Tool, use of a tool and method for coating a tool

Abstract

The application relates to tools, their use, and methods for coating tools. An exemplary tool (100, 200) can in particular be an agricultural or mining tool (100, 200) and comprises a base body (110, 210), an indicator layer (230) applied at least partially to the base body (110, 210), and a cover layer (120, 220) applied at least partially to the base body (110, 210), which at least partially covers the indicator layer (230), so that when the cover layer (120, 220) is worn (221), an indicator area (231) of the indicator layer (230) is visually exposed, wherein the indicator layer (230) and / or the cover layer (120, 220) is applied by thermal spraying.

Description

[0001] The application relates to a tool with a coating. The subject matter of the application is particularly applicable in the fields of agriculture and mining. However, other applications are also possible – for example, in civil engineering, construction, manufacturing, processing (including crafts and industrial machinery), etc. – since a wide variety of tools with the characteristics of the subject matter of the application can be provided. The application further relates to the use of such a tool and to a method for coating a tool.

[0002] Tools, especially machining or processing tools, are subject to variable wear in a wide variety of applications, which limits their service life. For example, with agricultural tillage tools, wear on the tool surface depends, among other things, on soil conditions. This makes it even more difficult to reliably determine when a tool needs to be replaced or refurbished (e.g., by recoating). As a result, this can lead to a decrease in tillage quality, tool breakage, and / or tool fragments remaining in the soil. Increased machining time and / or increased fuel consumption, for example, of tractors, can also occur. Analogous situations and problems arise in other tool applications.

[0003] One approach to partially mitigating such problems is the use of tools with increased wear resistance. Carbide tools are well-known examples, but these are characterized by high costs. More economical alternatives in the field of agricultural tillage tools include, for example, chromium- or nickel-containing powder coatings, welded-on hard protective coatings, or brazed tungsten carbide hard metal plates. However, such materials can release carcinogenic substances, such as chromium(VI) oxide, during processing, and can also be introduced into the soil as nanoparticles, ultimately being ingested by humans and animals.

[0004] Accordingly, the application is based on the task of providing solutions regarding the design, manufacture and use of tools that at least partially meet the aforementioned requirements and / or at least partially avoid or reduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] To solve the problem, the subject matter of the independent claims is proposed. Preferred embodiments and optional features result from the features of the dependent claims.

[0006] A tool as described in the application generally comprises a base body and a covering layer applied at least partially to the base body. The tool may also include an indicator layer applied at least partially to the base body. Layers applied to a base body are hereinafter also referred to as coatings. The term "layer applied to a base body" can refer not only to a layer applied directly to the base body but also, for example, to a layer applied as a further layer on top of a layer already applied to the base body.

[0007] The indicator layer and / or the top layer is applied by thermal spraying, in particular by thermal spraying using arc spraying or plasma spraying.

[0008] The use of thermally sprayed coatings on a substrate enables the creation of a tool that meets diverse requirements. For example, various materials and material combinations can be used, since coating adhesion in thermal spraying is essentially based on the mechanical interlocking of molten particles with the surface of the substrate. Unlike welding, for instance, no metallurgical bond needs to be created. Applying thermally sprayed coatings can be a single-stage process, meaning, in particular, that it can be carried out without subsequent remelting.

[0009] Due to the properties of thermal spraying, the base material can consist of, or comprise, not only metallic materials but also, for example, wood, plastics, and / or fiber-reinforced composites. The applied coatings can alternatively or additionally comprise, or consist of, ceramic materials, for example. The processing of wires, powders, and / or suspensions is possible.

[0010] Furthermore, base bodies of various shapes and sizes can be coated using thermal spraying. The thermal impact on the base body is comparatively low. Layers can be applied evenly and homogeneously, even to complex geometries, without requiring post-processing (such as milling or turning).

[0011] The service life of thermally coated tools can be particularly long due to the possibility of recoating, which increases both cost-effectiveness and environmental compatibility. The availability of a wide range of relatively environmentally friendly materials also contributes to environmental compatibility. Thermal spraying can also be particularly economical in terms of cost, both with regard to material selection and the process itself.

[0012] Thermal spraying processes particularly well-suited to this application include arc spraying and / or plasma spraying, i.e., processes using an electric arc (gas discharge) or plasma jet as the energy carrier. These processes are especially advantageous for applying a wear-resistant topcoat (su), but they can also be used for the indicator layer. Depending on the specific requirements, other thermal spraying processes, such as flame spraying, may also be suitable.

