Galling
Galling is a wear mechanism caused by cold welding of contacting surfaces rubbing against each other, especially pronounced with titanium and aluminum. It leads to material breakout and seizing of components.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Galling occurs when two metals come into contact and fuse together through cold welding. This process can particularly occur with titanium and aluminum, as these materials have a high tendency for atom diffusion. The fusion leads to a change in the chemical composition at the contact surfaces, resulting in material breakout and seizing.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
Galling can cause serious problems in the welding process. It can lead to component wear, cracking, and reduced weld life. Especially in high-load applications or in environments with high mechanical stress, galling is a serious risk.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
To avoid galling, the following measures should be taken:
• Use high-quality welding materials and processes.
• Ensure that contact surfaces are clean and free of dirt.
• Choose suitable protective agents to prevent diffusion.
• Control the temperature and time of cold welding precisely.