A New Wear Tester To Determine Valve Seat Insert Wear Resistance

Wear testing methods are the key factor in the development of new materials and surface treatment processes for valve seat insert applications. A new wear tester was developed to simulate the wear process of valve seat/insert based on the analysis of valve seat insert wear mechanisms. Normal contact and sliding motions were generated by two motors to synthesize the complex actions of the valve on the insert in an internal combustion engine. Initial wear test at 260°C (500°F) indicates there is a good agreement with the field engine test results of intake applications. Because of the short testing time and simple geometry shape of the specimens, it is possible to conduct massive wear tests for new valve seat insert alloy developments. This new tester also provides a useful tool to the study of wear mechanisms under complex mechanical actions.