By kenmui
Date 01-15-2003 01:16
It would make a significant (weeks ! ) difference on longevity if you use a hardfacing electrode. A 316 is relatively soft ( about RB 60 ), as well , it has very poor abrasion wear characteristics
The proper product to use would be a chromium carbide product in the Rc 55. You can also use a Rc 60 product but you sacrifice impact resistance...you can't go wrong with a Rc 55 product ( such as Lincoln Wearhield ME (Metal Earth).
Be very carefull when you source the electrode out because there is a very common misconception that hardness is everything. Case in point, typical "metal to metal " products also are in the order of Rc 55-60...but these products generally yield a martensitic tool steel deposite....gread for sliding wear like gears, but poor compared to the ME product...
Bottom line don't purchase your product based on R hardness...they only tell you part of the story
Word of warning, chromium carbide hardfacing electrodes don't weld nearly as nice as austenitic stainlesses that you are use to...it's ugly