Main Causes Of Wear In The Mining Industry
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Abrasive wear
Abrasive wear is caused by the constant grinding of rocks, minerals, and other materials against equipment surfaces.
Laser cladding services provided by APEX ETG aid mining companies in reducing the impact of abrasive wear on their equipment, by applying a layer of highly wear-resistant material onto the surface of a wear part.
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Erosion
Erosion in the mining industry is caused by the constant flow of materials, such as water or slurry, which can erode equipment surfaces over time.
APEX ETG helps mining companies mitigate the effects of erosion through laser cladding services, increasing component lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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Impact wear
Impact wear is caused by the impact of large rocks and other materials on mining equipment, which can cause cracks, dents, and other types of damage.
APEX ETG’s laser cladding services restore critical dimensions to their original specifications and ensure optimal performance.
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Corrosion
Corrosion is caused by exposure to acidic or other corrosive materials, which can weaken and degrade equipment surfaces.
APEX ETG’s laser cladding services can effectively repair and reduce corrosion damage on various mining equipment parts, which can help mining companies reduce downtime, extend equipment lifespan, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Mining Applications
Ground Engaging Tools (GETs)
GETs are subjected to high levels of wear and tear due to their constant contact with abrasive materials.
Laser cladding can be used to repair and protect a variety of wear parts from ground engaging tools, including:
- Buckets and bucket teeth
- Blades and cutting edges, such as graders and dozers.
- Ripper shanks and tips
- Wear plates and liners
- Auger flighting
Drilling
APEX ETG’s laser cladding can effectively improve the wear resistance of drilling parts in the mining industry, which can increase drilling performance, reduce downtime, and lower maintenance costs. Application examples include:
- Augers
- Drill bits
- Stabilizers
- Reamers
- Mechanical cutting equipment
Crushing
Due to the high stress and abrasive nature of the materials being crushed, crusher parts experience wear and tear, impact damage, corrosion and fatigue. Repair and maintenance are also necessary due to misalignment and overloading.
APEX ETG’s laser cladding services effectively improve the wear resistance of crusher components, which can increase crusher performance, reduce downtime, and lower maintenance costs. Applications include:
- Crusher rolls
- Crusher hammers
- Crusher liners
- Crusher cones
- Impact crushers
- Jaw crushers
- Mobile and fixed plant wear parts
Hydraulics
Some of the hydraulic components in the mining industry that APEX ETG reclaim include:
- Hydraulic cylinders: APEX ETG repairs hydraulic cylinder rods that have been damaged due to wear or corrosion. Our laser cladding process can also be used to build up worn or undersized hydraulic cylinder bores.
- Hydraulic pumps: APEX ETG has the capability to repair the impeller and other components of hydraulic pumps that have been damaged due to erosion or corrosion.
- Hydraulic valves: We repair the seats and other critical components of hydraulic valves that have been damaged due to wear or erosion.
- Hydraulic pipes and fittings: APEX ETG’s laser cladding capabilities restore hydraulic pipes and fittings that have been damaged due to wear or corrosion.
Mining Truck Parts
Mining trucks have several metal wear parts that are subject to wear and tear due to their harsh operating conditions.
APEX ETG’s laser cladding services provide an effective way to improve the wear resistance of mining truck components and extend their lifespan, helping to reduce maintenance costs and downtime for mining companies.
Applications include:
- Pins and bushings
- Steering components
- Wheel hubs
- Bearing journals
- Struts
APEX ETG’s Surface Solutions for the Australian Mining Industry
APEX ETG is actively working with mining equipment OEMs to research, develop, test and analyse real-world innovations in the field. Advanced and sustainable laser cladding hard-facing processes improve onsite extraction efficiencies by reducing weight with a streamlined design with fewer moving parts, reducing consumption of fuel, and increasing payload capacity.
Many innovations used in combination, roll up to real-world change for a sustainable future! Take the next step in your sustainability journey by contacting us today!