Additive manufacturing techniques give the mining industry a chance to revolutionize the conceptualization, prototyping, and production of mining tools, including using WC-Fe, Ni-based matrix coatings that display exceptional properties. The article includes a case study involving the successful utilization of WC-NiCrBSi mixed powder as a protective coating on AISI 9310 steel components to enhance wear resistance and durability for mining tool applications.

An examination of a bearing failure due to mismatched and incomplete flame hardening shows the need to work with heat treaters for proper selection and application. The article includes a case study of a large bearing raceway that failed due to incomplete austenitization.

This article is a case study involving use of thermal spray surfacing to address blow mold head tooling wear being caused by glass-filled nylon material. This tooling wear was creating die gap issues, disrupting material flow during production, and causing nonconforming parts to be manufactured. Coated tooling demonstrated a significant increase in service life versus uncoated equipment.