Surface wear analysis laboratory
As an industrialist you wish to characterize the surface wear of a material
What is a surface wear phenomenon?
Why perform a surface wear analysis?
Understanding and anticipating wear phenomena is a major challenge in the industrial sector. The analysis and characterization of failures following wear problems on a material will allow to identify the causes, whether they are external or internal to the material, in order to adapt your activity with durable and reliable surface treatments.
FILAB laboratory accompanies you in the analysis of surface wear
Our surface wear analysis services
For more than 30 years, FILAB laboratory has had the experience and specific analytical equipment to support companies in the analysis and study of surface wear phenomena, through tailor-made support.
From analysis to R&D support, the FILAB laboratory offers a multi-sectoral expertise to deal with your various material wear problems:
– Tribology and analysis of the degree of wear attack
– Characterization of the causes of a wear phenomenon on a material
– Study of the effectiveness of a surface treatment system
– Validation of the conformity of a surface
– Evaluation of the risk of wear on a material in a given environment
our technical resources
Why choose the FILAB laboratory?
As an independent laboratory with a team of experienced doctors and engineers, FILAB guarantees the reliability of its results, ensures rapid processing of requests and provides personalized support to its clients.
FAQ
There are different types of surface wear:
- Abrasive wear: Abrasive wear occurs when hard particles or asperities rub against the surface of a material, causing abrasion and loss of material. This can be caused by particles suspended in a fluid, sand, or hard materials rubbing against each other. For example, abrasive wear is common in construction equipment and agricultural machinery.
- Adhesive wear: Adhesive wear occurs when two surfaces in contact slide against each other under pressure, causing fragments of material to adhere and detach from one surface to the other. This type of wear is often seen in bearings and gears, where conditions of sliding and friction are present.
- Fatigue wear: Fatigue wear results from repeated loading and unloading cycles, leading to the formation of cracks and spalling of the surface. Over time, these cracks widen and pieces of material become detached. This phenomenon is common in components subjected to cyclic loads, such as drive shafts and springs.
- Corrosive wear: Corrosive wear is the result of the interaction between mechanical wear and chemical corrosion. Aggressive environments, such as those containing acids, bases or salts, can accelerate surface wear. For example, pipelines carrying corrosive fluids are often subject to corrosive wear.
- Erosive wear: Erosive wear occurs when rapidly moving particles strike the surface of a material, causing erosion. This type of wear is common in turbines, pumps and pipes where fluids containing solid particles are present.
- Material properties : the hardness, toughness and chemical composition of materials influence their resistance to wear.
- Environment: Environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and the presence of corrosive substances, affect wear.
- Applied load : The magnitude and frequency of applied loads determine the severity of wear.
- Lubrication: Adequate lubrication can reduce wear by reducing friction between surfaces in contact.
- Surface roughness: Rough surfaces are more susceptible to abrasive and adhesive wear.
Material selection: Choosing materials with properties suited to the specific application can reduce wear. For example, hard, corrosion-resistant materials for aggressive environments.
Surface treatments: Hard coatings, such as nitrides and carbides, can improve wear resistance. Heat treatments, such as quenching, increase surface hardness.
Lubrication: The application of lubricants reduces friction and minimises adhesive and abrasive wear. Lubricants should be chosen to suit the application and environmental conditions.
Improved design: Design components with appropriate tolerances and smooth surfaces to reduce contact points and stress concentrations.
Regular maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance to detect and repair signs of wear before they become critical.
