The identification of an adequate stressing level to find the proper running-in conditions of a lubricated DLC-Metal-System

Using a tribometer equipped with a high-resolution wear measurement unit (RNT), the running-in of a diamond like carbon (DLC) iron spray coating contact was analyzed and optimized. The optimization comprised an initial parameter field with different load and speed levels to find key operation points. These points were used to compose a dedicated running-in parameter field. The analysis underlined the importance of identifying the adequate stressing conditions. With respect to our concept of the running-in corridor, a high-power running-in has to be preferred to obtain a tribological system with low friction, small total wear and wear rate, high system stability, and low sensitivity to external changes.