Trip-L-Tuff combines a super hard, tough surface on a ductile and weldable mild steel backing to provide the ultimate wear-resistant plate. Superior metallurgical properties achieved in a highly controlled process, utilizing the proper blend of elements, result in an overlay with an abundance of ultra-hard chromium carbide particles evenly distributed in an extremely hard, tough matrix. These carbides are 3 to 4 times as hard as steel as measured in microhardness tests. The combination of the hard overlay with a structural steel backing facilitates ready adaptation to a variety of field wear situations. The composite plate can be moderately formed and readily welded or bolted in place. Trip-L-Tuff will typically exhibit stress relief cracks in the overlay surface. These cracks are an inherent feature of hard-facing and develop as the overlay cools following deposition at 5/8" to 2" spacing transverse to the weld bead. They are confined to the overlay and do not penetrate into the base plate nor propagate in service.

Trip-L-TuffPipe and Elbows: The overlay applied to Trip-L-Tuff pipe has the same chemistry and properties as the plate overlay. It is applied to the inside or outside of the pipe, as required. All sizes are available down to 2” inside diameter. Applications and Uses: Trip-L-Tuff pipe is used primarily for wear due to friction. With plate, this could be from coal, rock, or gravel moving through or across a chute, liner, cyclone, sizing screen, dozier blade, breaker plate, etc. With the pipe, applications may include slurry, coke, coal dust, etc.

Advantages over metal products: Trip-L-Tuff has the yield strength of mild steel, making it easy to bend. It has no memory, so it holds shape. It is not heat treated, so welding does not affect its properties. It can be formed to a radius as small as 3" (on thin plate.) With the relaxed condition of the Trip-L-Tuff base material, the forming will not create cracks on the outer bend, and with the consistency of the Trip-L-Tuff weld material, no spalling or breakage will occur on the inner surface.

Advantages over ceramics: Cost is a major factor. Installation costs are also a factor due to the thickness and attachment procedures necessary for the fragile ceramic. Chipping is another factor inherent in ceramic. Trip-L-Tuff will handle moderate to (in some cases) severe impact. Attachment failure is yet another drawback to glued on ceramic pieces.

Information provided by Astralloy, a Nucor Company.