The premature loss of function or failure of a component is a sign that the actual requirements did not correspond to those of the design. Tribological stresses are not infrequently involved.  Parameters such as the type and sequence of movement, load, speed, duration of stress and temperature are decisive here.  But also the use of materials with tribologically coordinated properties such as adhesion tendency, hardness, heat treatment, coating, surface quality, tolerances are of great importance.

The most important wear mechanisms as a result of tribological stress are adhesion, abrasion, disruption and tribochemical reactions, which can also occur superimposed.
A rough subdivision of the types of wear is made into:

•     Sliding wear
•     Rolling wear
•     Vibration wear
•     Abrasive wear

The visible consequences of the above-mentioned types of wear are, for example, increased corrosion of the surface, (particle) detachment from the surface, but also cracks in the component that can occur in areas with increased wear.

Typical examinations here are an SEM-EDX analysis of the surfaces and the subsequent documentation and classification of microscopic wear characteristics. A metallographic examination is used here to assess the depth of the wear and the damage to the material. A precise description and classification of the damage allows the cause to be determined and suitable remedial measures to be defined.

Our accredited laboratory offers comprehensive damage examinations here. This includes material tests of components, operating materials and residue analyses. The methodology for tribological damage cases follows typical laboratory tests such as raseterelectron microscopy (SEM/EDX analysis and mapping), microscopic examinations, microstructure examinations, hardness tests, particle analyses and residual stress measurements. A precise description and classification of the damage allows the cause to be determined and suitable remedial measures to be defined.