Process Optimization and Wear Performance of Plasma-Cladding Fe5 Coatings on Rotary Tillage Blades

1. Summary

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our revised manuscript again. We have revised the manuscript according to all the comments and recommendations. Please find the detailed responses below and the corresponding revisions highlighted red in the re-submitted files. We sincerely hope that this revised manuscript has addressed your comments and suggestions and appreciated for your warm work earnestly.

2. Point-by-point response to Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments 1: On page 7, The regression mathematical model of wear mass should be clear. The equation needs to be well arranged.

Response 1: According to your kind suggestions, we have re-edited the equations and corresponding textual sections of the mathematical model for wear mass regression, as presented on page 7, lines 223-224.

Comments 2: Presentation of results needs to be improved. All texts in figures should be visible. It is difficult to read some texts in a figure.

Response 2: According to your kind suggestions, we have adjusted the text font of all figures in the document, added directional arrows, or supplemented the figures with titles to ensure that they are clear and easy to read.

Comments 3: A method to measure wear loss needs to be explained? If an electronic scale was used, accuracy of the scale should be supported, as well as the number of measurements? The average and standard deviation would useful.

Response 3: According to your kind suggestions, we have supplemented the text with descriptions of the methods used for measuring wear loss. These include the model of the electronic balance, its precision, error range, number of measurements, and the average value. As detailed on page 4, lines 183-185 and 190-194.

Comments 4: The conclusions were consistent with the experimental results. But, detailed future work needs to be additionally explained.

Response 4: According to your kind suggestions, we have supplemented the detailed planning for future work. Please refer to page 15, lines 451-458.

1. Summary

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our revised manuscript again. We have revised the manuscript according to all the comments and recommendations. Please find the detailed responses below and the corresponding revisions highlighted red in the re-submitted files. We sincerely hope that this revised manuscript has addressed your comments and suggestions and appreciated for your warm work earnestly.

2. Point-by-point response to Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments 1: The methodology for process optimization is well-detailed, particularly the use of the Box-Behnken design. However, the explanation of interactions between parameters could benefit from more detailed discussions.

Response 1: According to your kind suggestions, we have added a discussion on the interactions between parameters, as detailed on page 8, lines 237-259.

Comments 2: The study could emphasize the broader applicability of Fe5 coatings beyond rotary tiller blades, as this would enhance the manuscript’s industrial relevance.

Response 2: According to your kind suggestions, we have supplemented the potential application of the Fe5 coating on other workpieces. As noted on page 15, lines 451-458

Comments 3: The novelties of the present contribution should be better underlined in the Introduction to clearly distinguish the work from existing literature.

Response 3: According to your kind suggestions, we have revised the introduction, discussing the novelty of this study in terms of cladding materials, surface technologies, and processes. As shown on page 3, lines 105-124.

Comments 4: Table 7 provides important wear data but would benefit from a discussion on variability or confidence intervals to ensure statistical reliability.

Response 4: According to your kind suggestions, we have examined the patterns of wear data variation from the field trials and provided an explanation for the underlying causes of these patterns. Additionally, we calculated the coefficient of variation to ensure the reliability of our statistical data. As shown on page 14, lines 400-409.

Comments 5: The manuscript contains minor grammatical errors. I suggest the authors carefully polish the language before submitting the final revision to the editor.

Response 5: According to your kind suggestions, we have conducted a thorough review and revision of the language in the article. Also, this manuscript has been edited by Academic Editor from MDPI Author Services before re-submission.

Comments 6: In the Conclusion section, consider including recommendations for applications in other industries and providing suggestions for further research directions.

Response 6: According to your kind suggestions, we have completed the relevant supplements, describing the potential applications of Fe₅ coatings in other industries and outlining the directions for future research. As detailed on page 15, lines 451-458.