Galling characterization for the pair composed by aluminium and M2 steel under dry and lubricated conditions by using load-scanning test method

Galling or severe adhesive wear is a well-known failure mechanism caused by adhesion between sliding surfaces and is frequently found in sheet metal forming (SMF) operations. In SMF operations of materials such as aluminium, transfer and accumulation of sheet material to the stainless steel forming tool surface happens for certain conditions and can result in severe scratching of produced parts and toll steel damage. The aim of the present research work was to assess if load-scanning test rig can be used to evaluate and compare the galling resistance of different engineered surfaces, namely the material couple aluminium—M2 steel under dry and lubricated sliding conditions, for single- and multi-passing tests with increasing normal loads. In order to determine the galling resistance, a new test method resorting to a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine was used. It was found that the galling resistance increases through the use of the proper lubrication, as well as for low applied loads.