Adhesive wear happens when metal surfaces in contact stick at microscopic points under pressure. As these surfaces slide, small fragments tear away, causing material transfer between parts. It’s common in gears, bearings, and components with sliding metal-to-metal contact.
Abrasive wear occurs when a harder material or foreign particles cut into the surface, removing material directly. This is typical in cutting, grinding, or contaminated environments like mining and drilling.
While both involve surface damage, adhesive wear is driven by material transfer, while abrasive wear removes material through cutting or plowing action.