Effect of Friction Machining on Low Carbon Steel with Titanium Traces in terms of Surface Hardening

This work is an experimental study of thermo-mechanical surface hardening of mild steel with trace elements like titanium in negligible concentrations. This is somewhat an advanced technique used to harden steel surface which can be hardened in many typical ways. The concept is combining the thermal as well as mechanical technique to attain better results. It is quite obvious that mechanical refers to the compressive loading during machining and thermal refers to producing heat on the surface of work piece. The ideal conditions are when the heat produced is enough to achieve austenite and then subsequent quick cooling helps in the formation of martensite, which is metallurgically the most highly strong phase of steel, in terms of hardness. The coolant used preferably is the emulsified oil which flows on the surface during machining with variable rate of flow as the optimum effect is. This process hardens the surface of steel and increases its resistance against wear and abrasion. Preference is to achieve surface hardening using the conventional equipment so that operational cost is kept low and better results are attained. This technique has been quite successful in the laboratory. It can be termed as friction hardening. Some improvements in the process scheme and working environment can be made to get better results.