Xtribology - Advanced multiphase tribo-functional surfaces - Wear mechanisms in hot forming applications

Project duration

2010 - 2015

Project Category

international

Contact Information

prof. dr. Mitjan Kalin

Partners

  • AC2T Austrian Center of Competence for Tribology GmbH (Austria)
  • Lulea University of Technology (Sweden)
  • University of Loeben (Austria)

The service lifetime of machines, commonly depends on the wear resistance of materials/coatings and lubricants used. Often they supposed to work successfully at high temperatures. The main aspects of this strategic research project are concentrated on the tribo-functionality of conditions relevant to forming application at high temperatures.

Therefore, the establishment of a partner network in the field of high temperature tribology is necessary for doing holistic research activities. Fundamental understanding of wear mechanisms at different tool-work piece and gain new knowledge about high temperature tribological processes will be one of the major objectives. Controlling friction and wear at elevated temperatures through surface modification technologies and lubricants working best under these conditions. Fundamental understanding of acting mechanisms of stable and capable lubricating films serves the basis for development of wear maps and formulating of design rules for tribo-functional materials and lubricants. A long term goal of this project is the integration of numerical methods describing forming processes accompanying to experimental testing.

Major objectives of the project:

  • Coating deposition and characterization.
  • Tribological testing on well established tribometers.
  • Understanding of the influence of surface topography and surface texturing on tribological performance.
  • Understanding of acting mechanisms of lubricating films on forming tools.
  • Realization of hard-faced surfaces with improved fatigue properties relevant in hot forming applications.
  • Wear models and design rules for coatings for hot forming tools.