Search Results (34)

Laser surface texturing (LST) is a versatile method for enhancing material surface properties, offering high precision and flexibility for surface modification. This review comprehensively examines the application of laser texturing technology for surface protection and functional regulation of aluminum alloys, focusing on wettability, anti-icing, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. It highlights recent progress in laser surface patterning techniques, describing the principles and attributes of methods such as direct laser writing, laser interference patterning, and laser shock treatment. The influence of laser intensity, scanning velocity, and texture spacing on surface topography is discussed thoroughly. Mechanisms of wettability control via laser surface texturing are summarized, emphasizing the key factors required to achieve superhydrophobic or hydrophilic properties through texture design. Advancements in enhancing anti-icing, anti-frost, anti-fouling, and anti-corrosion properties through multi-scale textures and their synergistic effects with functional coatings are analyzed. Additionally, the enhancement of wear resistance and friction performance under both dry and lubricated conditions is reviewed, with a focus on how the geometry and arrangement of textures affect the coefficient of friction and wear rate. Finally, the paper addresses challenges and future directions, including process optimization, scalability, and the integration of LST with advanced coatings to maximize its potential in aluminum alloy applications. Full article

To compare them with PTFE-40# steel tribo-pairs, the tribological properties of textured PEEK-40# (AISI 1040) steel friction pairs were researched under full-film lubrication conditions by manufacturing micro-dimples with different dimensions on the contact surfaces of 1040 steel discs using laser surface texturing (LST). After repeated tribological tests, the coefficients of friction (COFs), wear losses, and wear morphologies of the PEEK-1040 steel friction pairs were measured and analyzed. The results show that micro-dimples do not significantly reduce the average COFs of PEEK-1040 steel friction pairs when lubricated with a sufficient amount of hydraulic oil, but they do reduce the wear losses of most groups. When the dimple diameter was 250 μm, the dimple depth was 5 μm, the area ratio was 6.6%, and the mass loss of the 1040 steel disc was reduced by 90% compared to the smooth reference. In comparison to the behavior of the PTFE-1040 steel tribo-pairs, PEEK-1040 steel friction pairs can provide better tribological performance, whether smooth or dimple-textured. This study offers important insights for the design of seals in machinery. Full article

Surface texturing entails surface alteration through forming, microgrooving, microdimpling, and microchanneling. This is achieved by laser micromachining, in addition to other related methods, of a substrate surface. The present paper describes the surface characteristics obtained after the laser texturing of a biodegradable polymer (Arbofill Fichte) with four and six passes in hexagonal and square patterns. The results of the wettability test indicate that this biodegradable polymer has a surface with a weak hydrophobic characteristic (contact angle near 90°), regardless of the type of texture that is obtained. The underlying material’s wear behavior changes as a result of the surface alteration due to laser surface texturing (LST). The coefficient of friction (COF) values thus increase for all samples. The hexagonal geometry offers greater stability and consistency compared to square geometry, independent of the number of passes. Square geometry is more susceptible to variations, particularly along the Y axis, and may need additional adjustment of the process parameters. The hexagonal structure naturally promotes more uniform leveling due to its tighter and more evenly spread arrangement, even at four texturing passes (4x). However, at six texturing passes (6x), the advantages become more pronounced because of the repeated overlaps in the laser trajectories. The overlap in the hexagonal configuration guarantees that each area of the material receives a relatively consistent energy dose, reducing localized discrepancies. The possibility of using this method to texture surfaces is viable; thus, based on the obtained results, there is the possibility that it can replace non-biodegradable polymers in different sectors. Full article

Objectives: This study evaluates the effectiveness of laser surface texturing (LST) using a Surface Transition Machine (STM) on pre-sintered zirconia, comparing its impact on surface characteristics and shear bond strength (SBS) with resin cement to conventional sandblasting techniques. Methods: Zirconia specimens were treated with either STM or sandblasting, followed by surface analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and White Light Interferometry (WLI), wettability assessment via contact angle measurements, and SBS testing with resin cement and a 10-MDP-containing primer. Results: SEM and WLI revealed significant surface alterations in STM-treated zirconia, producing microscale textures. STM-treated surfaces exhibited significantly lower contact angles (28.4 ± 10.0°) compared to untreated (78.2 ± 8.0°) and sandblasted (79.2 ± 5.7°) surfaces, indicating enhanced wettability (p < 0.05). SBS was highest in the STM with primer group (46.3 ± 8.3 MPa) and STM without primer (43.4 ± 4.3 MPa), both of which significantly outperformed sandblasting with primer (30.06 ± 3.09 MPa) and sandblasting alone (9.8 ± 3.7 MPa) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that STM-based LST is a more effective method for improving zirconia surface characteristics and adhesion in dental restorations, simplifying bonding procedures, and potentially offering better clinical outcomes than conventional sandblasting. Full article

