INCREASE IN THE WEAR RESISTANCE OF HAMMER MILL HAMMERS.

The effect of additional alloying and special heat treatment on the initial hardness and strength of hammer mill forging hammers of austenitic 14% Mn steel was investigated. The carbide forming elements Cr, Mo, W, V, Ti, Ta, Nb, and Zr were added in different amounts. The heat treatments, after homogenizing and forging, were austenitizing (1100 degree C for 30 min, water and treatment to an austenite-carbide structure (950 degree C for 6 hr, water). The steels were tested for wear resistance, hardenability, and impact resistance. Results are reported. In general, the wear resistance of hammers treated to an austenite-carbide structure was 50% higher than that of hammers manufactures from austenitized steel. Vanadium (0. 4 to 0. 7%) increased strength, hardness, and wear resistance.