Analysis of Modified Mechanical Properties in the Repair by SMAW Welding of Plow Discs in Andean Agricultural Areas

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this contribution is to analyze the results of the technical studies of mechanical properties in standard plow discs, after their repair by manual arc welding with a SMAW coated electrode, commonly used in tillage tasks in Andean agricultural areas. For the repair process, the available, convenient, and easily acquired resources are implemented, such as consumables, equipment, and accessories necessary for the procedure. The nature of the base material was initially determined, by means of a spark spectrometry study for the case of worn plow discs, in such a way that the characteristic alloying elements of AISI-SAE 1340 steel are evident. The base of the original material allows defining and implementing essential and non-essential variables of the SMAW welding process according to AWS D1.1 and D14.3; therefore, the lap joint is designed, comprising of a worn disc plus similar sacrificial metals of identical conditions. As a conventional part of the welding processes, the quality control of the welds is carried out by means of penetrating inks under the ASTM E-165 standard, the respective measurements of the mechanical properties achieved, maintain analog factory hardness values of 37 HRC and increases the hardenability of the lap-type weld bead. Finally, it is concluded that the repair process contributes to a sustainable and efficient alternative that preserves the average hardness and improves hardenability, which are necessary to withstand the operational context that induces the typical premature wear of clayey and humid soils.

Keywords

• hardness, hardenability, plow disc, welding, agricultural soil.