Abstract
This article presents the results of research concerning a comprehensive analysis of the operation of tools used for forming ceramic roof tiles in the clay-based band extrusion process. The conducted studies demonstrated that key process parameters, such as extrusion pressure and the flow speed of the ceramic mass containing hard components, are crucial for the durability of the tools, significantly affecting their wear. The analysis of the formed mass revealed the presence of hard fractions, such as quartz, zircon, and garnet, which significantly contribute to tool abrasion. Among the tested hardening variants of NC11LV steel, the best results in terms of enhanced longevity were operational tools treated at 1020 °C and then tempered at 200 °C for two hours. These results were confirmed in both operational tests and the dry abrasion test, indicating high wear resistance. Additional hardening through nitriding further extended the tool's lifespan. The greatest wear was observed in the tool made of Hardox 600 steel with an additional overlay weld, which was caused by improper welding techniques. Numerical modeling, particularly the mesh-free SPH approach, proved to be the most effective method for analyzing the ceramic mass extrusion process.