ALGORITHM OF ELECTRODE MATERIAL SELECTION DURING ELECTRICAL EROSION ALLOYING
The purpose is improving the quality of the surface layer of new and renewable machine parts by doping. Development of an algorithm for selecting electrode material for electric-spark doping of parts based on the method of successive approximation. Research methods were based on existing technological methods and equipment that allow the process of electric-spark doping to be carried out with a given thickness of the surface layer of the part. The following factors are used as controlling factors in creating such a layer: the electric processing mode, the chemical elements introduced into the composition of the doped layer, and their percentage, as well as the technological processing scheme (disposable or reusable). Research results. The method of electrical erosion alloying doping in its advantages surpasses such methods of restoring worn surfaces of parts such as detonation-gas and vacuum-plasma treatment, surfacing, electroplating, metallization by sputtering. Special equipment allows to carry out electric-spark doping with any given continuity of the surface layer and to increase the productivity of the process. When electrical erosion alloying is doping with an electrode containing refractory elements and their compounds, the conditions preventing the setting of the first and second kinds are fulfilled, since doping with these elements raises the melting point of the starting material, and the formation of a three-dimensional cellular substructure promotes an increase in the creep temperature. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a rational algorithm is proposed for selecting electrode material based on the method of successive approximation. After a series of successive approximations, stabilization of the phase composition of the system is achieved and the chemical composition of the electrode is refined with the required ratio of the type of carbides and intermetallic compounds. Practical value. The use of electrical erosion alloying doping in the restoration of parts will provide an increase in wear resistance and heat resistance of the processed surfaces by 1,5-2 times in industry. As a result of electrical erosion alloying doping with the most common electrodes of the type VK and TK, conditions that prevent the occurrence of abrasive wear and seizure are automatically fulfilled.