Published on 21 January 2013
TWI has demonstrated the potential of friction surfacing to deposit coatings of metal matrix composites (MMCs). Not only does the process enable commercially produced MMCs to be deposited; it also allows in situ manufacture of composite materials during surfacing. This is achieved by using a duplex rotating consumable; for example, an aluminium/alumina (Al/Al2O3) MMC can be deposited using a consumable comprising a hollow aluminium rod containing powdered alumina.
Al/Al203 has exhibited extremely good wear performance in tests by TWI member companies, and MMCs are expected to be competitive with other hardfacing materials in many applications.
For information about TWI's capabilities please contact us.