Abstract
In hot forging processes, wear is the predominant factor in the operating lives of dies. To test die materials, studies on friction and wear devices are commonly conducted in laboratories using different configurations of tribometers. In this study, a specific tribometer was designed to study the tribological problems of rubbing surfaces in the case of hot forging process. A conformal contact is chosen with a pad-disc configuration. Tested sample materials are made, respectively, from X40CrMoV5-1 steel and brass. The technical difficulties (heating, lubrication, alignment) and the technological solutions are presented. The instrumentation of the tribometer (force, temperature, contact resistance) is described. To evaluate the new device, three tests are conducted at different temperatures and loading conditions. Results show a satisfaction compliance of the contact between the pad and the disc and a metal transfer covers the pad in the presence of some abrasive grooves.