[0013] The surface layer can be designed as a wear-resistant layer. This can enable a longer service life and thus cost efficiency, environmental compatibility, and consistently high soil cultivation quality for longer.

[0014] The topcoat and / or indicator layer can comprise or be formed from an iron-based alloy with boron hard phases and / or an iron- or nickel-based coating powder and / or a nanodoped spray powder. Materials with good mechanical properties for reducing wear are particularly suitable for the wear-resistant topcoat.

[0015] If an indicator layer is provided, the cover layer preferably covers the indicator layer at least partially, so that when the cover layer wears down, an indicator area of ​​the indicator layer is visually exposed.

[0016] This makes it possible to reliably determine the time for a necessary replacement or, if applicable, refurbishment (e.g., by recoating) of the tool. The tool is therefore neither replaced nor refurbished too late or too early, which in turn has a positive effect on the aforementioned factors such as cost-efficiency, environmental compatibility, and sufficiently consistent soil cultivation quality.

[0017] The indicator layer and / or the top layer can comprise a metallic material, such as copper, and / or a ceramic material. Such materials can be particularly suitable for the indicator layer beneath the top layer, as they are easily visually detectable and / or advantageous as a base layer under a wear-resistant top layer.

[0018] The tool can be agricultural or mining equipment. For example, it can be an agricultural tillage tool, such as a plow, rake, cultivator, harrow, tiller, etc., or a part of such a tool. However, the tool can also be used in civil engineering or construction, manufacturing, or processing, including crafts and industrial machinery.

[0019] A preferred example concerns a tool, in particular an agricultural or mining tool, comprising a base body, an indicator layer applied at least partially to the base body and a cover layer applied at least partially to the base body, which at least partially covers the indicator layer, so that when the cover layer is worn, an indicator area of ​​the indicator layer is visually exposed, wherein the indicator layer and / or the cover layer is applied by thermal spraying.

[0020] Another preferred example concerns a tool, in particular an agricultural or mining tool, comprising a base body, a wear-resistant top layer applied at least partially to the base body, wherein the top layer is applied by thermal spraying using arc spraying or plasma spraying.

[0021] It is also proposed that a tool of the proposed type, insofar as it includes the indicator layer, be used in a processing process, in particular an agricultural or mining process, the use of which includes: Visually detect whether the indicator area is exposed, and if it is detected that the indicator area is exposed: interrupt the process and discard and / or replace and / or recoat the tool.

[0022] In the proposed use, the tool unfolds its aforementioned effects and advantages in an easily recognizable manner.

[0023] Visual detection can be performed by a user. Alternatively or additionally, at least one sensor can be provided for visual detection. This sensor can be coupled with an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a signal provided by the sensor and, upon detection that the indicator area is exposed, to issue a warning signal and / or interrupt the operation of a system containing the tool.

[0024] Furthermore, a method for coating a tool is proposed. The method generally comprises: Providing a base body of the tool, at least partially applying a top layer to the base body. The method may include at least partially applying an indicator layer to the base body.

[0025] The indicator layer and / or the topcoat are applied by thermal spraying, for example, by arc spraying or plasma spraying. At a microscopic level, thermally sprayed layers are characterized by a distinctive lamellar structure, which can be observed, for example, by preparing and analyzing a microsection.

[0026] The proposed method allows a tool with the aforementioned effects and benefits to be provided in a simple and economical way.

[0027] The process can be further developed according to the aforementioned optional features of the tool; conversely, the tool can be provided with features that correspond to optional process steps.

[0028] The top layer can be designed as a wear-resistant layer. The process can include applying an indicator layer to the base body, at least in certain areas. It can be designed so that the top layer at least partially covers the indicator layer, so that when the top layer wears down, an indicator area of ​​the indicator layer is visually exposed.

[0029] As already mentioned, arc spraying or plasma spraying are particularly suitable processes. Two-wire arc spraying and / or atmospheric plasma spraying, for example, are considered especially suitable.

[0030] The process can include pretreatment by roughening the surface of the substrate. This can improve the adhesion of the layer(s) applied by thermal spraying.

[0031] The process can include a hardening post-treatment of the surface of the coated tool, in particular by means of shot peening, which can enable a particularly good surface quality and wear resistance of the tool.

[0032] The process can include post-treatment of the surface of the coated tool, in particular by grinding and / or polishing, which also enables a high surface quality.

[0033] A preferred example concerns a method for coating a tool, comprising: Providing a base body of the tool, at least partially applying an indicator layer to the base body, at least partially applying a cover layer to the base body, wherein the cover layer at least partially covers the indicator layer, so that when the cover layer wears down, an indicator area of ​​the indicator layer is visually exposed, wherein the application of the indicator layer and / or the cover layer is carried out by thermal spraying.

