Comparative analysis of the chemical composition of metal waste from drills and electro-erosion powder

Purpose. This work is focused on a comparative analysis of the chemical structure of two types of materials: metal waste generated when using drilling tools, and a powdered product obtained as a result of electroerosion destruction and dispersion of these wastes. Methods. As part of the experimental part of the study, metal waste generated during intensive wear of drilling tools without an established marking was used as an object of analysis. The quantitative content of chemical elements and their fractional distribution in the material were determined using a portable Niton Goldd X-ray fluorescence analyzer manufactured in the USA. The measurement procedure was based on irradiating the sample with an X-ray beam, followed by recording the spectral response and interpreting the parameters of the induced fluorescent radiation. When the material was irradiated with X-ray quanta, electromagnetic vibrations were excited in its atomic structure, resulting in secondary radiation. The spectrum of this radiation contained a set of characteristic peaks, individual for the atoms of each chemical element. The elemental composition was identified by the position of these spectral lines, while the mass fraction of the components was determined based on their intensity. Results. The use of a portable Niton Goldd spectrometer made it possible to establish that the metal waste from the drills belongs to the alloy grade P6M5K5. The results obtained made it possible to uniquely identify the waste under study, intended for subsequent processing using the electroerosion method, which results in the formation of powdery particles of a predominantly spherical shape. The obtained materials have high application potential and can be effectively used in additive manufacturing technologies. A comparative study of the specific content of chemical components in metal waste from drills and the resulting electroerosion powder revealed small changes: an increase in the content of Iron, Cobalt, Nickel and Tin, as well as a decrease in the concentration of Tungsten, Molybdenum, Chromium and Vanadium. Conclusion. Recycling of metal waste, including waste from high-speed steels, is important for: rational use of resources, reducing dependence on imports, and strengthening the technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation.