Every metal has different properties that make it suitable or unsuitable for certain tasks. One of these properties is wear resistance, and you have to understand how it works if you are to make the best use of any metal.
What is wear resistance?
Wear resistance is when a surface gradually loses particles through physical or chemical processes. There are ways to mitigate wear resistance, such wear resistant linings from https://www.kingfisher-industrial.com/wear-protection/.
Types of wear resistance
Abrasive wear
Also known as erosion, this often involves a liquid making contact with the metal. The liquid is full of small, hard particles that rub against it. Abrasive wear can also be a type of grinding wear when two surfaces rub together.
Adhesive wear
Two wearing surfaces, like two pieces of stainless steel, make contact. The microscopic peaks on one surface are knocked off and attach themselves to the other.
Surface fatigue
Surface fatigue is often associated with rotating parts. Repeated loadings cause the surface to become more and more brittle until it is significantly damaged. This affects softer metals such as aluminium more than iron or steel.
Corrosive wear
This is when the wear is caused by chemical reactions rather than physical contact. Acids are a common source of corrosion for metals such as aluminium, but even water or air can erode a steel surface.
Understanding the types of wear resistance, which are present in which metals, and how to mitigate any wear resistance issues will allow you to choose and prepare the best metal for any intended function.
