Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings on roller bearing elements of belt conveyors

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse the anti-wear diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings produced by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition. The DLC coatings were deposited on the rings of rolling bearings operating in belt conveyors. The service life of the bearings was 1,5 years. The bearings were exposed to harsh environmental conditions. After the disassembly of the bearings, the influence of the coatings on the improvement of tribosystem characteristics was assessed. Characterization of the bearing geometry was carried out using an optical surface profilometer. The use of diamond-like coatings on rolling bearings extended the tribosystem service life in industrial conditions threefold.

Keywords

• 100 Cr 6
• bearings
• belt conveyors
• DLC coatings
• friction