Development of a Low-Cost Ball-on-Flat Linear Reciprocating Apparatus: Test Validation Using Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-4V/Nb2O5 Coatings

Abstract: This work aims to propose the development of a low-cost ball-on-flat linear reciprocating apparatus that can have the same attributes of extremely expensive equipment available on the market. For this purpose, the device was constructed following the recommendations of the ASTM G133 standard. The device’s validation was performed trough a comparative study between the ASTM G133 standard and 3D profilometry technique by using Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-4V/Nb2O5 specimens. The results obtained in the present work were very motivating by showing it was possible to obtain the wear properties with reproducibility through the equipment constructed. The wear tests showed that the functionalization of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy with Nb2O5 coatings increased the wear resistance of the biomaterial, reducing the wear volume about 80.1 % when compared to the base material. Finally, this work demonstrated (i) the effectiveness and reproducibility of the device built to carry out microwear tests, (ii) the increase in resistance to the mechanical wear process conferred by the Nb2O5 film on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy and (iii) the powerful impact of the 3D profilometry technique when compared to the ASTM G133 standard for wear volume determination.