Structure and properties of new wear-resistant steels for agricultural machine building

    
    Introduction
    Modern agricultural machinery is often exposed to considerable wear from long-term contact with the soil, water, and other harsh environments. The wear results in reduced efficiency and reliability of the machinery and increases the costs of repairs and maintenance. As such, the use of wear-resistant materials has become increasingly important for agricultural machine building, to ensure that the machines have a longer operational life and are more reliable.
    
    One such material that has recently been developed is wear-resistant steels. These steels have specifically designed grades to exhibit excellent wear resistance, even in tough and hostile environments, while also retaining desirable mechanical properties such as ductility and toughness. This article will discuss the structure and properties of these new wear-resistant steels and their applications in agricultural machinery.
    
    Structure
    The wear-resistant steels are created using a combination of alloy elements and specific heat treatments. The combination of elements increases the hardness and wear resistance compared to conventional steels without sacrificing ductility or toughness. The specific heat treatments also promote microstructural transformation within the steel, which further increases the wear-resistance properties. Generally, the wear-resistant steels contain chromium, molybdenum, nickel, manganese, and vanadium as alloying elements, along with carbon and other minor elements.
    
    The structure of the steel can further be modified by the use of additives that help to increase the wear resistance. These include nitrides, carbides and borides, which form part of a three-dimensional network in the steel, creating an ultra-wear resistant surface.
    
    Properties
    The properties of wear-resistant steels are determined by their composition and the heat treatments they have undergone. The resulting properties make them suitable for use in agricultural machine building, under harsh conditions and environment.
    
    The steels exhibit a high hardness level, typically between HRC 28 and HRC 50, while still maintaining a thin edge that is able to stay sharp. This optimizes the cutting performance and the efficiency of the machinery, while minimizing the wear and tear over time. Additionally, the wear-resistant steels have a lower coefficient of friction, which reduces abrasive wear and helps to reduce energy consumption and fuel consumption.
    
    The steels also offer excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, which is critical for preventing corrosion of exposed parts in severe environments, as is often found in agricultural settings. This not only ensures longer service life of the machine but also helps to protect the environment from any potential contamination.
    
    Applications
    The wear-resistant steels have applications in many different types of agricultural machinery, including plows, harrows, mowers, seeders, and even harvesting machines. The wear resistance of the materials enables the machinery to operate at a much higher performance level, and often extends the life of the agricultural machine.
    
    The steels are also applied to movable parts, such as gears, pins, and different types of bearings, which are commonly found in agricultural machinery. The wear-resistant properties of these parts helps to reduce internal friction and can thus increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the machine.
    
    Conclusion
    New wear-resistant steels have been developed specifically to meet the needs of agricultural machine building. The combination of alloy elements, heat treatments and additives in the steels increase the hardness and wear resistance while still allowing for good ductility and toughness. The resulting steels possess excellent wear-resistance properties and are ideal for use in agricultural machinery, under harsh conditions and environment.

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