Construction
Materials for
Metal Working
in ABE
Applications
INTRODUCTION
Agricultural engineering requires
equipment and infrastructure capable of
withstanding harsh environments,
including exposure to soil, water,
pesticides, and fertilizers. These factors
contribute to wear and corrosion,
necessitating materials with suitable
strength, durability, and resistance to
degradation.
Metalworking is central to agricultural
engineering, providing the framework and
mechanisms for various tools and
machinery.
The choice of materials for such
applications significantly impacts
performance, longevity, and operational
efficiency.
METALS
Metals are composed of one or more metallic elements (e.g.,
iron, aluminum, copper, titanium, gold, nickel), and often also
nonmetallic elements (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, oxygen) in
CLASSIFICATION OF
relatively small amounts
METALS
Ferrous Metal
Has iron as its main element. Metal is still
considered ferrous even if it contains less than
50 percent iron, as long as it contains more iron
than any other metal.
Non-Ferrous Metal
Has iron as its main element. Metal is still
considered ferrous even if it contains less than
50 percent iron, as long as it contains more iron
than any other metal.
Types of
Metals
1.1 Steel
Is the most widely used material in agricultural
applications due to its exceptional strength, durability,
Carbon
and versatility.
Steel
Known for its toughness and
hardness, carbon steel is
commonly used in tools that
require strength and wear
resistance, such as plows, blades,
and tillage equipment.
However, carbon steel is
susceptible to corrosion, which
necessitates regular maintenance
or the application of protective
coatings.
Alloy
Steel
By adding elements such as
chromium, nickel, and
molybdenum, alloy steel
achieves improved hardness,
toughness, and corrosion
resistance.
These steels are especially
valuable in applications
involving high wear and
stress, such as gears, shafts,
and machine components.
Stainless
Steel
is favored for parts exposed
to moisture, chemicals, or
fertilizers, given its excellent
corrosion resistance.
Common grades, such as 304
and 316, are used in
environments that require
durability against rust and
chemical reactions, such as
piping, food-processing
equipment, and storage
containers.
1.2
Aluminum
is prized for its lightweight
properties, ease of fabrication,
and corrosion resistance,
making it an ideal choice for
applications where weight is a
critical factor, such as irrigation
systems, crop-dusting
machinery, and portable
equipment.
While not as strong as steel,
aluminum’s natural oxide layer
provides good protection
against corrosion.
1.3 Cast
Iron
is primarily used in
applications where
hardness and wear
resistance are more crucial
than tensile strength.
While not as strong as
steel, aluminum’s natural
oxide layer provides good
protection against
corrosion.
Mechanical
Properties of a
Metal
Elasticit
y
Whenever an external force is applied on metals, it
deforms. Elasticity is the property under which a metal
Plasticit
regains its original shape when the external force
y applied on it is removed
is the property by which a metal retains its deformation
Ductilit
permanently when the external force applied on it is
removed.
y
is the property by which a metal can be drawn into thin
wires. It is determined by percentage elongation and
percentage reduction in the area of metal.
Toughn
ess
When a huge external force is applied on metal, the
metal will experience a fracture. Toughness is the ability
Malleabil
of a metal to resist fracture.
ity
It is the property by which a metal can be rolled into thin
sheets. Highly malleable metals (like Mild Steel) are
Strengt
extensively used in making sheet metals.
h
When external forces are applied on metal, breaking
(brittle metal) or yielding (ductile metal) may occur.
Strength is the property of a metal by which it resists
external force without breaking or yielding.
Resilien
ce
is the ability of a metal to absorb energy and resist soft
and impact load.
Hardne
ss
is the ability of a metal to resist permanent change of
shape caused by an external force.
Factors for
Metalworking
Materials in
Agriculture
Corrosion
Resistance
Agricultural equipment is often exposed to moisture,
fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals, all of which can
accelerate corrosion.
Metals like stainless steel and aluminum alloys are
Strength
preferred in and
applications with high moisture or chemical
exposure.
Toughness
High load-bearing applications require materials with
substantial strength and toughness, such as carbon steel
or HSLA steel.
These properties help ensure the durability and longevity
of components under stress.
Wear
Resistance
For components like blades, cutters, and tillers, high
wear resistance is essential. Alloy steels and cast irons
Cost-
are typically chosen for such applications.
Effectiveness
Materials such as carbon steel offer high performance at
a lower cost, though they may require additional
coatings or maintenance.
Weight
In applications where machinery needs to be transported
or used over large areas, lightweight materials like
aluminum and certain alloys are preferred to reduce the
load on vehicles or supporting structures.
END OF
PRESENTATION
