Successful project in the search for cobalt-free tools

The project has resulted in a simplified testing method that quickly shows how different material compositions affect tool wear. Tests show that cobalt-free high-speed steels can serve as alternatives to today's standard materials containing 8 percent cobalt.

"Over the course of three years, the project team has developed a simplified testing method to efficiently examine how tool wear is affected by different material compositions during gear machining. They have also tested how these results can be scaled up for industrial application. The results are promising", says Solmaz Sevim, researcher at Swerim. "All the companies we collaborated with have both ethical and economic goals, and now we have a straightforward testing method that demonstrates cobalt-free high-speed steels can serve as viable alternatives".

Håkan Thoors, researcher and project manager with many years of experience at Swerim, praises the collaboration with the companies involved in the project.

“Despite logistical challenges, there has been a high level of commitment. In industry, where production must run continuously, it has naturally been difficult to simultaneously test how different materials perform at varying speeds. Through this testing method, we have created a way to easily screen different tool and workpiece materials,” explains Håkan Thoors.

Jonas Jordberg, Group Manager at Swerim, already sees continued demand for the testing method developed at Swerim:

“The electrification of the automotive industry places even higher demands on the quality of gears, which must withstand higher speeds and, consequently, higher loads for longer periods. There is a demand for customised solutions, and I believe the testing method we’ve developed at Swerim can make a real difference.”