SUNNYBROOK WELDING BLOG

In the demanding world of agriculture, equipment durability is more than a luxury-it's a necessity. At Sunnybrook Combine Parts, we know that you can't afford downtime when you're working against weather, narrow harvest windows, and long days in the field. That's why we engineer premium combine components, including our boronized lineup, to give you lasting performance when it matters most. Better Threshing, Better Separation, Better Samples, Be Better with Sunnybrook. 

Understanding Boronization 
Boronization is a thermochemical surface hardening process in which boron atoms are diffused into the surface of a metal component. This creates an extremely hard boride layer that is both wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant. Unlike coatings that can chip or wear off, the boronized layer is chemically bonded. It becomes part of the steel itself, delivering long-term durability that stands up to real-world field conditions. 

Think of boronization like toughening the outer shell of a part so it can better withstand abrasion, heat, and high-impact conditions. It's not a paint or a plating-it's a deep transformation of the steel surface itself. This hardened layer significantly enhances the part's ability to withstand pressure without wearing down or breaking. It's a simple, smart upgrade that adds serious staying power to key components. In addition to its hardness, the iron boride layer formed through boronizing has a significantly lower coefficient of friction compared to untreated steel. This reduced friction decreases the resistance during operation, lowering the work required per tonne of material processed in a combine harvester. That means smoother operation and greater fuel and energy efficiency across long harvest runs.

Why It Matters in the Field 
Farmers across Canada and the U.S. Heartland know that wear and tear is a constant battle, especially in crops like canola, soybeans, and corn. Fields with sandy or rocky soils can accelerate wear on parts, and heavy harvest loads strain threshing components. Add to that unpredictable weather, long operating hours, and the tight window between optimal crop moisture and over-drying, and it's clear why reliability is everything. 

A single failure during peak harvest can halt operations for hours-or even days-especially if replacement parts aren't readily available. That downtime costs more than just money; it adds stress, disrupts planning, and jeopardizes the success of your season. Boronized parts help eliminate these risks by increasing the strength and wear resistance of the most vulnerable components in your combine. 

By using boronized materials in key areas, we extend service intervals, reduce the need for in-season maintenance, and give you a better shot at finishing harvest on time and on target. Whether you're harvesting through dust-choked prairie winds or cutting through humid Midwestern rows, boronized parts give you the confidence to keep going 

Where We Use It 

At Sunnybrook, we apply the boronizing process to the combine parts that face the most abuse and friction during harvest: 

     Rasp Bars: Rasp bars are under continuous pressure, performing the core action of threshing the grain from the crop. Boronized rasp bars hold their shape and sharpness longer because the hardened surface resists dulling and deformation from friction and crop residue. The result is consistently effective threshing performance, cleaner grain separation, and fewer mid-season replacements. 

     Concave Inserts: Concave inserts are modular components installed into a combine's concave system. They allow farmers to fine-tune separation and threshing for different crop types, field conditions, or harvest goals. Boronizing these inserts enhances their resistance to the high wear and pressure experienced during grain-on-metal contact. With a hardened surface, boronized inserts are less prone to deformation and abrasion, which helps maintain optimal clearance and threshing performance across longer harvest runs. 

     Paddles: Paddles are mounted to the Impellers, Beaters and APS Drums. They play a major role in moving crop material efficiently through the combine. These paddles improve crop flow, especially in tough or damp harvest conditions. Boronized paddles resist edge rounding and fatigue that can occur under repeated impact. Their added hardness helps maintain the paddle profile, which in turn keeps feeding smooth and efficient,  reducing strain on the entire threshing system. 

The Real-World Payoff 
When durability meets innovation, real results follow. That's exactly what farmers across North America experience with boronized components from Sunnybrook Combine Parts. Designed to handle high volumes, abrasive crops, and long days in the field, these parts provide unmatched wear resistance, reliable performance, and peace of mind. 

Whether you're running our Western Canadian All Crop Setup, boronized parts deliver the same trusted benefits: strength under pressure, minimal maintenance, and long-lasting performance all backed by the same boride-hardened durability. 

By reinforcing the key components in your combine-from concaves and rasp bars to paddles and cylinders-boronization ensures you spend more time harvesting and less time worrying about wear. 

Built for Your Bottom Line 
Boronized parts are built to go the distance. Their exceptional hardness and resistance to wear help extend the life of critical combine components, meaning fewer in-season replacements and more uptime when it matters most. 

By protecting your equipment from early wear and reducing the strain on high-impact areas, boronized components help you maximize harvest efficiency, lower maintenance demands, and keep your operation moving forward. 

In short, you save through longevity, reliability, and reduced downtime. 

See the Difference Yourself 
If you're ready to upgrade your combine with elite, boronized parts, explore our full lineup of concaves, rasp bars, cylinders, and paddles online. Then, check with your Authorized Dealer for product recommendations and availability. 

At Sunnybrook Combine Parts, we don't just make parts-we deliver innovation built for today's farmers. 

Better Threshing, Better Separation, Better Samples, Be Better with Sunnybrook.