Surface modification of spring tine cultivator points with different metal powders by GTAW method

The abrasive wear resistance of soil tillage tools is important for the agricultural equipment industry because abrasive wear caused by hard particles in the soil can shorten the lifespan of these parts. In this study, surface modification using FeCrC, FeTi, and Ni powders was carried out to improve the hardness and wear resistance of AISI 1040 material reversible spring tine cultivator points. The GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) method was chosen for the energy input in the surface modification process due to its simplicity and efficiency. Microstructure studies were conducted using an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally, microhardness measurements and wear tests were performed. It was found that the hardness values for all three coating types were higher than the ones measured in the substrate material. The maximum microhardness was 726.1 HV0.2 for the coating with a 70FeCrC + 30FeTi composition ratio. As a result of the increased hardness in the coating layer of the specimens, the wear resistance also increased. Abrasive wear tests were conducted under loads of 5 N, 10 N, and 15 N at distances of 400 m, 800 m, and 1200 m, respectively. The weight loss of the substrate was about 13 times higher compared to the coating containing 70FeCrC + 30FeTi. After the laboratory tests, cultivator points were coated and field tests were carried out.