[0034] Another preferred example relates to a method for coating a tool, comprising: Providing a base body of the tool, at least partially applying a wear-resistant coating to the base body by thermal spraying using arc spraying or plasma spraying.

[0035] The combination of topcoats and indicator coatings discussed above is particularly advantageous. However, they can also be combined individually with other approaches. For example, an indicator coating, especially one applied by thermal spraying, can be used in conjunction with brazed carbide inserts, which then act as a topcoat. A wear-resistant topcoat can also be applied to a carbide tool, for instance, by thermal spraying to further improve tool life. Other combinations are also possible.

[0036] The drawings described below illustrate principles and exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the application. They show, schematically, FIG. 1a a top view of a tool, FIG. 1b a cross-section through the tool FIG. 1a according to the section line AA in FIG. 1a , FIG. 2a a cross-section through a tool according to another example, FIG. 2b a cross-section through the tool FIG. 2a , where the tool shows signs of wear, FIG. 2c a top view of the tool FIG. 2b , where the cross-section in FIG. 2b the intersection line BB in FIG. 2c corresponds.

[0037] Recurring and similar features in the drawings are identified by identical or similar reference numerals. These may be partially omitted if the corresponding features are already shown and described in another drawing, or if they are not mentioned with reference to a drawing.

[0038] The in FIG. 1a und FIG. 1b The tool 100 shown comprises a base body 110 and a cover layer 120 applied to the base body 110 in certain areas. The cover layer 120 can also be applied to the entire base body 110 or to areas of the base body other than those shown.

[0039] Tool 100 in the example shown is a share point for agricultural soil cultivation. Other agricultural soil cultivation tools that may be designed in a similar manner could be tools from the group of plows, shares, cultivators, harrows, rotary tillers, etc., or parts of such tools. Other tools, including various agricultural or mining tools, tools for civil engineering or construction, and tools for manufacturing or processing, including crafts and industrial machinery, may also be designed in a similar manner.

[0040] The basic body 110 is made of metal, but can also be made of or comprise, for example, wood and / or plastic and / or fiber composite materials.

[0041] The topcoat 120 is designed as a wear-resistant topcoat 120 to improve the service life of the tool 100. The topcoat 120 comprises an iron-based alloy with boron hard phases, which exhibits suitable properties as a wear-resistant topcoat 120. Alternatively or additionally, the topcoat 120 can be, for example, coated with an iron- or nickel-based coating powder and / or a nanodoped spray powder.

[0042] The in FIG. 2a bis FIG. 2c The tool 200 shown is largely similar to the tool 100 described above; in particular, it comprises a base body 210 and a cover layer 220, which can essentially correspond to the base body 110 and the cover layer 120, respectively.

[0043] Additionally, the tool 200 includes an indicator layer 230 applied to the base body 210 in certain areas. The top layer indicator layer 230 can also be applied to the entire base body 210 or to areas of the base body other than those shown.

[0044] The indicator layer 230, for example, is made of copper. Alternatively or additionally, it can comprise other metallic materials and / or a ceramic material.

[0045] The top layer 220 partially (or alternatively completely) covers the indicator layer 230, so that in the area of ​​any wear 221 of the top layer 220 an indicator area 231 of the indicator layer 230 is visually exposed. FIG. 2b und FIG. 2c show the tool 200 with such wear 221 of the top layer 220, while the top layer in FIG. 2a is intact.

[0046] Based on FIG. 2a bis FIG. 2c The use of tool 200 can also be understood as occurring in a soil-cultivating agricultural process. Tools of other types (as mentioned above) can be used accordingly in other processes for which these tools are intended.

[0047] The process includes a visual inspection to determine whether indicator area 231 is visibly exposed. If it is detected that indicator area 231 is exposed, the process is to be interrupted, and the tool 200 is to be discarded, replaced, and / or recoated.

[0048] As mentioned, visual detection can be performed by a user and / or, for example, using at least one sensor. When using a sensor, the detection that the indicator area is exposed can include issuing a warning signal and / or interrupting the operation of a system that includes tool 200.

[0049] Based on the in FIG. 1a bis FIG. 2c The recognizable layer structure (with layer 120 on the base body 110 or layers 220, 230 on the base body 210) can also be understood as a method for coating a tool 100 or 200.

[0050] The process begins with a pretreatment by roughening the surface of the base body 110 or 210. This improves the adhesion of the layer(s) 120, 220, or 230 subsequently applied by thermal spraying. Depending on the properties of the base body 110 or 210, the pretreatment can also be omitted.

