Electromechanical Surfacing Technique

The paper considers an electromechanical surfacing technique of parts’ work surfaces. It was found out that depending on strain temperature, rate and degree there were special type structures formed on a surface layer with a phase change (a bright layer), i.e. a hot deformed structure with and without recrystallization and a cold deformed structure. Depending on the original structure and hardening conditions, during surfacing of parts a thickness of this area may achieve 0.3 mm max. Impact of steel electromechanical treatment on the structure and the surface layer was found out. Depending on properties of surfaces being treated it is possible to use plate-like and roller-type tools for electromechanical hardening. It was shown that roller- type tools possessed enhanced durability and enlarged areas of surfaces being treated, though ensured poorer finish of surfaces being treated.

Surface layer of 40Kh steel after electromechanical treatment with dynamic force impact

The paper presents the results of complex studies of the structure, microhardness and depth of the hardened surface layer of 40Kh steel formed as a result of electromechanical treatment with dynamic application of a deforming force (EMT with impact). The research was carried out using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and microhardness methods. The method of electromechanical treatment with dynamic force impact consisted in simultaneous transmission of electric current pulses and deforming force through the contact zone of the tool with the part. As a result of shock-thermal effects with different current densities (j = 100 A/mm2; 300 A/mm2; 600 A/mm2), segments of the hardened layer of different sizes and structure composition are formed on the steel surface in cross-section. Analysis of structural and phase transformations in the surface layer of 40Kh steel subjected to dynamic electromechanical treatment indicates the formation of a specific structure of the white layer, the structure and properties close to the amorphous state of the metal with a maximum hardness HV = 8.0 – 8.5 GPa. As you move away from the surface, a transition zone is formed behind the segment of the white layer with a structure that does not have the characteristic needle structure of martensite. It was found that with an increase in the current density during shock electromechanical treatment, the depth of hardening increases by 4 – 5 times with a simultaneous increase in the heterogeneity of strength properties; the level of micro-stresses increases by 25 %. Experimental data on the structural state, microhardness and depth of the surface layer of 40Kh steel show that electromechanical treatment with dynamic (shock) application of the deforming force causes deeper transformations in the steel structure compared to traditional static EMT. The results obtained show that as a result of electro-mechanical processing with impact, the intensity of the temperature-force effect on the steel surface layer increases, which allows you to open the internal reserves of 40Kh steel and control the process of forming its structure and phase states.

TECHNOLOGY OF COMBINED ELECTROMECHANICAL TREATMENT WITH PROFILE ROLLING

The technology of combined electromechanical treatment with profile rolling is presented, which is a combination of electromechanical treatment and surface plastic deformation, which allows to create on the surface directed regular microrelief. The proposed technology is tested during processing of parts of multipurpose tracked and wheeled machines operating under difficult loading conditions, signalternating dynamic loads, often with limited lubricant or presence of abrasive in its composition. Reasonable selection of relief (pattern) of treated surface makes it possible to maximize retention of lubricating material in zone of tribocontact, as well as to increase wear resistance of parts and to create residual compression stresses in surface layer. The mechanical properties of the surface layer of the sample with a strengthened geometric pattern by changing the microhardness of the smoothed surface and oil pockets (channels) obtained by surface plastic deformation were examined. Electromechanical treatment by rolling the profile makes it possible to create on the surface a strengthened surface layer with naturally varying parameters with the specified regular micro-relief including oil pockets (channels) and reinforced tracks, at the same time considerable increase of wear resistance of triboscreating is provided.