Machining titanium alloys, particularly Ti6Al4V, pose significant challenges in manufacturing engineering. The combination of high strength and low thermal conductivity makes Ti6Al4V a particularly difficult material to machine. One of these difficulties is the rapid wear and short tool life of cutting tools, which substantially increases manufacturing costs. To address this issue, the texturing of cutting tools, especially using laser-based techniques, has garnered significant attention due to its potential to enhance the tribological performance of textured surfaces. In this paper, by means of a groove design applied to a tungsten carbide (WC) disc by laser surface texturing (LST), its behavior and wear have been evaluated after subjecting it to tribological pin-on-flat tests by confronting it with Ti6Al4V pins with different reciprocating times (250 s, 500 s, 750 s and 1000 s) in lubricated and dry conditions. In addition, these same tests have been replicated without textures for comparison. Through conducting this research, we expect to gain new insights into texturing processes and their influence on friction and sliding behavior under lubricated conditions. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate how lubricant retention capacity varies to reduce friction and wear across different testing durations. The results show better behavior with textures, reaching a higher rate of volume loss in the titanium pins. The main conclusions obtained after these tests are that textures offer a better performance in tests up to 800 s. In addition, after this time, the lubricant begins to lose its properties, becoming an abrasive paste. Full article

Titanium alloy is widely used as a biomaterial due to its strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. Despite its strength and lightweight nature, its low wear resistance limits its uses in prosthetic components. Laser surface texturing (LST) was used to improve the wear resistance of titanium alloys by creating textured surfaces before applying protective coatings. A biocompatible TiN composite protective coating was applied using physical vapour deposition (PVD) with a thickness of 4 µm. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to predict the tribological properties by varying input parameters such as material type (TI, T2, T3, and T4), load in N, and sliding velocity in m/s. A pin-on-disc tribometer was used to conduct a unidirectional sliding wear test based on the RSM design. Tribological properties were studied to determine the impact of laser texturing on the bonding strength of the coating. As a result, material type T4 exhibits an improved coefficient of friction and specific wear resistance under varying sliding velocity and load conditions compared to other material types. The study was further supported by an ANSYS simulation, which revealed stress reduction affecting the coefficient of friction and, consequently, wear. The textured surface topography, wear mechanisms, and coating compositions were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Full article

The tribological behavior of silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramic with textured patterns under water lubrication was investigated in this paper. Different textured patterns were fabricated using laser surface texturing (LST). Surface wettability was characterized by contact angle. The original surface and textured Si₃N₄ ceramic with triangular patterns presented as hydrophobic. However, the textured Si₃N₄ ceramic with hexagonal patterns presented as hydrophilic. Surface wettability and textured patterns were important factors affecting the friction performance of the Si₃N₄ ceramic. Our results indicated that symmetrical textured patterns were more beneficial for decreasing the coefficient of friction (COF) at lower reciprocating frequencies. In contrast, better surface wettability played a more important role in reducing the COF at higher reciprocating frequencies. The most severe damage observed on the untextured Si₃N₄ ceramic led to a higher wear rate. The symmetrical structure of hexagonal patterns was more conducive to decreasing the wear rate than triangular patterns. However, the Si₃N₄ ceramic with triangular patterns was more suitable for use at high-speed frictions due to better lubrication. The textured patterns had the function of storing lubricants and capturing and cutting debris. Thus, friction performance was improved by introducing textured patterns onto the surface of the Si₃N₄ ceramic. The friction and wear mechanisms are also discussed in this study. Full article

To enhance the sliding tribological performance between PTFE and 40#steel (AISI 1040) under full film lubrication conditions, laser surface texturing (LST) technology was employed to prepare micro-dimples on the contact surfaces of 40# steel discs. The Box–Behnken design response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) was applied to optimize the micro-dimple parameters. Coefficients of friction (COFs), wear losses and worn contact surfaces of the PTFE–40# steel tribo-pairs were researched through repeated wear tests, as lubricated with sufficient anti-wear hydraulic oil. The influencing mechanism of micro-dimples on the tribological behavior of tribo-pairs was also discussed. The results proved that micro-dimples can significantly improve the tribological properties of PTFE–40#steel tribo-pairs. The deviation between the final obtained average COF and the prediction by the BBD-RSM regression model was only 0.0023. Following optimization, the average COF of the PTFE–40# steel tribo-pair was reduced by 39.34% compared to the smooth reference. The wear losses of the PTFE ring and 40# steel disc decreased by 91.8% and 30.3%, respectively. This study would offer a valuable reference for the optimal design of key seals used in hydraulic cylinders. Full article

The machining of titanium alloys, particularly Ti6Al4V, presents a significant challenge in manufacturing engineering. Its high strength, low thermal conductivity and high chemical reactivity make Ti6Al4V a hard-to-machine material. However, the machining process is critical for aerospace and biomedical industries. The rapid wear and short lifetime of cutting tools are the main limitations in Ti6Al4V machining, leading to a large increase in manufacturing costs and compromising the surface quality of machined components. Faced with this problem, the texturing of cutting tools, especially through laser-based techniques, has gained considerable attention in the last decade due to improvement of the tribological properties of textured surfaces. Laser Surface Texturing (LST) has emerged as a promising technique to improve the tribological performance of cutting tools by enabling the creation of precise surface structures. Building on prior research, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent research on this topic, summarizing key findings and outcomes from various investigations. Full article

