The influence of the microstructure on the dry sliding wear resistance
of a hypo-eutectic Stellite 6 alloy was investigated under conditions
leading to severe metallic wear of the hardfacing alloy. Conventional
chill casting as well as laser surface cladding were used to produce
a wide range of solidification microstructures. The hardness of the al
loy was strongly dependent on the microstructure and in particular on
the size of the dendrites. Under the sliding conditions investigated,
severe delamination wear of the Stellite occurred. High coefficients o
f friction were measured and the structure in the subsurface was compl
etely destroyed by the resulting stress cycles. During the stationary
wear regime, no dependence of the wear rate on the as-solidified micro
structure could therefore be determined. However, a strong influence o
n the wear resistance of alloying elements which affect the matrix pro
perties was observed. Suggestions are made for the improvement of the
wear resistance of such alloys under similar sliding conditions.