MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION FOR ROTARY SLASHER CUTTER BLADES

Abstract

It is possible to contribute to the economy at a remarkable level by extending the life of the cutting blades for rotary slashers with various heat treatment applications and manufacturing process. Extending the life of the cutting blades of rotary slashers will save material, energy, time and labor losses. In addition to those, the use of worn rotary slasher cutting blades will accelerate the uncut grass-plants and increase fuel consumption. In this study, the characterization of two different types of cutting blades for rotary slashers was carried out. Knowing mechanical properties and chemical composition of cutting blades discloses the information regarding how the blades are manufactured and react to forces applied in working conditions. Therefore, the prescription of manufacturing process can be easily identified and endurance & effectiveness of blades in operating conditions can be predicted. The cutting blades are the most replaced part and listed as one of the consumable parts since they are often broken, worn and bended. The chemical composition and structure of the metals, heat & manufacturing processes affect the wear, strength, hardness, and durability of the cutting blades. The samples were obtained from two different cutting blades using Laser Cutting Machine. Many methods were used to investigate mechanical and chemical composition of the materials. These were hardness test, SEM and Microscopic imaging. The results obtained from all these analyses were used to optimize the manufacturing process.