THE ANALYSIS OF THE SELECTED PROCESSES OF THERMO-CHEMICAL HEAT TREATMENT OF 20MnCr5 STEEL IN THE CONTEXT OF ABRASIVE WEAR

Abstract

This paper presents the results of tribological tests performed on a T-11 pin-on-disc type, which made it possible to determine the intensity of abrasive wear of steel 20MnCr5 subjected to selected thermo-chemical heat treatments. The tested steel, after the hardening and tempering process, is characterized by high endurance parameters and is used on heavily loaded machine parts. It is frequently used for elements subjected to intense abrasion. The analysis involved the following: carburizing, boronizing, and various methods of diffusion chromizing. For large loads, it is advisable to apply boronizing or carburizing with hardening. Chrome plating entails a very thin layer of increased hardness, which is characterised by a low abrasive wear resistance at high loads.