High-chromium cast irons are used as abrasion resistant materials. Their wear resistance depends on quantity of carbides and the matrix

supporting these carbides. The paper presents the results of cast irons of chemical composition (in wt. %) 19–22 Cr and 2–4.5 C alloyed by

1.7 Mo + 5 Ni + 2 Mn to improve their toughness, which were tested in working conditions of ferroalloys crushing. Tests showed that

these as-cast chromium cast irons with mostly austenitic matrix achieved the hardness of 38-45 HRC, but their relative abrasion resistance

Ψ ranged from 1.3 to 4.6, was higher comparing to the tool made from the X210Cr12 steel heat treated on hardness 61 HRC. The

transformation of austenite into martensite occurs not only at the worn strained areas (on a surface of scratch) but also in their

neighbourhood. Due to the work hardening of relatively large volumes of transformed austenite the cast iron possesses high abrasion

resistance also on the surfaces where low pressures are acting. The tough abrasion-resistant cast iron well proved for production of

dynamic and wear stressed castings e.g., crusher hammers, cutting tools for ceramic etc.

Production companies face the challenge of choosing a suitable process optimization method

from a variety of methods, even though their effect on operational processes is uncertain.

This study shows, using a statistical hypothesis test, the impact of the methods Kanban

and Standard Worksheet on an autonomous team in comparison to a team that applies

these methods. For this purpose, 44 companies – of different size and operating in various

industries – across Germany completed a business game and generated data regarding the

KPIs adherence to delivery date, number of reworks and inventory costs. Based on these

data, the team’s performance could be ascertained and compared with each other.