Advanced SS316-VC Claddings on EN8 Steel Using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing- Cold Metal Transfer (WAAM-CMT) for Corrosion Resistance in Tillage Tools

An essential and traditional method of improving the material and organic properties of soil is cultivation. For many years, corrosive wear has been a significant problem with tillage tools in agriculture. The same problem has also been observed in equipment used in mining and earthmoving. To enhance the service life of tillage tools, this study aims to explore the corrosion resistance of SS316-based claddings reinforced with 5% vanadium carbide (VC) on EN8 steel substrates, aimed at enhancing the lifespan and performance of soil-engaging agricultural implements. The composite claddings were developed with Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing-Cold Metal Transfer (WAAM-CMT) technique. Microhardness analysis showed a substantial improvement from 225 HV for the EN8 base material to 332 HV for the SS316 cladding and 403 HV for the SS316+5% VC composite cladding. Corrosion resistance was assessed through salt spray testing, where the SS316+5% VC cladding exhibited a significantly reduced corrosion rate of 0.00043 mm/year, compared to 0.00218 mm/year for the uncoated EN8 steel. Cross-sectional and Surface morphology studies revealed a uniform dispersion of VC particles within the cladding, which acted as effective corrosion barriers and minimized surface pitting. From the corroded surface SEM images, pits found on SS316+5% VC cladding were found to be smaller as compared to other participating specimens. The enhanced hardness and superior corrosion resistance of the composite claddings make them highly suitable for tillage tools and other agricultural applications that endure abrasive and corrosive environments. The findings demonstrate that SS316+VC composite claddings can significantly improve the durability of critical components in agricultural machinery, reducing wear-related failures and maintenance costs.