[0051] The process further comprises the application of the top layer 120 or 220 and the indicator layer 230 to the base body 110 or 210 by thermal spraying using two-wire arc spraying. An arc is ignited between two converging wire electrodes to generate molten particles. By supplying a stream of atomizing gas, the particles are applied to a surface of the base body 110 or 210 and adhere there by mechanical interlocking. The material of the base body 110 or 210 is only minimally affected thermally. Two-wire arc welding is characterized by a particularly high deposition rate and comparatively simple equipment.

[0052] Alternatively, other thermal spraying processes, in particular arc spraying or plasma spraying (for example, atmospheric plasma spraying), can be used. If several layers (in particular the top layer 220 and the indicator layer 230) are required, these can also be applied using different thermal spraying processes (for example, according to the respective layer materials used).

[0053] Finally, the process includes post-treatment of the surface of the previously coated tool 100 or 200. This post-treatment involves hardening the surface by shot blasting or, alternatively, another surface-hardening process. For example, corundum, such as with a grain size of f20, can be used for shot blasting. During shot blasting, the surface of the tool 100 or 200 is further hardened by the introduction of compressive residual stresses.

[0054] Post-treatment also includes grinding and / or polishing to improve surface quality.

[0055] Post-treatment is optional depending on the intended use, and can therefore be omitted entirely or partially. List of reference symbols

[0056] 100, 200Tool, 110, 210Base body, 120, 220Top layer, 221Wear, 230Indicator layer, 231Indicator area.

Claims

1. Tool (100, 200), in particular agricultural or mining tool (100, 200), comprising a base body (110, 210), an indicator layer (230) applied at least partially to the base body (110, 210) and a cover layer (120, 220) applied at least partially to the base body (110, 210), which at least partially covers the indicator layer (230), so that when the cover layer (120, 220) is worn (221) an indicator area (231) of the indicator layer (230) is visually exposed, wherein the indicator layer (230) and / or the cover layer (120, 220) is applied by thermal spraying.

2. Tool (100, 200), in particular agricultural or mining tool (100, 200), comprising a base body (110, 210), a wear-resistant coating (120, 220) applied at least partially to the base body (110, 210), wherein the coating (120, 220) is applied by thermal spraying using arc spraying or plasma spraying.

3. Tool (100, 200) according to claim 2, further comprising an indicator layer (230) applied at least partially to the base body (110, 210), wherein the cover layer (120, 220) at least partially covers the indicator layer (230), so that when the cover layer (120, 220) is worn (221), an indicator area (231) of the indicator layer (230) is visually exposed.

4. Tool (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the indicator layer (230) comprises a metallic material, for example copper, and / or a ceramic material.

5. Tool (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool (100, 200) is an agricultural soil cultivation tool.

6. Tool (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover layer (120, 220) comprises or is formed from an iron-based alloy with boron hard phases and / or an iron- or nickel-based coating powder and / or a nanodoped spray powder.

7. Use of a tool (100, 200) according to claim 1, 3 or one of claims 4 to 6, insofar as it relates back to claim 1 or 3, in a processing, in particular agricultural or mining, process, wherein the use comprises: visually detecting whether the indicator area (231) is exposed, and if it is detected that the indicator area (231) is exposed: interrupting the process as well as discarding and / or replacing and / or recoating the tool (100, 200).

8. Method for coating a tool (100, 200), comprising: providing a base body (110, 210) of the tool (100, 200), at least partially applying an indicator layer (230) to the base body (110, 210), at least partially applying a cover layer (120, 220) to the base body (110, 210), wherein the cover layer (120, 220) at least partially covers the indicator layer (230), so that when the cover layer (120, 220) is worn (221), an indicator area (231) of the indicator layer (230) is visually exposed, wherein the application of the indicator layer (230) and / or the cover layer (120, 220) is carried out by thermal spraying.

9. Method for coating a tool (100, 200), comprising: providing a base body (110, 210) of the tool (100, 200), at least partially applying a wear-resistant top layer (120, 220) to the base body (110, 210) by thermal spraying using arc spraying or plasma spraying.

10. Method according to one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the thermal spraying is or comprises two-wire arc wire spraying and / or atmospheric plasma spraying.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a pretreatment by roughening a surface of the base body (110, 210) and / or a hardening post-treatment of a surface of the coated tool (100, 200), in particular by means of shot blasting, and / or a post-treatment of a surface of the coated tool (100, 200) by grinding and / or polishing.

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