greater levels of productivity through automation, this knowledge will be vital to ensuring that wear resistant and high strength steels remain fundamental in withstanding the rigorous demands.
They also have work-hardening capabilities. Pure metals are rarely used in manufacturing because they are too soft. Instead, wear resistant steels contain the non-metallic elements carbon and nitrogen, the atoms of which fill the gaps between the steel’s iron atoms. This “distortion” makes it more difficult for the layers of the metal — or the lattice — to slide over each other. Wear resistant alloys are harder, less malleable and more ductile than pure metals, as a result.
Another Layer of Protection
Surface fatigue or micro-cracking are both mechanisms that affect ultra-hard materials and reduce the long-term performance of components. This is the case with Ground Engaging Tools (GETs) used in mining, construction or agriculture. GETs are often compromised because of wear caused by gouging, high-stress abrasion or impact, leading to loss of functionality or even failures.
These consequences can be avoided with an optimised steel coating — applying a tougher material onto base materials through nitriding, chromium depositing or welding. The coating can enhance a component’s hardness and toughness, protect from hard abrasives and better withstand compressive stresses.
Ultimately, the properties of wear resistant and bulletproof steels should link directly to customers’ needs. This applies to a steel’s compatibility to heat treatment facilities and melt shops, where wear resistant grades are through-hardened in a process known as quenching and tempering (Q&T). The steel’s grain structure is changed to increase toughness and improve formability, which makes the material less brittle.
As a growing number of mining projects strive for greater levels of productivity through automation, this knowledge will be vital to ensuring that wear resistant and high strength steels remain fundamental in withstanding the rigorous demands.