High-chromium cast irons are used as abrasion resistant materials. Their wear resistance depends on quantity of carbides and the matrix
supporting these carbides. The paper presents the results of cast irons of chemical composition (in wt. %) 19–22 Cr and 2–4.5 C alloyed by
1.7 Mo + 5 Ni + 2 Mn to improve their toughness, which were tested in working conditions of ferroalloys crushing. Tests showed that
these as-cast chromium cast irons with mostly austenitic matrix achieved the hardness of 38-45 HRC, but their relative abrasion resistance
Ψ ranged from 1.3 to 4.6, was higher comparing to the tool made from the X210Cr12 steel heat treated on hardness 61 HRC. The
transformation of austenite into martensite occurs not only at the worn strained areas (on a surface of scratch) but also in their
neighbourhood. Due to the work hardening of relatively large volumes of transformed austenite the cast iron possesses high abrasion
resistance also on the surfaces where low pressures are acting. The tough abrasion-resistant cast iron well proved for production of
dynamic and wear stressed castings e.g., crusher hammers, cutting tools for ceramic etc.
Production companies face the challenge of choosing a suitable process optimization method
from a variety of methods, even though their effect on operational processes is uncertain.
This study shows, using a statistical hypothesis test, the impact of the methods Kanban
and Standard Worksheet on an autonomous team in comparison to a team that applies
these methods. For this purpose, 44 companies – of different size and operating in various
industries – across Germany completed a business game and generated data regarding the
KPIs adherence to delivery date, number of reworks and inventory costs. Based on these
data, the team’s performance could be ascertained and compared with each other.