Microstructure and Friction-Wear Properties of 1Cr13 Coating on SAE 1045 Prepared by Arc Cladding

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Technology

Background:

• Industrial equipment restoration requires cost-effective, in situ repair solutions.
• SAE 1045 steel components are susceptible to wear and require robust repair methods.
• Existing repair techniques may not be suitable for on-site, localized applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a portable and cost-effective wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) approach for localized repair of SAE 1045 components.
• To evaluate the microstructural evolution and tribological properties of a 1Cr13 martensitic stainless steel coating applied via WAAM.
• To assess the feasibility of on-site restoration for heavy-duty industrial components.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a portable arc-based additive manufacturing (WAAM) process to deposit 1Cr13 martensitic stainless steel.
• Analyzed the microstructure and microhardness (HV0.2) of the deposited coating and substrate.
• Performed dry sliding tribological tests to evaluate friction coefficient and wear volume.

Main Results:

• The WAAM process yielded a refined martensitic matrix with a microhardness of 551.94 HV0.2, 2.26 times that of the SAE 1045 substrate.
• The 1Cr13 coating exhibited a lower friction coefficient and reduced wear volume compared to the untreated substrate.
• Severe plastic deformation was mitigated by the hardened coating under dry sliding conditions.

Conclusions:

• The portable WAAM process offers a viable method for creating millimeter-scale reinforcement layers with metallurgical integrity.
• The 1Cr13 coating enhances the wear resistance and durability of SAE 1045 components.
• This approach provides a practical, low-cost solution for on-site restoration of industrial equipment.