Hardfacing is a specialized welding process that involves applying a hard surfacing material to a metal part for added protection. This process requires specialized welding techniques and tools, and is often used on parts that are subject to high heat, wear and tear, or corrosion.
According to a survey by Welders Universe, 88% of American welders are familiar with hardfacing, 85% believe it is a valuable process, and 98% of surveyed welders say they use it on a regular basis. In this article, we will explore what hardfacing is, the specific techniques used to prepare a part for it, and the industries where you might find it.
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What is Hardfacing in Welding?
Hardfacing is an advanced welding process that is used to improve the surface hardness, tensile strength, toughness, and wear resistance of a component as well as protect it against wear and abrasion.It employs a group of wear-resistant materials with low melting points and relatively low cost.
How Does Hardfacing Work?
Hardfacing involves depositing special wear-resistant materials on a component’s surface.These materials can be applied in various ways, including stick welding, flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The material used in hardfacing can be applied as a powder, paste, or wire.
In order to ensure the best results, the weld must be applied in multiple layers, with each layer at an angle to the original surface. Each layer is also built up by depositing successive layers of the wear-resistant material.
What Are the Benefits of Hardfacing?
Hardfacing improves the durability and performance of components and reduces the need for them to be replaced or repaired often. This can lead to significant cost and time savings to businesses, as well as an increase in the life of the component.
The process is also highly versatile and cost-effective. Hardfacing can be used with both ferrous and non-ferrous materials, as well as on a wide range of surfaces and components. The materials used in hardfacing can also be tailored to the needs of individual applications, and they can even be applied to components that have already been in service.