Improved Durability of Rolling Rollers Coated with Self-Lubricating Alloys

Purpose: This study aims to develop a surface-coating technology for hot-rolled looper rollers in integrated steelworks using a porous self-fluxing alloy in order to improve mechanical properties and durability.Methods: Ni-based self-fluxing alloy powder was alloyed with 10-12% tungsten (W) and 8-10% iron (Fe). The roller surface coating was remelted using a ring-type electric induction heating method. Surface roughness, surface and cross-sectional hardness, cross-sectional microstructure, and wear characteristics were evaluated and compared.Results: The surface and cross-sectional hardness of the coated rollers were higher than those of conventional porous self-fluxing alloy-coated rollers. This improvement was attributed to the increased tungsten content, which reduced wear. In addition, the improved remelting process produced a microporous coating layer that enhanced adhesion and impact resistance.Conclusion: The porous self-fluxing alloy coating technology improved the durability of hot-rolled looper rollers. In particular, improvements in slip resistance, wear resistance, and adhesion strength enabled more stable transportation of hot-rolled steel sheets at high temperatures.