Morphological Analysis of Laser Surface Texturing Effect on AISI 430 Stainless Steel

Abstract

Laser surface texturing (LST) is a method to obtain micro-structures on the material’s surface for improving tribological performances, wetting tuning, surface treatment, and increasing adhesion. The material selected for LST is AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel, distinguished by the low cost in manufacturing, corrosion resistance, and high strength at elevated temperature. The present study addresses the morphology of new pattern designs (crater array, ellipse, and octagonal shapes). The patterns are applied on the stainless-steel surface by a non-contact method with high quality and precision nanosecond pulsed laser equipment. The investigation of laser parameter influence on thermal affected area and micro-structures is accomplished by morphological and elemental analysis (SEM + EDX). The parameters of the laser micro-patterning have a marked influence on the morphology, creating groove-type sections with different depths and recast material features. From the SEM characterization, the highest level of recast material is observed for concentric octagon LST design. Its application is more recommended for the preparation of the metal surface before hybrid welding. Additionally, the lack of the oxygen element in the case of this design suggests the possible use of the pattern in hybrid joining.

The Use of Electrode Tools Obtained by Selective Laser Melting to Create Textured Surfaces

“…In works [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], it was noted that in order to improve the operational characteristics of the working surfaces of products, for example, working in conditions of increased friction, it is necessary to apply a textured relief. A textured relief is applied to individual surfaces requiring certain properties.…”

“…Surface texturing is a method of surface functionalization widely used throughout the world. This is used in various fields: medical implants, wettability tuning, optical properties, hybrid bonding, bond enhancement, or cutting tools [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The most common patterns of textured surfaces are dimples, lines (parallel and hatching), square, conical, rhombic, wavy texture, and annular (bulge and smooth corrugation) [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…This is used in various fields: medical implants, wettability tuning, optical properties, hybrid bonding, bond enhancement, or cutting tools [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The most common patterns of textured surfaces are dimples, lines (parallel and hatching), square, conical, rhombic, wavy texture, and annular (bulge and smooth corrugation) [ 3 , 4 ]. Surface microtexturing is widely used to improve the tribological properties of cutting tools, such as improving frictional performance and wear protection.…”

“…The types of patterns produced on the surfaces of the cutting tool were most commonly microgrooves, microholes, microstrip grooves, and microgrooves. In the works [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ], the influence of polycrystalline diamond tools with microgrooves, made using a fiber laser, was studied ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…Additive technologies are widely used in the creation of fixtures, dies, and tools. Their development is due to the fact that high quality requirements are imposed on finished products [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”