During their service life, numerous workpieces are exposed to various external influences such as mechanical forces, thermal effects, or chemical substances (corrosion wear). These factors gradually lead to damage or erosion of the surface, a process known as wear. These signs of wear cause workpieces to lose efficiency or cease to function optimally. The implementation of high-quality wear protection can halt this process and extend the service life of products. This measure brings significant economic benefits, as it increases the efficiency of manufacturing processes and reduces operating costs.
The term “tribology” refers to the entirety of technologies dealing with wear and protection against it. At HORN, wear protection is implemented either through hard surfacing using welding processes such as TIG welding, MIG welding, or PTA welding. Alternatively, thermal spraying methods are also used, employing techniques such as high-velocity flame spraying or plasma spraying. In such cases, the protective material is applied at low temperatures, allowing for thinner layers. Typical characteristics of spray coatings include a homogeneous structure, the absence of cracks, and excellent adhesion to the workpiece.
Depending on the specific type of stress, a targeted protection method is selected. Different forms of wear—such as abrasive wear, thermal wear, impact wear, or corrosion wear—each require different materials for wear protection. These protective materials act on the surface of the workpieces and can be made of metal, rubber, plastic, or ceramic. In addition, various hardening processes or, occasionally, electroplating methods are used to minimize material removal. This diverse range of protective techniques makes it possible to meet the individual requirements of each application and ensure the longevity of the products. This not only improves the performance of the workpieces but also optimizes the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the entire manufacturing process.