Expert Wear Plate Processing
Advanced Machines and Processing Methods
Laser Cutting
Thermal Cutting
Tips to Avoid Cracking during Wear Plate Processing
Wear-resistant plates, or abrasion-resistant plates, are crucial in industries where durability against wear and tear is paramount. These plates are valued for their high alloy content and hardness, but improper processing can lead to cracking. Here, we discuss common types of cracking and effective strategies to mitigate them.
Common Types of Cracking During Processing
Cut-Edge Cracking
Definition & Causes: Occurs with thermal cutting methods (flame, plasma, laser) and is visible from 48 hours up to several weeks post-cutting. Influenced by hydrogen content and residual stresses in the steel plate.
Prevention Tips:
- Pre-Heat the Plate: Initiate cutting while the material is still warm to reduce the risk.
- Slow Cutting Speed: This reduces residual stress, though not as effectively as pre-heating.
- Post-Heat or Slow Cooling: Apply heat immediately after cutting and allow slow cooling to minimize cracking risk.
Weld Cracking
Definition & Causes: Challenging due to cracking in the weld metal or heat-affected zone, influenced by cooling speed, hydrogen content, and filler metal.
Prevention Tips:
- Clean Welding Surface: Ensure joint cleanliness to prevent hydrogen cracking.
- Pre-Heating & Slow Cooling: Similar to cutting, these methods reduce the heat-affected zone and prevent cracking.
- Appropriate Filler Metal: Choose filler metal based on the base metal’s tensile strength to combat cracking.
Bend Cracking
Definition & Causes: Difficult due to the plate’s high strength and poor elasticity.
Prevention Tips:
- Check Inspection Certificate: Before bending, understand the allowable bending degree on the product quality certificate
- Account for Bend Allowance: Ensure precise bending to achieve flawless finished products.
- Use a Press Brake: Guarantees a smooth, clean product
Steel Plates Purchased Through Official Channels from Baohui Steel Limited Come with an Inspection Certificate as Shown Below
In the product quality certificate, you can find a section labeled "Bend Test," which specifies the safety margins to be observed during bending.
- The "90°" represents the maximum bending angle.
- "D" represents the minimum diameter of the bending center.
- "A" represents the thickness of the steel plate.
Suggestion: For businesses utilizing wear-resistant steels, high-strength steels, or other thick steel materials, implementing proper measures to prevent cracking can significantly reduce costs. Always consult the processing guide specific to your plate brand, as each mill has its own standards for pre-heat temperature, cutting speed, and filler metal. Adhering to these guidelines can largely prevent cracking issues.
Baohui Steel Limited, with a decade of experience led by an internationally renowned team, specializes in trading wear-resistant steel plates. Our sales engineers, technicians, and consultants are ready to assist you in selecting the most suitable steel and employing the most efficient manufacturing processes. For a tailored supply solution, contact us at [email protected].
