Hard chromium coating effects on tribological performances for nonlubricated and lubricated spindle of cotton picker

A spindle is the core component of a cotton picker, whose performance affects the efficiency of picking cotton directly. To enhance the spindle’s strength and wear resistance, it is desired to add a coating on the spindle surface. In the present study, the tribological mechanism of hard chromium coating used for the spindle made of 20CrMnTi is investigated under the dry sliding and oil lubrication conditions. Experimental results show that conclusions about the tribological mechanism of the hard chromium coating under a dry sliding condition are not completely suitable for the lubricated spindle.