Application of FeNbC as a hardfacing material using laser cladding

The sugar-cane and mining sectors experience substantial losses due to shut-downs and repair or replacement of worn out or obsolete components. Surface engineering studies have been widely developed aiming at optimizing the coating processes and, mainly, increasing the portfolio of higher wear resistant materials. HRC Metalização® (a joint venture between Höganäs and Oxipira), in partnership with CBMM, has been working on the development of niobium carbide (NbC) in iron matrix (FeNbC) hardfacing coatings, applied by laser cladding on wear components for mining. Field trials were conducted on the coated teeth of a Volvo wheel loader operating at CBMM’s mine in Araxá, Brazil. The metallographic analysis of the coated teeth showed an excellent adhesion of the FeNbC coating layer, as well as a homogeneous dispersion of the hard NbCs. The loader’s coated teeth achieved an increase of approximately 64% in service life above best performance, and 80% above the average service life of the regular uncoated, low alloy carbon steel teeth, demonstrating the significant potential of FeNbC as a hardfacing coating applied by laser cladding. (AU) Copyright © 2018 Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) All rights reserved