The Enhancement of Integrated Properties of WC-Co Coatings Fabricated Using an HVOF Spraying

Abstract

This study reported on Taguchi-Fuzzy logic model with statistical experiments to characterize the tungsten carbide/cobalt (WC-Co) deposited quality properties of the high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) process. The eight control factors were designed in a factorial orthogonal array experiment, and the effects of control parameters on the integrated surface properties were critically evaluated in the Taguchi designed experiments. A fuzzy logic system with knowledge bases in the inference engine was used to explore the relationships between variables and responses in the modified structures. In addition, the structure and properties of HVOF sprayed WC-Co coating were reported. Furthermore, a confirmation experiment of the optimal process was conducted. It was clear that HVOF sprayed WC-Co coating estimations are greatly improved through the Taguchi-Fuzzy logic operation, and these findings achieved the desired values in the modified properties.