Manufacturing of metal - Ceramic composite layers in casts

This article describes how to improve the tribological properties of cast iron by local strengthening by ceramic layer, directly in the casting process. The research comprised test molds with a ceramic (composite) layer. The ceramic preform (insert with Al2O3) was made basing on proprietary development of geometric assumptions. The tests included measurement of resistance to abrasive wear under ASTM G 65-00 standard and some quantitative measurements were also made. The basic advantages of combining ceramics and iron alloy include, without limitation: high hardness of the mold on the working surface and resistance to abrasive wear; increased resistance of the element to impacts compared to solid ceramic elements, extended lifetime of the molds, cost reduction of operation of machine elements made with the casting method, thanks to the increased lifetime and durability of the elements.