Identificação e caracterização de materiais para redução do efeito da abrasividade em sistemas mecânicos agrícolas

Abstract

Agricultural activity in Brazil is responsible for 23% of the Gross Domestic Product, and is inserted in the primary sector of the economy, which is characterized by the exploitation of natural resources, and the sector is responsible for supplying the raw material for the various branches of industry . In this context, the Agricultural Machines responsible for harvesting most of the grain production (soybean, corn, beans, wheat and rice) are called harvesters who in 2017 reached the mark of 4537 units sold in the national market. Harvesters have high added value, use the most advanced materials and production technologies available to the industry. Rio Grande do Sul is the largest rice producing state, with 67% of national production, most of which is harvested by the harvesters. Rice is characterized by being a material with a high level of abrasiveness when compared to other crops, such as soy and corn. In this context, the identified engineering problem consists of the accelerated wear of the components of the harvester which are in contact with the grain of the rice crop, more specifically in the grain transport components. The main objective of this work was to identify and characterize materials used as an alternative to reduce abrasive wear present in agricultural machines. Through data obtained by quality certificates and researches with suppliers, the materials currently used (SAE 1010) as well as the materials used as solution alternatives for abrasive wear were identified (Inox 304, Hardox 400 and Steel bound to Boro 27MnCrB5) . The results were presented in the form of objective comparison through tables and brief discussions. Comparing costs, processes and the index of resistance to abrasive wear, it was concluded that the most suitable material, among those selected for the described problem, is the 27MnCrB5 boron-bound steel.