The Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI) has developed a technology for ultrasonic hardening and finishing of complex surfaces to improve the performance properties of various parts used in mechanical engineering. Such processing will increase the wear resistance and fatigue strength of the parts by one and a half to two times.
The performance characteristics of the parts depend on the condition of the surface layer formed at the final stage of processing. And products with complex surface geometry are particularly difficult. Ultrasonic treatment is an effective way to increase the durability of products that differ in design, material and operating conditions.
"The device contains an ultrasonic head with a waveguide. The effect of ultrasonic vibrations significantly affects the condition of the surface layer of the product: the quality of the treated surface of the part improves, wear resistance and hardness increase, which means that such a part will last much longer. Our device, in fact, is one of the varieties of technological equipment, with its help it is possible to process different types of surfaces, including those with a complex profile — conical, cylindrical, shaped. And to do this on universal machines, without any complicated additional settings. This makes it possible to rationally implement this technology and increase the productivity of the hardening process of parts. With a large surface difference, it is necessary to ensure the stabilization of the static load in different areas so that the quality of the treated surface is the same everywhere. Technological equipment can be adjusted to certain parameters, and then process a batch of parts without adjustment," said Viktor Gileta, Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NSTU-NETI, Candidate of Technical Sciences.
According to him, the device can be used in various branches of mechanical engineering: in the aviation and defense industries, railway, agricultural engineering, automotive and shipbuilding — where it is necessary to improve the surface quality and thereby improve the performance characteristics of the product/ part.
"The novelty lies in the fact that due to the creation of special equipment, the scope of application of the finishing processing method is expanding, which will increase the wear resistance, contact stiffness, fatigue strength of parts. Currently, the ultrasonic processing technology itself has been developed. We plan to expand its capabilities, and in the future we are talking about creating an industrial installation," Victor Gileta added.
The project "Device for ultrasonic hardening and finishing of complex surfaces" was awarded a II degree diploma with a silver medal in the nomination "Best innovative project (development) in the field of "Environmentally friendly and resource-saving energy" at the HI-TECH innovation exhibition in St. Petersburg at the end of April.