Cutlery and flatware designs are an everchanging phenomenon of the manufacturing industry. Worldwide hospitality businesses demand perpetual evolution in terms of aesthetics, designs, patterns, colours, and materials due to customers’ demands, modernisation, and fierce competition. To thrive in this competitive market, modern fabrication techniques must be flexible, adoptive, fast, and cost effective. For decades, static designs and trademark patterns were achieved through moulds, limiting production to a single cutlery type per mould. However, with the advent of laser engraving and design systems, the whole business of cutlery production has been revolutionised. This study explores the possibility of creating diverse designs for stainless steel 304 flatware sets without changing the entire production process. The research analyses three key laser process parameters, power, scanning speed, and number of passes, and their impacts on the resulting geometry, depth of cut, surface roughness, and material removed. These parameters are comprehensively studied and analysed for steel and zirconia ceramic. The study details the effects of power, scanning speed, number of passages, and fluence on engraved geometry. Fluence (power*number of passages/scanning speed) positively influences outputs and presents a positive trend. Medium power settings and higher scanning speeds with the maximum number of passages produce high-quality, low-roughness optimised cavities with the ideal geometric accuracy for both materials. Full article

The laser surface texturing (LST) technique has recently been used to enhance adhesion bond strength in various coating applications and to create structures with controlled hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surfaces. The texturing processing parameters can be adjusted to tune the surface’s polarity, thereby controlling the ratio between the polar and dispersed components of the surface free energy and determining its hydrophobic character. The aim of this work is to systematically select appropriate laser and scan head parameters for high-quality surface topography of metal-based materials. A correlation between texturing parameters and wetting properties was made in view of several technological applications, i.e., for the proper growth of conformal layers onto laser-textured metal surfaces. Surface analyses, carried out by scanning electron microscopy and profilometry, reveal the presence of periodic microchannels decorated with laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) in the direction parallel to the microchannels. The water contact angle varies widely from about 20° to 100°, depending on the treated material (titanium, nickel, etc.). Nowadays, reducing the wettability transition time from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity, while also changing environmental conditions, remains a challenge. Therefore, the characteristics of environmental dust and its influence on the properties of the picosecond laser-textured surface (e.g., chemical bonding of samples) have been studied while monitoring ambient conditions. Full article

Surface texturing, which has recently garnered increased attention, involves modifying the surface texture of materials to enhance their tribology. Various methods have been developed for surface texturing. Laser surface texturing (LST) has attracted considerable interest because of its excellent texturing accuracy, controllability, and flexibility. It improves surface wettability properties and increases the wear resistance of materials while reducing the coefficient of friction. Herein, we present an overview of the underlying mechanisms of interactions between short-pulsed lasers and materials. In addition, we review published studies on the effects of LST on surface properties, including surface roughness, wettability, friction, and wear resistance. We believe that this review will provide valuable insights into the recent advances in surface property enhancement through LST, which exhibits potential for various applications. Full article

In this comprehensive study, the multifaceted impact of laser surface texturing (LST) on AISI 301LN stainless steel is explored. Changes in the microstructure, mechanical properties, and grain characteristics are examined. The dynamic relationship between Schmid factor evolution and plastic deformation in this stainless steel alloy is unveiled through the analysis of grain statistics and individual grain scrutiny. It is revealed that LST initiates the formation of strain-induced α’-martensite, grain refinement, and substantial hardness enhancements. Notably, an α’-martensite crystalline size of 2.05 Å is induced by LST. Furthermore, a 12% increase in tensile strength is observed after LST along with an 11% boost in yield strength. However, reductions of 19% in elongation to fracture and 12% in the area reduction are experienced. Full article

Laser surface texturing (LST) is one of the most promising technologies for controllable surface structuring and the acquisition of specific physical surface properties needed in functional surfaces. The quality and processing rate of the laser surface texturing strongly depend on the correct choice of a scanning strategy. In this paper, a comparative review of the classical and recently developed scanning strategies of laser surface texturing is presented. The main attention is paid to maximal processing rate, precision and existing physical limitations. Possible ways of further development of the laser scanning strategies are proposed. Full article

This paper investigated the use of laser surface texturing (LST) to improve the tribological properties of YG6X cemented carbide. Three different spaced groove textures were processed on the surface of the YG6X carbide samples using a femtosecond laser. Friction experiments and friction simulations were performed under two friction subsets and two friction directions. The testing results showed that when the area density was 46%, the texture surface was beneficial when sliding against Si₃N₄, but not beneficial in reducing the coefficient of friction when sliding against Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. At area densities of 23% and 15.3%, the texture surface was beneficial when sliding against Si₃N₄, but not beneficial when sliding against the Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. When selecting the friction direction at 45° to the area density of 15.3%, the texture surface was not beneficial when sliding against the Si₃N₄ and Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. Sliding with Si₃N₄, the higher the stress value, the more easily the material was destroyed, leading to an elevated coefficient of friction and wear area. Sliding with Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, the higher the stress value of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, the more easily the Ti6Al4V titanium alloy wore and generated a large number of abrasive chips. Full article