Influence of Steel Surface Preparation Method on Topography and Tribological Behaviour in Dry Sliding Conditions

Abstract

Tribological tests were conducted using a pin-on-disc tester. In the experiment, a steel disc of hardness 40 HRC was put in contact with a steel ball of hardness 62 HRC. Disc samples were prepared in order to obtain very similar values of the Sa parameter, smaller than 0.5 μm. Different methods of preparing smooth surfaces were used. Dry tests using similar contact conditions were carried out. During tests, the friction force was monitored as a function of time. Wear of discs and balls was measured after the test using white light interferometer. In order to decrease variation of the experimental results, during tests the wear debris was continuously removed from the disc surface. It was shown that type of treatment play a role on tribological behavior of sliding pairs.